Duncan Sheik

Duncan Sheik stepped onto our stage 22 years ago, David Poe by his side, and performed at one of the very first Artists Den evenings in an abandoned basement cove in the West Village.

Those fortunate enough to have been in the audience remind us often how very special it was. Duncan & David gave us this raw, off-color, mesmerizing performance, harmonizing throughout and in lockstep on every note. But what I remember most was their wisdom, their banter & their friendship. They spoke from their hearts about the songwriter, the power of live performance & the ultimate test: stripping back the polish of a studio and playing their songs only by instrument, as they were written.

They were a young dynamic duo at the time, early in their careers, and carried a confidence that was captivating on and off the stage. I have always cherished my front row seat to that friendship, and their invitations to join them at a cafe, club, stage or retreat over our many years working together.

A few months after this inaugural show, Duncan opened his Tribeca loft to the Artists Den. In the evening and with a hand picked audience, we laid down the beloved Hudson Street recordings with Rachel Loshak, Chris Garneau and Duncan’s super band with Poe, Matt Johnson, Morgan Taylor & Phil Krohnengold. Duncan attracted a celebrity cast of characters, and provided a north star to which all assembled followed- the recordings were notably exquisite.

I’m devastated that Duncan is gone. He was unflappable, unapologetic and a genius.

It is time to relisten to the beautiful body of work left to us by Duncan Sheik – there are many albums, plays and sound tracks to unpack. I’m sure there’s something I missed. I know he left us clues. Certainly a compass.

With love to his fans and his family,

Mark Lieberman
Creator
Artists Den Entertainment