With his resonant debut album, singer/songwriter Dane Connery introduces himself as an artist with a profound sense of purpose - one shaped by both reckoning and reflection. Raised in Austin, Texas, he combines an unmistakable allegiance to the spirit of Americana with thoughtful, personal storytelling that reflects both where he came from and the experiences that shaped him.

 

Dane discovered his artistic voice during his time at the University of Mississippi. What began as a lifelong hobby became a calling during his four years in Oxford, where late nights, football Saturdays, lifelong friendships, heartbreak, and the experience of growing up inspired the songs that now make up his self-titled collection. Those formative years transformed him from a student who wrote songs for himself into an artist ready to share them with the world.

 

His self-titled release makes that vision unmistakably clear. Dane wrote all eleven songs on the album, which was produced, arranged, engineered, mixed, and mastered by David Percefull at Yellow DOG Studios in San Marcos, Texas. Featuring Dane on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the record places his distinct voice and storytelling at the center of every track

 

“Just prior to my senior year at Ole Miss, my parents encouraged me to record some of my music, so I reached out to David Percefull” Dane recalls. “He took a chance on me, and within a week we were in the studio recording an album. When it came time to bring these songs to life, Dave and his team added a whole new dimension with some really amazing arrangements that allowed each track to still stay true to the stories I wanted to tell.”

 

The album, which is due to be released independently early next year, is preceded by three singles: "Never Say Goodbye (released this past June), "Summer Thing" (August 21) and "Back At Ole Miss" (October 30). Each song shares sentiments that reflect Dane’s heartfelt perspective.

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“The common thread through all these songs is just how personal and meaningful music is to me,” Dane concludes. “It’s always been my way of expressing thoughts and emotions that I couldn’t put into words any other way. That’s why I’ve naturally become so lyric-driven as a songwriter. My goal is to make something that feels honest, something I could be proud of and share with the people who’ve helped shape who I am along the way. If these songs spark a memory, help someone in some way or simply make a person smile, then that’s more than I could ever ask for.”

 

That said, Dane’s ambitions were nurtured early on. He started taking piano lessons at age six and later discovered guitar after asking for a hoverboard one Christmas. His father bought his first guitar instead. In retrospect, he says it was the best gift he ever received.

 

Drawing his inspiration from such artists as Tyler Childers, Keith Whitley, John Mayer, Riley Green, and Alan Jackson, Dane began writing songs of his own, in high school, even though he kept them largely to himself. It wasn't until his junior year at Ole Miss, when he formed the band Van Buren with friends and began performing live—including opening for Marcus King—that he realized his songs deserved to be heard.

 

Since then, Dane has continued to refine his craft onstage, bringing his songs across the country and giving fans an early glimpse of what’s to come. His live performances have drawn standing-room-only crowds in spots around the historic Oxford Square near Ole Miss, Austin’s iconic Antone’s, and various clubs throughout Park City, Utah, showcasing the connection he’s built with listeners through his evocative songwriting and his genuine connection with audiences.