Dean Station
Levi Dean: Mandolin, Vocals
Amanda Trainer: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

With a rich, two-part harmony, introspective writing, and musical accompaniment ranging from mandolin to acoustic guitar, Dean Station creates a progressive acoustic style that draws heavily on folk, bluegrass, and country to make a distinct sound that is rooted in tradition, yet contemporary.

Levi Dean, 23, was born into a family of songwriters and artists. He got his first mandolin from his dad when he was a teenager, and, as a self taught musician, has been playing and writing music ever since. Levi grew up in Virginia and went to school in the Appalachian Mountains. There, he played in a progressive bluegrass band called The Blueweeds. He moved to Taos, New Mexico 3 years ago, where he formed a band with his brother, Andy, aptly named The Dean Boys. With a mind to making music that would reach a broader audience, Levi moved Albuquerque in 2004 and formed Dean Station with Amanda Trainer. Levi's style is influenced by a diverse group of musicians and songwriters including his dad and brother, Michael and Andy Dean, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band, Led Zeppelin, and David Grisman.

Amanda Trainer, 25, was also born into a family with a love of music and fine arts. She grew up singing with her Mom and began playing the guitar at the age of 11. Amanda is from the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to New Mexico in 2001 to pursue a career in fine arts. At this point, Amanda had moved away from music, but after having met Levi, she was drawn back into her childhood passion. She considers herself more of a poet than a songwriter, and credits Levi with helping her turn her poetry into music. Amanda's other influences are Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, and Billy Joel.

Dean Station started as an offshoot of a five piece band called The Shad Roe, and has been performing in the Albuquerque area at numerous venues such as: The Champagne Windchime Gallery and The Gorilla Tango since the summer of 2004. Dean Station performs as a duet, or as a full band depending on the venue. Their debut, self titled album was released in March of 2006. Amanda and Levi are going to be married in May of 2006.

"Former Taos resident Levi Dean and Amanda Trainer have collaborated as Dean Station and released a self-titled CD combining his talents on the mandolin and bass, hers on percussion, and both their gifts with guitar and vocals. A Virginian, Levi grew up in a family of songwriters and artists. Aside from his family, his influences include Hank Williams, Sr., Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. Amanda, who hails from the San Francisco Bay area, moved to New Mexico in 2001 to pursue a career in fine arts. With influences like Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, and Billy Joel, she considers herself more a poet than a songwriter, but credits Levi with helping transform her poetry into music. Amanda’s pure, fine clarity complements Levi’s nasal, sandpapery vocals in an effective two-part harmony with vibrant undertones hearkening back to bluegrass, folk, and country roots."—Taos Daily Horse Fly

CD available direct from artist.

Online samples available.