Dutchboy perfectly represents what the modern multi-genre artist is capable of. Transcending through areas of guitar nostalgia combined with a strong hip-hop beat, the young Piscataway, NJ born troubadour has created a multi-faceted sound that we can all resonate with.
Growing up in an internet fueled world along with all the problems that it faces on a daily basis, Dutchboy has a knack for creating an instantly recognisable and catchy melody, which is a true talent in itself. Having previously featured in Complex (prev. Pigeons & Planes), it is clear that his sound is connecting with many audiences.
With an extensive back catalogue of releases to his name already, including numerous albums and singles as recent as 2020, Dutchboy has more than succeeded in staying relevant. The exact same can be said for his latest release, ‘IDWD’. The track begins with a melancholic guitar line, reminiscent of the 90s dream-pop and shoegaze style such as Beach Fossils and Day Wave. What makes Dutchboy so individual is his vocal versatility. Almost blending between singing and rapping, the lyrics ‘I don’t wanna die’ are fixated and repeated throughout the song, with an all familiar hop hop beat behind it, which is now a signature for the American. The song itself encapsulates anxiety, whether speaking to himself, a previous relationship or new one, it is asking for acceptance and credence. Worry depicts all of us in every walk of life, and Dutchboy captures the essence of this perfectly.
Toeing the line between multiple genres, ‘IDWD’ certainly provides that dreamy atmosphere and you wish the song could go further in length than the two minute mark. This does however, leave you wanting to repeat the song over and over again to fall back into that space that Dutchboy so effortlessly produces.
Dutchboy explains the process behind ‘IDWD’’:
“This song is about anxiety – a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. I don’t want to depart this life before my chance of being accepted or loved, whether that be a love interest, my family or the masses.”
