Dehd is a Chicago-based indie rock trio known for their raw, reverb-soaked sound and emotionally resonant songwriting. Formed in 2015, the band includes Emily Kempf (bass, vocals), Jason Balla (guitar, vocals), and Eric McGrady (drums). Blending surf rock, post-punk, and dream pop, Dehd crafts minimalist yet powerful songs centered on love, identity, and solitude, marked by jangly guitars, tight rhythms, and the distinctive interplay between Kempf and Balla.
Featured on their 2020 album Flower of Devotion, “Loner” explores the tension between solitude and connection. With lyrics like “I’ve had enough of each other / Want nothing more than to be a loner,” the song captures a desire to retreat from social pressures. Kempf has said it reflects her experience of isolation and self-reflection after long stretches of touring, confronting grief while learning to find comfort — and even humor — in being alone.
Musically, “Loner” pairs guitar pop sensibilities with emotional rawness. Its tighter production shows the band’s growth, while retaining the introspective energy that defines their sound. The result is a resonant meditation on choosing solitude without losing warmth.