“New York City's emerging folk-twang songsmith, Don DiLego, is alt-country's next poster boy.” ROLLING STONE
"Photographs of 1971 is one of those records that creep up on you, a great vibe and very strong tunes. We have been spinning four songs from the album for quite a while, and it really does sound better each time.”
XM RADIO THE LOFT - Mike Marrone/Program Director
This is an artist that's destined for greatness.” MP3.com
"The Lonestar Hitchhiker is a strong debut. It presents a man who is obviously confident about who he is and what he is doing. ‘Goodnight, Aliens’… shows just how good this guy's voice is. (Rating: 4++) - BABY SUE
"DiLego really is quite accomplished as a crafter and arranger…there is little denying his extensive talents in writing a tune." DELUSIONS OF ADEQUACY
Recorded in equal parts New York City and Portland, OR, "Photographs of 1971" is Don DiLego's latest album. It was self-produced along with Portland’s legendary Gregg Williams (The Dandy Warhols). Having stumbled across some old stained and tattered family photographs from the 70’s, Don was inspired to write a song that grew from the ashes of the collage at his feet. That would later give way to the album’s theme of celebrating our life’s misadventures and failures. A much more personal record began to take shape within the varied instruments and sounds that Don had begun experimenting with. Prior to it’s release, "Photographs" has quickly begun to generate great word-of-mouth.
Don's first release, "The Lonestar Hitchhiker," was recorded for Universal Records shortly after his move to New York. Featured musicians included Jay Bennett (ex-Wilco), Gregg Williams (Sheryl Crow, Wallflowers), and Paul Garisto (Jesse Malin, Ryan Adams). Since then, he has toured extensively in support of all three of his releases, building a loyal fan base and national recognition as a touring artist.
Along the way, he has opened for the likes of Norah Jones, Graham Parker, Sheryl Crow, Duran Duran, Roger Clyne, Bree Sharp, Jeffrey Gaines, Shannon McNally, and many more. His songs have been featured in film and tv (MTV, VH1, Disney, Discovery, E!...), Hear Music selected Don for their “Emerging Artist” campaign for his first album, and his follow-up, "The Lonestar Companion," prompted Rolling Stone to state that “New York City's emerging folk-twang songsmith, Don DiLego, is alt-country's next poster boy.”
"Photographs of 1971" reached #14 on the Triple A Non Comm charts, earned regular rotation on XM Satellite Radio, was featured on NPR's All Songs Considered, was selected as "Download of the Day" on WXPN. and was featured on the nationally syndicated World Café with David Dye.
In 2007, Don won "Best International Song" in Australia's largest music awards presented by the Australian Songwriter's Association. Don was a finalist for the "Best Pop Rock Album" in the Independent Music Awards, finalist in the Great American Song Contest, Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and received Honorable Mention in the Billboard Song Contest.
2008, brought more recognition, including a showcase at Atlantis Music Conference and the Tennessee mega summer festival, Bonnarroo.
Drawing comparisons to the likes of Wilco, Beck, Ryan Adams, and even the Beach Boys, Don DiLego continues to develop as an artist who refuses to be categorized. The new album “Photographs of 1971” is not only his most personal work to date, but also a testament to that ongoing battle.
