Bartees Strange Examines D.C. on Razor Sharp Indie-Rock Single “DCWDTTY”

Ahead of the Ally Coalition charity album, All Things Go: 10 Years, Baltimore-based singer-songwriter Bartees Strange is digging into his relationship with D.C. on the anthemic “DCWDTTY.”

Co-produced by Jack Antonoff, Strange’s inspiration for the single came from the similarly titled 1997 punk track “D.C. Will Do That To You” by Smart Went Crazy.

However, Strange looks at the city for all its complexities, using the jumping off point as an initial idea that the final song quickly distinguishes itself from within the first few seconds.

“Content-wise, this song doesn’t have much to do with theirs, other than I feel like a big part of who I am is because of DC and what I feel like it did to and for me,” Strange said. “This song is just me, wandering through the DMV – things seen and heard in a uniquely lovely and upside down place.”

From the get-go, the frantic energy of the drums matched with the megaphone-esque vocals starts off “DCWDTTY” like a kick to the door. Although not exclusively falling in line with its punk influence, the high-octane pace of the song is undeniable, especially when Strange gives it his all, nearly shouting every lyric.

The final minute of the song eclipses the energy overall. At first coming to an abrupt halt, the guitar solo reaches a hair-raising high with its blaring sound, simultaneously ushering in the drums to come back with a vengeance. For a track not tied to an album, Strange offers more than most artists’ solo material.

See Bartees Strange in LA at The Peppermint Club on Nov. 15.

Visit Bartees Strange on Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.

Listen to “DCWDTTY” the new single from Bartees Strange.