“Is Dad Rock Experiencing a New Golden Age?”
In April of 2020, as I embarked on a new job from the confines of my apartment in Brooklyn, I was struck down by COVID. Isolated in a bedroom for the recommended period, I could only watch as my daughter celebrated her first birthday with a virtual Zoom party, her face smeared with cupcake icing. Upon returning to work in the living room, I found solace in Waxahatchee’s album “Saint Cloud,” particularly the track “Fire,” which allowed me to delve into a realm of deep emotions without pretense or effort, epitomizing authenticity.
Fast forward five years, and Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee emerges as a harbinger for what I term “dad rock.” This genre seems to have captured the attention of many fathers, including myself. With hits like “Elderberry Wine” by Wednesday, fronted by MJ Lenderman, dad rock enthusiasts are in for a treat as the band gears up for new releases and upcoming tours. Not to be outdone, Matt Berninger of The National, and the Philadelphia band Friendship, are also contributing to this burgeoning dad rock movement with their introspective and evocative tracks that resonate deeply.
Vermont singer Greg Freeman, known for his unique style that doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone, has also garnered a following amongst dad rock aficionados. Yet, it is Cameron Winter who steals the spotlight as the breakout dad rock star of 2025. With his doleful yet powerful vocals, Winter, while young, has already solidified his status with the release of “Heavy Metal,” heralded as exceptional by critics.
Expanding the dad rock genre to include Sturgill Simpson and Vampire Weekend, it is evident that this wave of music offers more than nostalgia and covers. With roots in country music, dad rock infuses a sense of melancholy and introspection often tinged with feedback squalls and bleak wit. Bands and songwriters like Young, Wilco, and Bill Callahan embody this ethos, creating music that resonates with a specific audience looking for substance and depth.
Niko Stratis’ definition of dad rock as music that teaches through failure or circumstances that leave scars perfectly encapsulates the essence of this genre. Drawing inspiration from the chroniclers of deep scars like Jason Molina and Townes Van Zandt, dad rock bands and artists weave narratives of life’s struggles and revelations, resonating with a generation seeking meaning and authenticity in music.
In conclusion, the golden age of dad rock seems to be upon us, with a diverse range of artists contributing to this introspective and poignant movement in music. From Cameron Winter’s haunting vocals to the evocative soundscapes crafted by bands like Wednesday and Friendship, the landscape of dad rock is rich and varied, offering listeners a unique and deeply emotive musical experience. As the genre continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that dad rock is here to stay, captivating audiences with its raw, authentic, and soul-stirring tunes.