Whatever, Dad

Whatever, Dad is the solo moniker of Z Santos, a prolific figure in the New York DIY scene also known for their work in the chiptune-indie band Crying. Emerging in the early 2010s, the project became a definitive voice in the 'bedroom folk' movement, characterized by extreme lo-fi production, tape hiss, and a vulnerable, diaristic lyrical approach.

Santos's work often explores themes of nostalgia, homesickness, and the fragility of memory, utilizing a 'sketchbook' style where songs feel like fragments or fleeting thoughts. Culturally, Whatever, Dad achieved significant posthumous reach through algorithmic discovery on streaming platforms, becoming a staple of 'sad girl' and 'lo-fi' aesthetics. The project is notable for its elusive nature, with Santos frequently deleting releases from Bandcamp and maintaining a cryptic online presence. Musically, it bridges the gap between the anti-folk tradition of the early 2000s and the modern 'slowcore' revival, influencing a generation of bedroom producers who prioritize emotional immediacy over technical fidelity.