Composer, singer, and songwriter Anton du Preez indulges us with his latest work, a reflective and slightly melancholic—albeit with a tinge of hope—new album titled Songs of Feeling. The album blends alternative, pop, classical, and jazz to demonstrate du Preez’s versatility through and through.

His latest release is a personal project. “The album is about working through the tough things in life that everyone goes through. It’s about finding meaning and hope. It’s about recognizing it’s okay to not be okay,” shares the artist.

Songs of Feeling, out December 1, largely reflects on addressing difficult experiences in life. A proudly gay musician, du Preez explores the complexity of emotions felt by all people—and particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. “All of the songs are based on either my own or someone close to me—their true-life experiences,” shares the artist. “It’s about the meaningful interactions we develop through those experiences. The growth we’re able to keep from them. I wrote about things that felt like they could be meaningful and poignant across someone’s entire life, not just a snapshot of a time and specific event.”

The Seattle and Los Angeles-based musician is more than a recording artist—he’s also a regular performer and credited composer. From Hallmark and Lifetime films to television series, du Preez is known for his masterful compositions developed for mainstream audiences. As if Anton du Preez hasn’t accomplished enough in his life, he is also a dedicated physical therapist and veteran of the U.S. Navy!

Anton du Preez and music are so tightly intertwined, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when his passion for music began. Perhaps it was when the young boy discovered his voice and began to sing. Maybe it was when he learned to play the trumpet and piano at the tender age of six. Regardless of when it began, Anton du Preez’s love for music is clear in his success.

For formal training, Anton du Preez went on to master his talents at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he focused on vocal performance with a side of trumpet, piano, and composition—all while publishing and performing unique pieces on behalf of ensembles. Following his university days, du Preez became a musician for the United States Navy as the lead vocalist and entertainer of the Pacific Fleet Band. These experiences enabled du Preez to live joyfully, sharing and experience music with the world around him.

In Anton du Preez’s musical journey, songwriting came first. “It was more accessible,” he explains. “In elementary school, I learned what I was supposed to do and play on the piano, but I enjoyed making my own stuff so much more. I enjoyed scoring to emotions on the screen and writing instrumental music in various forms. Yet, I never saw it as a career because I didn’t have any immediate examples as a kid. I grew up in Nebraska, outside of the industry, and thought that people writing for film were already doing it, so they didn’t need anyone else. That’s why I focused on performance in college.”

It wasn’t until du Preez joined the Navy that he turned his focus toward writing. “I had the chance to flex my chops,” he adds. “I was tired of being a performer and putting on a show. So, I shifted toward writing and studio recording.”

Of all the tracks on Songs of Feeling, du Preez highly recommends “We Shall Heal” to all listeners. “It’s one of the more heartfelt songs from my end. It reflects on people with depression and suicidal ideation in the LGBTQ+ community, those who are having a tough time even in today’s progressive climate. The music is also so expansive and beautiful. I hate tooting my own horn, but it is,” he adds lightly. “But really, that one carries a powerful message.”

The other single du Preez is most excited for is his arrangement of “Tonight” from West Side Story. While the original is an upbeat, peppy song highlighting the excitement and anticipation of a new love, du Preez’s version explores the alternative. “We all know what’s going to happen. I always felt it would be a neat representation having it restrained, melancholy, instead of excited anticipation. It was a fun journey to rearrange that and put my own little spin on it to fit the vibe of an album with deeper themes.”

Next year, du Preez will release more songs from the films he is working on at the moment. “I hope listeners find something they enjoy in my music,” adds du Preez. They undoubtedly will.

Make sure to stay connected to Anton du Preez on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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