South African newcomer James Deacon releases his new single ‘Son Of Apollo’ on June 21st through Bad Future. The Johannesburg-based singer-songwriter shares the lyrically expressive, pop-rooted ‘Son Of Apollo’, a track that focuses on his history of substance abuse, with James shining a spotlight on his past misdemeanors while reflecting on how far he’s journeyed.
In Greek mythology Hepius is the son of Apollo, and is widely regarded as the god of medicine. When attributed to Deacon’s latest single though, Hepius becomes a direct reference to the singer’s history with addiction. Co-written with Paul Gala (Bad Future Records) in only a few hours, the back-and-forth groove of the track easily lends itself to Deacon’s high-energy vocal delivery.
‘This track means a lot to me lyrically because I struggled with drug addiction and alcohol abuse for a long time and managed to get sober and writing this song allowed me to go back to that dark part of my history and appreciate how far I’ve come since then. The imagery I tried to create with the lyrics is one of a drug-induced party filled with fake friends and peer pressure and most importantly drugs,’ Deacon explains about the song’s meaning.
This is a song that’s lyrically wise beyond his years. It showcases a man who has confronted his demons and has used them to fuel his introspective ability as a songwriter.
‘Son Of Apollo’ is the follow up to Deacons powerful debut single ‘Not Givin’ Up‘, which reached #2 on the Hype Machine chart. Support in his native South Africa has come by way of Apple, 5FM – the country’s biggest national radio station – and 94.7 – Johannesburg’s biggest regional radio station. Online tastemaker support has come by way of Indie Shuffle, CLASH, Earmilk, Euphoria Magazine, When The Horn Blows and many more.
James Deacon will release his debut EP ‘The Calling’ later this summer.