Teaneck NJ’s Rory D’Lasnow has been on the rise, both as a singer-songwriter and as the host of @thesongwritershowcase, a virtual showcase featuring indie songwriters from around the world.
Although D’Lasnow first feared the sound of the guitar, once he picked it up (upside down and backwards, of course) he began crafting songs all his own. Ever since, Rory D’Lasnow has been gaining popularity performing at famed venues from the Knitting Factory, The Bowery Electric and Pianos in NYC, to The Saint and Brighton Bar on the Jersey Shore. D’Lasnow has even had the privilege of opening for headliners such as American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, actor/musician Drake Bell, and John Corabi of Mötley Crüe. And if that is not impressive enough, Rory D’Lasnow also has had his songs licensed by MTV, NASCAR, and The Discovery Network.
Earlier this month, Rory D’Lasnow released “I Won’t Do Anything,” the second track from his upcoming EP titled Songs From an Empty Room. With the help of Hidden In Plain View guitarist and producer Rob Freeman (Gym Class Heroes/ Cobra Starship) and Grammy nominated mastering engineer Mike Kalajian (All Time Low/Circa Survive), this project was able to come to life.
D’Lasnow wrote this track dealing with a challenging breakup which led him to reflect on the loss of his mother and the distance between him and his father. Coping with those emotions he created the metaphor of a child afraid of the dark which lends the track the nickname, “The Nightlight Song.” Rory D’Lasnow describes the title as, “a double meaning of sorts - touching on that feeling when you can't get out of bed because you feel so overwhelmed, but also an attempt to convince yourself/reassure those around you that you're not going to "do anything" in that you're not going to take any measures to hurt yourself.”
The track starts off gentle with palm muted chords over plucked strings before Rory D’Lasnow’s vocals enter with intense strength and warmth. The song carries on traversing through his intimate narrative that feels familiar while sounding nostalgic. At 2:40, two-thirds into the 3:26 track, you’re given the relief you’ve been yearning for throughout the song, with a bridge full of energy and conviction. He will not do anything, he will fight the good fight, and leave his nightlight on.
D’Lasnow’s hopes, “this song can provide some comfort to others going through similar struggles or at least relate that you are never alone. A ‘nightlight’ can be anything that helps you illuminate a dark time in your life because ultimately, even when things appear to be hopeless, there is still more that you may not be able to see in that particular moment. Sometimes you just need a little help to get to a brighter day.”
LONG STORY SHORT: LONG STORY SHORT: “I Won’t Do Anything,” by Rory D’Lasnow places a spotlight on mental health, fear and emotional struggle. This track will hit you in the feels, that’s a guarantee. But his message is clear, there will be moments in your life that will test you, but you just have to remember to keep your nightlight on.