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ALS Won't Get Him (Or His Mom) Down: New Canaan Singer Writes From Heart

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – You might not think of New Canaan in the same breath as Nashville, New York or Los Angeles when it comes to launching musical careers. But it works for singer-songwriter Nick Depuy.

New Canaan musician Nick Depuy has a new album.

New Canaan musician Nick Depuy has a new album.

Photo Credit: Contributed

New Canaan's Nick Depuy singing "Son."

Photo Credit: ATV
Nick Depuy puts his heart and soul into his songs.

Nick Depuy puts his heart and soul into his songs.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Depuy, a New Canaan resident who recently launched his debut album, calls his music “folksy with a few twists" -- think a combination of James Taylor meets Mumford & Sons. His goal, he said, is to tell a meaningful story through his music.

“I’ve always written music as a certain therapy for myself,” said the 24-year-old who found his passion for guitar in high school. 

“My hope is that what I write resonates with people.” 

So far, he's written about 80 songs.

Inspiration, he says, comes from his family.

“My dad has been the engine that helped me channel my music to the right people,” said Depuy of his lawyer-father Warner, who is also his manager and number one fan.

“It’s an ideal situation for me because my family has supported me and made me what I am today, giving me the opportunity, helping me get these opportunities."

As a college graduation present, in fact, his father put a home studio in their basement. Depuy now records there every day and still has the freedom to go to Manhattan to play shows and network.

Depuy’s mother, Ann, has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which is why sticking close to home is so important.

“She’s fully present and fully aware,” said Depuy, “and dealing with it with such grace.

“The fact that we can communicate [using an eye-gaze keyboard] and still connect, for us to let each other know we appreciate each other and love and support each other is extremely beautiful.”

During the past summer, the musician held a concert-fundraiser for his mother’s continuing care.

“Being in New Canaan, I can help take care of my mom and I can spend every day with her and my family," said Depuy. “I don't feel stymied at all in my pursuit of doing music [from New Canaan].

"I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my family.”

Fairfield County residents can hear him Sunday, Jan. 7 at The Acoustic in Bridgeport (2926 Fairfield Avenue) where he'll host a CD-centric show for those who couldn’t make it to his October NYC launch party.

"Don’t Be Sorry," the name of his new album, tells a very personal story using songs that Depuy has written over the past decade: The story of a young man finding his passion for music and wanting to channel it – a snapshot of his life.

He calls the title song, “Don’t be Sorry,” a “breakup song speaking to the decisions and choices we have to make in our lives.” Specifically, he said, the sacrifices that you shouldn’t beat yourself up over to ultimately be fulfilled in your life.

Tickets for Sunday's 7 p.m. show are $10 at the door. Sammy Trombone and his band will open the set.

Visit http://www.nickdepuy.com/#/ for more information.You can stream Depuy's album through Spotify, and find it on iTunes and at Amazon. It should be noted, too, that Depuy's music has been featured on 107.1The Peak in Westchester, N.Y. And if you'd like to help support the family in their care of Ann, please visit their gofundme page, We Love Ann.

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