Dan Bejar Discusses 'Dan's Boogie', a New Era for Destroyer

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Musical Landscape of Dan's Boogie
4. Touring with Father John Misty
5. A New Era of Creativity
6. FAQ

Key Highlights

• New Album: Destroyer's latest release, Dan's Boogie, marks an artistic shift from dance influences to contemplative piano ballads.
• Collaboration: The album features contributions from Fiver's Simone Schmidt, who provides the lead vocals on the single "Bologna."
• Touring Experiences: Bejar reflects on his recent opening act for Father John Misty, revealing insights into the challenges and changes in his musical process.

Introduction

As an artist shifting through genres and sounds, Dan Bejar has constantly redefined his musical identity over the last two decades. However, with the latest album from his band Destroyer titled Dan's Boogie, he embarks on a fresh journey layered with nostalgia and introspection. The album arrives as Bejar candidly reflects on the pleasures and pitfalls of his evolving artistry, stating, “The biggest tragedy of my life — okay, no, hopefully this isn’t the biggest tragedy in my life — but I think I might not be that suited to singing torch songs, even though that’s my favorite kind of song.” This line from a recent interview captures Bejar's mingled self-awareness and creative ambition as he navigates the complexities of his craft.

In this piece, we delve into Dan's Boogie, its thematic shifts from previous works, and how touring alongside Father John Misty has influenced the eclectic frontman.

The Musical Landscape of Dan's Boogie

Released on March 26, 2025, Dan's Boogie comes after several flirtations with dance music and electro-influenced soundscapes seen in earlier albums such as Kaputt (2011) and Have We Met (2020). Yet, this new work marks a deliberate pivot back to the foundation of Bejar's artistry: the rich emotionality of piano ballads layered over sweeping orchestral arrangements.

From Dance to Contemplation

In his own words, Bejar explains, “The ‘boogie’ in question here is more like a hustle, the means to get by, whatever it takes, in the nighttime Destroyer Cinematic Universe.” This nuanced definition reveals that while the title may suggest dance, the music itself is far more introspective. The incorporation of lush string sections and a more substantial sound design points to a calculated exploration of depth rather than superficial beats.

The transition signifies a break from earlier projects where the experimental techno influences took the forefront. Instead, Dan's Boogie presents songs steeped in reflection, with compositions born from deep emotional resonance.

Key Tracks and Collaborations

The album features several standout tracks, particularly the single "Bologna," which Bejar states, “wasn’t delivering it” when he originally sang it. Calling on fellow musician Simone Schmidt of Fiver to provide the lead, Bejar sought a more robust emotional delivery, leading to a fusion that he believes works dramatically better: “It didn’t work with mine as the lead, but we really stumbled on that mix.”

Tracklist Variety

1. "The Same Thing as Nothing At All"
2. "Bologna"
3. "Hydroplaning Off the Edge of the World"
4. "Materialize"
5. "The Ignoramus of Love"
6. Others

Sound and Production

Working closely with long-time collaborator and producer John Collins, Bejar notes how the sonic aspects of the album have evolved. The sound design introduced in earlier records only amplifies in Dan's Boogie. Bejar describes it as “enormous,” which contributes to the multifaceted listening experience that offers rich nuances for repeat plays.

The craftsmanship of the album can be encapsulated in Bejar’s description: “When I finished the record and listened back to it, it just seems like kind of a mix of Poison Season and Your Blues.” This commentary underlines the balance of familiarity while traversing new creative terrains.

Touring with Father John Misty

Bejar recently took part in a tour alongside Father John Misty, a partnership that brought both excitement and challenges. The unique configuration of Destroyer as a “bluesy new wave power trio” presented a new performance dynamic he hadn’t navigated before. Bejar praised the drumming talents of Josh Wells, highlighting how vital their collaborative live sound was: “The only reason why that worked was because he can do circus freak style stuff.”

Reflection on Performances

Notably, Bejar made the conscious decision to keep new songs from Dan's Boogie out of the setlist. The reasoning was both practical and artistic; as he remarked, “We definitely have no idea how to play any of those songs without a doubt.” This candidness reveals the disjointedness created by the long gaps without the full band together since 2022, emphasizing the challenges any musician faces in harmonizing creative output with live performance readiness.

Throughout the tour, the personal indulgences of Bejar's performance have been noteworthy. After years of solo acoustic gigs, he relished the opportunity to engage fully as a vocalist rather than a guitarist. “To be able to just sing and break tambourines is really where I find myself… I’ve become a bit of a curator of ambiance,” Bejar notes, shedding light on his introspective approach to performance.

A New Era of Creativity

Bejar's reflections upon his artistic practices suggest an evolving mindset with the changes that come with age and experience. As he navigates into his 50s, he acknowledges that his songwriting processes may be changing, particularly when compared to youthful endeavors. “For the first time, I had to take a few deep breaths and maybe that shows in the music and the writing,” he states, further accentuating the depth and introspection showcased in Dan's Boogie.

The Legacy and Future of Destroyer

As the music world continues to swirl around the manic energies of contemporary sounds and trends, Dan Bejar's constructed universe within Destroyer represents a timeless pursuit of artistry. With Dan's Boogie, he opts for an immersive approach—allowing listeners to engage with the complexities of lyrics and sonics rather than merely existing within the confines of fleeting genres.

The evolution from focusing on dance grooves to the more ruminative piano sonatas in Dan's Boogie suggests a full-circle moment for Bejar—acknowledging the artist he has become while planting seeds of curiosity for the music he will create next. As he prepares for the upcoming tour dates beginning in June, including a notable performance at Primavera Sound, industry watchers will be keen to see how these new works translate into live expressions.

FAQ

What can I expect from Dan's Boogie?

Dan's Boogie presents a cocktail of contemplative piano ballads enriched with orchestral arrangements, departing from Destroyer’s earlier techno-infused works. Tracks reflect emotional depth and lyrical intricacies.

Did Dan Bejar collaborate with any other artists on this album?

Yes, Simone Schmidt from Fiver features prominently in the track "Bologna," providing lead vocals to enrich the song's emotional landscape.

How did Bejar feel about touring with Father John Misty?

Bejar enjoyed the collaborative performances but also acknowledged the challenges of integrating new music when the entire band hadn’t rehearsed together in over a year.

What is the significance of the album's title, Dan's Boogie?

The title serves both as a playful nod and a deeper metaphor for navigating life's casino-like hustle, juxtaposed against the album's intimate and reflective sound.

Are there themes in Dan's Boogie related to Bejar’s personal experiences?

Yes, the album features layers of reflection on life experiences and a contemplative look at artistry and aging, which are more pronounced in this latest work compared to earlier Destroyer albums.