Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist Michael Dean unveils his single/music video, “Girl Next Door,” a track from his forthcoming debut album, Top Gun, slated to drop in early 2023. A song about a tender love affair, “Girl Next Door” offers a seductive, cinematic melody.
“Girl Next Door” follows on the heels of “Roller Coaster,” a poignant song evoking sensations of regret, sadness, and profound longing.
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Michael Dean, aka Dean Michael Martinez, fell in love with music when he was nine years old. Growing up in California, including Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Anaheim, he listened to hip-hop artists such as 2Pac, Nas, Eminem, and 50 Cent.
In 2018, Dean signed with Money Hogg Gang, releasing a series of singles, including “Sonic” and “Promise,” along with his 2021 EP, Almost Famous. Currently working under the Boss Republic Records umbrella with Kavon Jacobs, Michael Dean is putting the finishing touches on his alt-pop album, Top Gun.
“Girl Next Door” opens on luminous tones, swirling with exotic savors, and then rolls into a low-slung, syncopated beat. Blending flavors of emo and R&B, the harmonics shimmer with gleaming leitmotifs, infusing the tune with alluring, quixotic surfaces.
Nuanced by sensitive timbres, Dean’s voice imbues the lyrics with deliciously warm sonic aromas, revealing his attraction and passion for the girl next door.
The video, directed by Derrick Webb and Chris Jackson, depicts Dean in his apartment dreaming about the beautiful blonde living next door. Already under her spell, he can’t get her out of his mind. As the visuals shift from Dean to the object of his affection, it becomes clear that she is thinking of him. In the end, which is the beginning, he knocks on her door.
Dripping with rippling, evocative textures, “Girl Next Door” delivers luscious layers of smoldering guitars and the sensual vocals of Michael Dean.