Rising Belgian indie-pop artist Dressed Like Boys has released new single ‘LY’, an infectious, sun-soaked track that offers a playful glimpse into his forthcoming sophomore album, And Then I Woke Up, due February 5th. The new single arrives October 28th, capturing a lighter, more carefree side of the project while retaining the melodic sophistication and emotional depth that define the work of Ghent-based musician Jelle Denturck.
Built around vibrant hooks, warm vintage textures and organic instrumentation, ‘LY’ draws on the golden hues of 1970s pop, bringing together layers of Wurlitzer and Rhodes keyboards, grand piano, fuzzy guitar and bass tones, and percussion with a biscuit-tin-like quality. The result is a breezy, effortlessly catchy piece of indie-pop, carried by Denturck’s emotive vocals and an arrangement that balances retro charm with a fresh, contemporary sensibility.
Described as “Brian Wilson chasing a California high, until Beck-ish edges creep into the outro,” the track embraces an easygoing spirit, allowing its melodies and playful production to take centre stage. Beneath its infectious surface, ‘LY’ offers a simple but resonant message about finding joy in everyday life and resisting the urge to make everything feel so serious.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the release, Denturck explains, “LY’ is about not taking life so seriously. Life isn’t a chore, it’s a dance. Even the nonsense lyrics are the point: it doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes you just want to feel the sun on your face and walk lightly through the world.”
The single provides a taste of what listeners can expect from And Then I Woke Up, the follow-up to Dressed Like Boys’ debut album. Across his work, Denturck explores beauty in trauma, desire and liberation, shaping deeply personal experiences into delicate, emotionally resonant songs. His sound sits at the intersection of alternative pop and indie-rock, with echoes of Perfume Genius, Eels, Anohni, Hunky Dory-era David Bowie and 1970s Elton John. On ‘LY’, however, there is a particular emphasis on movement, melody and the freedom to embrace life’s lighter moments.
Dressed Like Boys has also been building momentum on stage, with performances at Rock Werchter in Belgium, Sziget in Hungary, Haldern Pop in Germany, Printemps de Bourges in France and Best Kept Secret in the Netherlands. Two sold-out nights at Antwerp’s OLT Rivierenhof have further demonstrated the growing connection between Denturck and his audience, while his appearance at ESNS 2026 saw him become the event’s second most-booked artist, behind Dove Ellis.
With And Then I Woke Up arriving on February 5th, ‘LY’ sets an inviting tone for the next chapter of the project, pairing Denturck’s introspective songwriting with an exuberant pop sensibility. Dressed Like Boys will take the forthcoming album on the road with a newly announced European tour in spring 2027, bringing these songs to audiences across the continent. For now, ‘LY’ offers a timely reminder that sometimes the most meaningful thing a song can do is make you feel lighter.
