Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

DVBBS x blackbear, IDWK [Photo Credit: Ultra]Rising Canadian EDM Duo DVBBS (Alex and Chris van den Hoef) and pop/R&B standout blackbear deliver and enjoyable dance single, “IDWK.”

DVBBS are back with new music! The Canadian EDM duo released a couple of projects in 2017 – the full-length, 10-track Blood of My Blood as well as the seven-track EP Beautiful Disaster.  Alex van den Hoef and Chris van den Hoef get a notable assist on their new single, “Idwk,” from blackbear. First things first though – what does “IDWK” stand for? I Don’t Wanna Know.

Naturally, “IDWK” features slick production from DVVBS – it would totally suck if the production sucked from an EDM production duo, right? What makes the production a “W” are the synths, the playful, pitch-shifted vocal slices, and of course the anchoring beat/groove.  Safe to say, blackbear has a strong canvas to paint on.  Speaking of him, his coarse, distinct pipes are a perfect fit for this number.  He provides an edge to the relatively smooth, rhythmic production of Alex and Chris.

With production and vocals covered, what about the songwriting and the theme.  In EDM music, often times the lyrics are secondary to the sound.  That’s not meant to be insulting, but that’s often how it works.  In this case, blackbear doesn’t deliver the most poetic lyrics, but he conveys feelings of insecurity regarding an ex who he still seems to have at least some feelings for.  Otherwise, why would he show such emotion via inquiry on the chorus?

“Who’s loving you?

I don’t wanna know right now

Who’s loving you? Who’s touching you?

I don’t wanna know right now

Who’s texting you? (God damn, who?)

I don’t I don’t, I don’t I don’t

I don’t wanna know right now.”


Final Thoughts

So, do DVBBS and blackbear put together a solid collaboration? Of course, they do! The production, vibe, and vocals all check off the appropriate boxes.  EDM magic is in full swing baby!


DVBBS • IDWK (Ft. blackbear) – Single • Ultra • Release: 6.1.18
Photo Credit: Ultra

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.