Premiere: Dessa's new song 'Grade School Games'
February 28, 2019
The Current is excited to preview Dessa's new single, "Grade School Games." The new track comes to listeners just a little over a year since the release of her most recent album, Chime, where we saw her begin to include more themes centering around feminism and gender dynamics.
In "Grade School Games" Dessa sings of how we struggle with the games of love, drugs, sex and pain. She talks about how we learn about those struggles from an early age and that all that really changes are the people we experience them with and when they happen.
"You can't make me play by all new rules," she sings. "Some kids barely practice, but I do. I'm old enough to know how this goes and how it all plays out. The end is always when the ring is is empty and we all fall down."
With a laid back pop vibe mixed with the sounds of an orchestra in the second half, "Grade School Games" is a good preview of what we can expect form Dessa this spring. Starting on Mar. 26 she will collaborate with the Minnesota Orchestra to host two concerts and record a live album at Orchestra Hall. The new track was also co-produced by Lazerbeak and artist and arranger Andy Thompson, who will be working together on the upcoming album to be released later this year.
In addition to her concerts and live recording at Orchestra Hall, Dessa will also be going on tour around the country and play a show at the 12th annual Soundset. More information on where you can see Dessa perform is available on her website.
Simone Cazares is a student at St. Catherine University. Originally from Miami, Fla., she survives Minnesota's cruel winters by immersing herself in the Twin Cities music scene.