Zach Outman – Carpe DMs (2026)
Whether you’re a fresh-faced 17-year-old or a 45-year-old divorcee, dating in the modern world hits us in all the same ways: quickies, ghosting, gaslighting, butterflies in the tummy, and “hold your breath because that DM might be taken the wrong way”, and all conducted via social media. I remember old-school dating where, and this is how the statistics read at the time, at least 8/10 couples met at a party (no social media), but nowadays, Instagram, TikTok, and all those dating apps trump general parties. Singer-songwriter Zach Outman places all on display, from the best to the worst, in his single, ‘Carpe DMs.
Following ‘See You In Hell’, ‘Carpe DMs’ is a cleverly arranged crossover of country and pop, finding the sweet spot between the two. Produced by Abbey Loren, the track is a toe-tapping, sort of head-bopping sweep of sound. I find it particularly interesting that it is acoustic-driven with Outman strumming along on his guitar, while Aksel Coe brings not a crashing, but definitely bold and deliberate falling of drums. Why is this interesting? Well, considering ‘Carpe DMs’ delves into a technological realm of being, the organic arrangement adds a human dissection with raw, non-online emotion. The slip of electric guitar slicing through does give it a non-organic edge, though.
Melodically, ‘Carpe DMs’ is charming, but it is the witty lyricism and vocals that up the ante. Rough, rugged and rich, Outman’s voice is soothing and warm, but tinged with vulnerability and a little world-weariness. Listening to him is like listening to a friend sigh with disappointment at modern dating, but accepting that it is what it is. He explains: “The song is a quick but powerful editorial of the dating experience so many have in the age of social media… “
While modern dating can be frustrating, difficult and painful, these emotions are part of a timeless experience, only this time it’s via social media. Considering the contemporary and retro appeal of ‘Carpe DMs’ sound, I like to think Outman covered all bases, looking at yesteryear and present-day world of, let’s admit it, confusing dating.
Find out more about Zach Outman on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
