Dean Mueller

Dean Mueller’s new album, Wishes Never Gone, released in November 2024, marks a heartfelt chapter in his continued musical evolution. Produced by Grammy® nominee Kevin McKendree and featuring long-time members of John Prine’s band, including Jason Wilber on guitar, the album blends Americana, folk, and blues into a collection of songs that feel both intimate and timeless. Tracks like “I Don’t Live There Anymore” and “Believe” showcase Dean’s growth as a songwriter, embracing vulnerability and reflecting on life’s pivotal moments.

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The album is gaining strong radio play and critical acclaim. In a review for American Songwriter, Lee Zimmerman described it as “a tender set of songs, one flush with love and longing… easily embraced by others,” praising its “emotional impact” and “sound borne from the heartland.”

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Inspired by his hero John Prine, Dean’s music captures life’s ups and downs with warmth, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether he’s exploring personal transformation or social themes—as in the poignant “Teach No Lies” or the playful “Fireflies”—his songs forge deep emotional connections with listeners.

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Dean’s journey from bass player to frontman was an unexpected but powerful transformation. After years of performing with renowned bands and blues legends, he stepped into the spotlight with his 2023 debut solo album Life Ain’t All Roses, which introduced audiences to his blend of storytelling and folk-inspired melodies rooted in blues tradition.

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Based in Oregon since 1998, Dean has become a vital figure in the region’s music scene, both as a performer and a promoter. With Wishes Never Gone, he continues to carve his own path—writing songs that resonate with authenticity and invite listeners to hold on to the dreams and desires that never truly fade.

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“Dean’s music is deceivingly simple sounding. The words, emotions, and the cinematic worlds he creates get embossed onto your heart and mind, and you can’t forget them,” says two-time Emmy® Award-winning composer, music supervisor, and record executive Michael Whalen