For DEK of Hearts, the greatest gift of a career in country music isn't the national television exposure, the growing fan base or even the opportunity to perform on stages across the country. It's getting to experience all of it together.
Long before Emily Clapp, Dylan John and Kollin Bailey became known for their captivating three-part harmonies on NBC's The Voice, they were students at Nashville's Trevecca Nazarene University whose friendship developed through traveling worship teams.
It wasn't until their senior year that they discovered what would become DEK of Hearts. When Kollin invited Emily and Dylan to sing background vocals during his senior recital, their performance of Lady A's "What If I Never Get Over You" drew an enthusiastic response. Eleven months later, they opened for country artist Rhonda Vincent and officially decided to pursue music as a trio.
Their sound blends Emily's Christian and worship influences, Dylan's pop sensibilities and Kollin's traditional country and bluegrass roots. But as they reflect on their journey this Thanksgiving season, it's their friendship they're most grateful for.
"I'm most grateful before anything else just that I get to do this with two of my best friends," Emily shares.
That bond proved invaluable during The Voice, where a four-chair turn ultimately led them to Team Niall Horan. Rather than viewing the show as the culmination of their dreams, the trio saw it as a stepping stone toward a lifetime of making music together.
Making Memories That Last
Now, DEK of Hearts is preparing to release a song especially meaningful for this chapter of their lives.
Arriving November 6, "December's Almost Over" is a reflective reminder to slow down, embrace the magic of the holidays and appreciate the people who make the season special.
The song originated in Dylan's senior songwriting class, inspired by his college years and the bittersweet realization that another chapter was ending. Helping bring it to life is Mount Juliet resident and No. 1 producer Nick Schwarz.
Its message has become increasingly personal for the trio. With busy touring schedules and less time at home, the holidays offer a chance to reconnect with family and traditions.
Emily treasures decorating the tree with ornaments carrying generations of memories. Kollin remembers his father reading The Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve, while Dylan cherishes Christmas mornings at his grandparents' house.
"We are all just in the season of where at our age, our grandparents are limited and we know that their number of Christmases are limited," Kollin reflects.
Coming Home for Christmas
On December 11, DEK of Hearts returns to Trevecca for "DEK the Halls with DEK of Hearts," featuring a full band, holiday favorites, original music and the Christmas story.
It's a fitting homecoming for three friends whose musical journey began on that very campus.
With a debut EP planned for 2027, there's plenty ahead. But amid new music and growing opportunities, DEK of Hearts remains grounded in the friendship that started it all - a timely reminder that sometimes the greatest blessings aren't the milestones we achieve, but the people standing beside us when we reach them.
"We share our highs together and we share our lows together. It only works if we're thinking about each other."