Welcome back to our segment FYNE PRINT — a series where guests give deeper insight into their artistry, and say it all with a song — indirectly curating a playlist for us. Following the release of his new single “nervous”, this edition features lovely picks from NYC singer-songwriter denn.

Favorite Heartache Song?

D.: I could throw in “Comfort Crowd” by Conan Gray. That’s like a cop out answer, but that one is deep for me. “World’s Biggest Hypocrite” by Sabrina Sterling is another sad one. 

I would say right now, my number one saddest song I listen to is probably “Bennie and Kay” by Glaive. I did a crazy thing. I listened to that song 200 times this week. Airbuds was telling on me. To my knowledge, [the track] is like about his grandfather and grandmother who passed away. So it was a very sad, somber song with really well-written lines as well: “Better upstairs, is there a bedroom up there?” That’s the most devastating song to me right now.

Favorite Pursuit Song?

Songs like “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye or “WUSYANAME” by Tyler, the Creator. The songs that are like, you’re trying to pick someone up.

D.: Oh, like the Slide-In Song? I would say “rmb da time” by Destin Laurel. That song has like crazy bounce to it.

Favorite Self-Love Song?

Something like “Man of the Year” by Lorde or like “thank you, next” by Ariana Grande?

D.: I wouldn’t say I have one of those because I don’t think I’m ever consuming anything that isn’t at least a little bit sad. I think 90% of what I consume is very sad, sad music. I don’t think I ever even like play hype songs, per se. I think I’m always listening to things that are very sad. I think that’s where I find the core of my inspiration — when things are utterly devastating — or at least feel devastating.

IN: I guess if it’s hard to think of a song in that vein, maybe like a breakup song that’s kind of more angry, like something that’s like, oh, I’m better off alone.

D.: “Regret” by bunii. Also, my song, TT, is also pretty good for that. It is a “f*ck you” kind of song, subject matter-wise. Very much a “I’m better off without you” kind of thing. “I hate your guts.” I would say that was the first time I wrote one of those, so that’s is my definitive “f*ck you” song.

Last record you loved enough to buy?

D: Maybe Cat Heaven, Roy Blair.

A song that reminds you of a childhood film you loved?

D.: The song is called “Scythe” by Last Dinner Party. It reminds me of Polar Express. I don’t know why. I don’t think it gives off a Christmas vibe at all, but just the slow, somber adventure of it reminds me of snowy imagery. Polar Express just reminds me of similar slow, somber times in life and mystery.

IN: Is Christmas your favorite holiday?

D.: It was like when I was a kid, because I was getting stuff for free. But I wouldn’t say I have a favorite holiday — maybe Valentine’s Day. I’d say that’s my favorite holiday when I’m not single. When I’m single, it is my least favorite holiday of all time… as I think it is for most people. We’re bitter like that. I would say my most universal — like “favorite” — holiday is probably Halloween.