Biography
Whatever, Dad is the solo project of Z Santos, an experimental singer-songwriter hailing from Queens, New York. Z Santos (they/them) is also a member of the chiptune indie rock trio Crying, in addition to being involved in various other musical ventures such as 100%, pluperfect, Bimpo, Aro, and Ough.
Whatever, Dad presents a nostalgic sound reminiscent of childhood memories. The music is characterized by its soft guitar and vocals, whether it is a song fully in french or two lyric tracks put over each other. The lyrics invigorate emotions of longing, love, and even homesickness.
In January 2013, Z Santos released the album "100% Take Home!/Good Morning." This collection features a blend of upbeat and introspective tracks that capture fleeting thoughts, hazy memories, and wistful daydreams. The songs often leave room for interpretation, trailing off without a definitive conclusion, akin to scribbles on a notepad.
In 2015, Santos unveiled "It Gets Darker" under the moniker 100%, showcasing a commitment to obscurity by limiting access to the songs, allowing only streaming through a hard-to-find webpage with an eggplant-on-eggplant color scheme. Compared to previous works characterized by wry storytelling, "It Gets Darker" embraces a swarming and gestural quality, intertwining ambient sounds that occasionally blur the boundaries of audibility. Despite the minimal instrumentation of Santos and their guitar, the music often creates an eerie atmosphere.
Under the name Whatever, Dad, Z Santos released a total of five albums, one EP and one single between 2012 and 2017. Some of these releases have disappeared from the Bandcamp platform, with Santos providing limited information about the decision, hinting at personal motivations behind it.
Whatever, Dad gained significant exposure through inclusion in popular Spotify playlists such as "sad girl starter pack" and "Lo-fi Indie," leading to increased listenership and recognition.
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