The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents NEM#246: Robert Deeble in His Talking Voice
Feb 13, 2026
Robert Deeble, folky singer-songwriter and psychotherapist with a multi-decade career, discusses singing in a talking voice and vocal placement. He recounts reworking songs like "Attic of Desire," arranging strings and backing vocals, and balancing touring with a therapy practice. They explore influences, open tunings, and collaborations including a duet with Victoria Williams.
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Two Songwriting Paths
- Robert writes two kinds of songs: lyric-first (poem then music) and melody-first (music then lyrics).
- Lyric-first songs produce unusual stanza lengths and phrasing that shape the music's structure.
Treat Backing Vocals As Instruments
- Use backing vocals as instruments to create texture and counterpoint rather than mere reinforcement.
- Producer Rich Hordinsky arranged backing voices to act like horn parts and shadow the lead vocal.
Give Songs A Breath
- Pause between sections so listeners can absorb lyrical shifts and emotional beats.
- Robert insisted the strings stop to let the stanza breathe, improving the song's shape.