Folk-pop’s newest rising star, Deyaz, has been creating a sensation online after his cover single, “Home” (originally performed by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros), went viral, racking up over 9.5 million views on its official video to date.
And it’s not hard to tell why so many folk fans are watching and re-watching this clip. Deyaz’s acoustic living room performance recaptures the intimacy and rawness often faded in major stars, the mystical love song as soothing as it is soul-stirring, and enchanting as it flows from the unsuspecting musician.
The then-22-year-old Deyaz first picked up a guitar when he was 12, quickly adding piano and drums to his one-man-band repertoire. The East Ham musician later switched self-teaching for studying at the swanky Guildhall School for Music in London, spent time busking in the Camden punk scene before stepping into the studio to record his debut album in 2022.
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That album, “Why Not,” wasn’t a shot in the dark — a flood of media attention followed its release; Deyaz innovating a fresh twist on genres, where cutting-edge R&B melodies meet acoustic folk undertones across nine swift tracks.
“Home,” the penultimate track on Deyaz’ second album, 2023’s “Transparency,” has already topped 10 million plays on Spotify, with as many combined views across its YouTube uploads. But it’s Deyaz’ home performance which steals the crown, as he gives us a glimpse of the man behind the music; a genuine soul striving for authenticity and keeping millions enchanted with his unfiltered talent.
Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor, Deyaz’ living room vid strips back all illusions to serve a calm stream of heart-spoken poetry against a simple but surreal soundscape. And placing such focus on his lyrics has totally paid off, with thousands of fans sharing their story in the comments after unexpectedly connecting with the song’s lyrics and being blown away by their power.
One viewer shared, “This song brings tears to my eyes. Makes me feel so warm. I always yearned for ‘home’ and now I finally have it: 19 months sober and newly married. Thank you for this song.” Another revealed how Deyaz’ lyrics hit too close to home, writing, “I haven’t seen my baby girl (age 5) in a year. I miss her so much. This is singing directly to my heart and soul. Helps me get through the day.”
Deyaz is carving a unique space in the folk-pop genre, infusing raw emotion and genuine talent into each performance. His journey from busking in Camden to captivating millions online is a testament to his remarkable artistry. As he continues to enchant listeners with his soulful melodies, Deyaz is undoubtedly a name to remember. To explore more of his captivating work, check out the links below.