For the Australian music fans among us (and I’ve looked at the podcast demographics – that’s most of you), the name Dean Hanson might not be to the level of household recognition, though his work is certainly on the way.
For close to two decades now, Dean has served as the guitarist of Ball Park Music, a group who are – in my opinion – one of the country’s most consistently good groups.
Sure, they might not have won an ARIA (yet), and they might have only received their first local chart-topper (so far) last year, but their work is stellar, their live experience immense, and their reputation as solid performers established.
But for fans of Dean (and there are plenty), there’s good news in the pipeline, because he has today released his debut album under his solo moniker, Zeano.
Dubbed Window Seat, Always, Dean figured it was time to put all those ideas he had bubbling away under the surface to good use and to finally make a record which showcases them all. Working with Tim Hart of Boy & Bear, a ten-day recording period gave way to an album which is truly exceptional.
Some records get unfairly overlooked when described as a ‘solo project’, but don’t let that fool you, Dean has crafted a record which could easily stand tall on its lonesome if he had no prior brand recognition.
That is to say, this is a record you should give your time to. Come for the outgoing pop rock near the start, and stay for the introspective work that populates the back end – you won’t regret it.
As you might be able to assume, I was lucky enough this week to have a chat with Dean for the podcast, where we talked about solo projects, supporting big name acts, and creating music solely for the love of it.
Anyway, have a listen to Zeano’s Window Seat, Always, buy a ticket to his album launch show, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.
Dean Hanson’s Trusty Chords
Dean’s One Influential Artist
- Neutral Milk Hotel
Dean’s Three Impactful Albums
- Neutral Milk Hotel – In The Aeroplane Over The Sea (1998)
- Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell (2015)
- Julia Jacklin – Crushing (2019)
Honourable Mention:
- The Strokes – First Impressions Of Earth (2006)
Dean’s Five Trusty Songs
- Paul Dempsey – ‘Ramona Was A Waitress’ (2009)
- Phoebe Bridgers – ‘I Know The End’ (2020)
- Alanis Morissette – ‘You Oughta Know’ (1995)
- Asha Jefferies – ‘Tank Tops’ (2022)
- Rowena Wise – ‘Indifferent’ (2024)