Dress Like Boys

Jelle Denturck, frontman and vocalist of the Belgian indie rock band DIRK., embarks on a bold new journey with his solo project Dressed Like Boys. Leaving behind the raw, high-energy sound of rock, Denturck delves into a world of melancholic pop and rock, drawing clear inspiration from legends like Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, and Perfume Genius. The music of Dressed Like Boys is steeped in the lush, nostalgic tones of the ’70s, yet Denturck modernizes it with tape recorders, string arrangements, Wurlitzers, Rhodes pianos, tinny drum sounds, and a touching reunion with the piano—the very first instrument he played as a child.

His lyrics are deeply personal, exploring themes of self-discovery, close friendships, his sexuality, and his relationship, while also confronting uncomfortable issues such as gaybashing. The debut single Nando is raw and vulnerable, offering an almost intrusive glimpse into Denturck’s inner world. Where DIRK. thrives on noise and intensity, Dressed Like Boys gives him the space to turn down the volume and present a poignant and soulful reflection of his innermost self.