Duncan Pelletier – “Start Right Here” [Song Review]

New England-based singer/songwriter Duncan Pelletier releases his new single, “Start Right Here.” According to Pelletier, “This is a song about being frustrated with yourself on a fundamental level. About having given up so long ago that it becomes part of your nature to turn away from any kind of connection, genuine or perceived.”

Pelletier has been making music for over a decade in various capacities. As a solo artist, studio musician, and live theatre composer, Pelletier weaves together elements of soft rock, blue-eyed soul, and traditional pop, resulting in a sound that is simultaneously emotionally moving and playful.

Mastered by Rory Hurley, “Start Right Here” features Pelletier (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion), Ned Rich (electric guitars, drums, mixing), Jon Abrams (keyboards), and Colin Bradley (pedal steel guitar, organ).

There’s a delicious, alluring familiarity to “Start Right Here.” For some reason, it summons up suggestions of Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis” with touches of Christopher Cross. Imbued with subtle tangs of blues and soul, the melody reveals a breezy, up-tempo mood topped by Pelletier’s soft, rich vocals.

Duncan Pelletier, photo by Eliot Pelletier

“Start Right Here” is one of those songs that you find yourself listening to over and over again simply because of the feelings it evokes.

Run Time: 3:33
Release Date: June 5, 2024
Record Label: Trailing Twelve Records