Dijon sings straight from the soul

In 5 years time, talking about Dijon's Absolutely will seem as cliche as praising Channel Orange, it'll be a given. It'll be a fact of the music world that Dijon's music is in a league of its own. Another Frank Ocean, Bon Iver, an innovator of pure expression. Dijon is music that's straight from the soul, so much so that it feels like magic. Words feel minuscule next to the feelings he creates. Making others understand feels like attempting alchemy with an Easy Bake oven. But this is my attempt to help others see the light, or at least celebrate with those that are lucky enough to know his much in its time.
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Niche Nonsense is a video essay channel that takes nonsense seriously and explores cultural absurdity.
#videoessay #dijon #musicreview #culture #absolutely
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Dijon Duentas is a musician and producer originally from Baltimore. Duentas's debut album Absolutely under the name Dijon was released on November 5, 2021, a collaboration with Mike Gordon AKA Mk.gee. It's a followup to his two early EP's Sci-Fi 1 (2019) and How Do You Feel About Getting Married? (2020).
Songs featured in this video: Many Times, Rodeo Clown, dance song, Big Mike's (including Jimmy Fallon performance), Nico's Red Truck, Skin, The Dress.

[@matteoDiRubbo]

His dirty, chaotic, scratchy voice is the most beautiful thing my ears have ever heard Amazing video btw

[@NicheNonsense]

straight up otherworldly. and ty i appreciate the support!

[@tyochocinco1]

Definitely beautiful voice . I heard his song on 2k and I instantly fell in love I had to listen to him after that .!

[@pinkpantheressstann]

The best part about Dijon is that that isn't afraid to show vulnerability in his songs. He doesn't care if he hits the notes perfectly and just allows the emotion to take care for the lack of vocal power, but that doesn't mean that he can't hit them notes when he wants to. My favourite part of any song is when he decided to leave in the part of him breaking down on Rodeo Clown. The first time I heard it my heart sank and I felt goosebumps. I really hope one day he gets the recognition he deserves.

[@NicheNonsense]

couldn't agree more, the breaks in rodeo clown are piercing. so so good!

[@BILEAK]

"His music is live living inside somone else's nostaliga," is such an ellegant, accurate description. Killer video, man--keep it up!

[@NicheNonsense]

appreciate you!

[@hoppercanty]

the soul is messy thats where beauty comes from

[@jordana8864]

Was lucky enough to meet Dijon earlier this year. I was able to to tell him that his music saved my life because it’s true of what you said that “it’s bargaining with a worn out memory.” His music draws us in with its melody but allows us to ponder the beauty of the past.

[@NicheNonsense]

dude that's such a special moment, glad he got a glimpse into what his music means to us all

[@sickbutpretty]

how did he react? this is exactly how i feel

[@Ryk0411]

I remember when i first heard Skin back in 2019. I couldnt believe it. I was looking around an empty room for confirmation from no one. I love that dorito analogy

[@kennycamglen]

The Absolutely video popped up on my suggestions last week, via the algorithm mentioned. I've been obsessed with it all week. It really hit me very very hard as a music fan and songwriter. And now I've just stumbled upon this video and its almost the same feeling again. Because every single word, sentence and opinion in this essay feels like its being pulled from my own heart and mind. I don't have many around me who'd appreciate this style of art, so hearing this essay was like sitting down for a friendly chat with a complete stranger who was also blown away by the Absolutely film ...and therefore not entirely a stranger. You "can't wait to see the art this art creates"? For me this essay is part of that legacy you've touched on. Thank you. Subscribed 👍🏻

[@NicheNonsense]

I feel like Bon Iver and Frank Ocean are the first names people throw out with Dijon but who else feels like an artist with this kind of pure impact in their music?

[@thuggathuggababy]

My exact comparison when I first heard him

[@t.7124]

I see a bit of crossover between him and D'Angelo, especially on Sweet Thing Also maybe King Rule with how genre bending both their stuff is. And how they both can yell out vocals

[@theversatilehunter3651]

Prince, the Blue Nile

[@sickbutpretty]

his music has also resonated with me the way that Bright Eyes - 'Wide Awake, its morning' album did. Specifically 'first day of my life' and 'land locked blues'

[@NomadT]

This is really well done. Im not ashamed to admit that Dijon shook up my entire artistic pallet when it came to creating. He forced me to dig deeper in my own work. Great video and you've gained a new sub

[@NicheNonsense]

art that pushes us to grow is what it’s all about. appreciate the comment and sub!

[@MagicHarps]

everytime i read the album title like the Tim & Eric “ab-so-lutely” end credits

[@DestrokkProductions]

+

[@k9unitsrus483]

this man's music has gotten me through some tough moments. hearing the passion in his voice helps you feel like he's talking to you specifically whenever he sings. he really is a legend in the making, and i hope one day he gets the recognition he deserves

[@NicheNonsense]

same here dude. Absolutely will go down as a classic, it's only a matter of time

[@danielmerrick105]

I have the hardest time explaining what Dijon’s music is. Can’t even describe the feelings. I allow others to feel for themselves and it’s usually the same speechlessness I experience. I appreciate the time you spent here. Oddly enough, and I’m sure you will agree, there’s still so much more left to say.

[@elrey6818]

I'm not usually a fan of these kind of essays but damn, I think you captured exactly why Dijon is so special. I really hope the culture doesn't miss out on this wonderful artist.

[@NicheNonsense]

appreciate you giving this vid a chance! we're lucky to know about him in his time, he's special

[@sickbutpretty]

dijon's music always settles me into a kind of melancholy i am comfortable with. my 'gateway' Dijon song was "drunk." i'm so grateful his music entered my life and it's so cool to know that others have felt this way too.

[@claude_stucki]

"..it's how I felt after the finale of breaking bad and the first time I heard 22, A Million" same!!! great video! I'm glad the algorithm brought me hear.

[@NicheNonsense]

seems like it found my people! appreciate you sticking around

[@jakekalotai1672]

Went to the concert this year and was amazed by how everything went and the constant soundscapes within the performance. Appreciate this video very much after listening for 2 years now

[@NicheNonsense]

i’m so jealous you saw him! Missed him by one stop on the bon iver tour

[@carlitosignacio5679]

Same saw him in SF at the filmore

[@charlieg9370]

I love this dudes music, doing his own thing

[@markzakharov2862]

I burst in tears hearing the last sentence. Yes, we will hear so much of Dijon's influence in the upcoming wave of artists, and man, I fucking love it. This world needs more soul, because soul is always gorgeous and raw truthful, there is no other way. Dijon is special, and, hearing this essay, I can say that you are, too, a special human being. Thank you.

[@harrisonm1877]

“What’s real is inevitable. It deserves our attention.” Real

[@norma5219]

I saw him live recently and I almost melted. His whole group is phenomenal. The R&B of Tennessee Whiskey

[@NicheNonsense]

the things I'd do to hear him cover that one day

[@mrnanotech9872]

i got put on to the song many times through 2k and the way he can sell a story through music is like no other artist i have ever heard

[@kev4850]

Listening to Dijon changes your perspective so much. I remember the first time listening to him and Abhi in 2015-16 and loving hem. And then around 2018 I really started loving them and downloaded their songs on my tablet. This video encapsulated everything I wish I could've said about Dijon. For me as I've gotten older, it's like looking at your life in 3rd person, or seeing a sunset that you haven't seen since you were a kid. You watch the moon follow you home as you fall asleep, you realize you're down the street because of that one turn. You don't wake up because you know dad's gonna carry you in. You fall asleep with your jeans and socks on, and you wake up early the next morning before everyone else. You feel so accomplished. You make a bowl of cereal and sit in front of the tv to watch Saturday morning cartoons and wait for the rest of your friends to ask if you can play outside. Life is warm and colorful, you are young and free.

[@joegagau1583]

The way you strung these sentences and matching visuals to describe exactly how I feel when I listen to Dijon. VHS of someone else’s home videos, captured it perfectly. Chef’s kisses!

[@NicheNonsense]

too kind dude! really appreciate it that means a lot

[@Johncllctn]

thank you so much dijon means the world to me and i know he does to you too, so thank you

[@NicheNonsense]

appreciate you saying that, wanted to make something that makes the feeling he creates seem tangible, describable. it only scratches the surface, but happy people can relate

[@miya_pwr]

i first discovered dijon in 2018 with his song nico’s red truck and i absolutely fell in love! his music is so very special to me and i wish i could hear it all again for the first time

[@rysumner]

discovering 22, a million and Dijon both have a lot in common with (i assume) my first dorito experience! well put!!!

[@declanhewitt4084]

Thank u for actually putting into words so much of what I was feeling after finding this record. As a music lover, Its wild

[@jarod.v1586]

saw this guy 3 years ago, was amazing; good video man

[@DidierOsias]

Absolutely how i feel

[@ke0bryant]

just saw him in concert, amazing, absolutely amazing.

[@cass7532]

this was beautifully said...dijon truly is one of a kind, so so special

[@kelso3157]

Love the video. Finally got to see Dijon live this year at a ReSet Concert Series. Happy to see others appreciating his music; it truly is magic. I fell in love with his stuff first time I heard Nico’s Red Truck. Also, my partner and I ran into him after his set. He was trying to drink a beer and enjoy listening to Clairo’s set, but he took time to talk to fans in the audience around him and he even snapped a picture with us. Super kind and gracious dude.

[@NicheNonsense]

Ahh that's so special dude! Really wish I was able to see him touring this latest album, ReSet seemed incredible, an absolutely stacked line-up. Hope they run it back again next summer

[@Organico0]

great vid you captured a comfy feeling in this video, love it!!

[@ani7417]

Great video!

[@rcamhess]

This seems to be the only video essay on Dijon’s Absolutely on KZbin. Short, sweet, and great word play. May the algorithms bless you

[@NicheNonsense]

never know what the algorithms got up its sleeve but already feeling blessed with the response already. appreciate ya taking the time to watch!

[@losteyesight]

Love your videos!

[@EricaLeshea]

I make sure to see him every time he comes to Atlanta, probably always will 💖

[@jacksongondo4157]

dude this video is amazing. As a musician myself I'm so inspired by Dijon. This man helped me so much through my break up this year. his voice and music just GET IT. Thank you for this

[@sheysway123]

so much agreements with your videos man

[@joesoulsby9657]

This was beautiful man thank you so much this really helped me.

[@brycejunkinz]

Im devastated i missed Dijon and bon iver live .

[@TheCobra767]

the way you share your thoughts is beautiful man

[@castelan2236]

This is an AMAZING monologue on his music and what it expresses. But I would only disagree with the line that says dijon is early artist. Have you ever listened to Abhi//Dijon? I´m beginning to to realise that people are widely unaware of his previous work. It is a continuation, but with a totally different intension, because it~s just Dijon. Songs like " Twelve " " Let You Know " " Often " " Jon B " and " Red Light " may paint that full picture, but they´re discography as a duo definitely does. LOVED the video, LOVE the channel´s name and the format. SUBSCRIBED!!!!!

[@c0mput3rr00m]

i love dijon

[@teotonioburned7759]

Thank you for this, i feel the same as you do about Dijon.

[@switch_cave9247]

loved this video, u perfectly described the whole feeling Dijon creates with his music. keep it up man

[@NicheNonsense]

will do! I appreciate you

[@kanemcpherson6488]

really nice video

[@NicheNonsense]

thank you! appreciate the support!

[@drewgrit_]

Just came across from Reddit, couldn’t agree more with what you’re saying. This album made be rethink what music could be. Everybody needs to hear this album. Great video dude, keep up the good work✌️

[@NicheNonsense]

appreciate ya dude! it truly does feel like a light bulb moment in music, can't wait to see what he inspires and what he does next. thanks for watching

[@mitchellthoeni5036]

This showed up on my home page since I'm always watching videos by/about Dijon. This video is perfect, the way you describe an indescribable feeling is amazing and you perfectly capture what it's like to experience the wonder of Dijon. I saw him when he opened for Bon Iver, and even though I had been listening to Bon Iver for ~4x as long, I was still more excited to see Dijon than the main event! Great video, just subbed!

[@rjones8550]

Speaking to my soul brother. Thanks for making this ❤

[@hiitsefe]

you describe every emotion i feel when i listen to his music! amazing video man "His music is like living inside someone else's nostalgia" YOU ARE A POETTTT

[@NicheNonsense]

this comment has me smiling. I appreciate you!

[@hannahm4770]

What a phenomenal video! You articulated things i feel about dijon's music i couldnt put to words myself

[@WilsonRidge]

Just subbed! Love this stuff

[@kiaarash]

you're my favorite bro, these videos are beautifully crafted.

[@microwaveburger]

Love this, just talking about a feeling is so hard, but you got it. The Dress has made me cry nearly every time I listen, i'm about to go to a football match but i'm going to have a cry first - great video, will watch the rest of your channel when i'm back home 🍔

[@mintcomusic]

beautifully said 🤝

[@norbylive]

It’s really hard to gauge his popularity, but still feels like he’s making music for the same audience

[@Mitchy0The0Kid]

Masterfully said. To be able to literally pour your heart and soul out like he does on the Absolute Album is, and maybe even should be, what every artist, or even human, strives for. Certainly inspiring for anyone trying to express themselves more and be their most authentic self.

[@BrittaneyBunjong]

I felt this description in my soul.

[@Bergamabacht]

I so feel you. Thank you for the inspired share.

[@crouxchet]

man, you articulated exactly how i feel about this guy. i couldn't put into into words before, and you got it. on a side note this channel is my niche in a really eery way so you've got a new sub in me for sure lmao

[@NicheNonsense]

appreciate it man! happy to have you along for the ride

[@Warrenified]

bless the algo

[@jacksondale6618]

This was amazing

[@stevenohall]

Beautifully said’ These folk are changing music❤️‍🩹

[@Wewindows10101]

this videop captures Dijon so much

[@ameheheh2237]

this is really beautifully written, good stuff

[@bubube333]

still underated

[@jacksongoerges9422]

I almost cry to his music

[@shopgirl4527]

I love this. I love dijon. Thank you :)

[@NicheNonsense]

thanks for watching!!

[@jackrobitaille7459]

you get it

[@realfakemusic582]

this was wonderful, hope this puts more people onto him

[@NicheNonsense]

it's only a matter of time

[@connorwareing5261]

You should check out weather day is a much harder version of what dijon has to offer I love them both but weather day layers it with much more punk elements

[@ekkariya]

instant sub

[@tapiwanyakabau4058]

This is exactly how I felt about this album

[@eastonparks586]

How do you make videos like this with all these clips? Does it take a long time? This is awesome and it makes me wanna try it myself!

[@landel5923]

Facts!!

[@reacherstudio]

Algorithm finally hit over here, absolutely unreal

[@weaponxgamer3786]

Been listening since crybaby released and I love all his songs ever since

[@winter3578]

exactly how i feel about him

[@k9unitsrus483]

i fucking love this video

[@gusaanom]

i love dijon but man i worry about his vocal cords when he sings sometimes 😭😭😭its no wonder why he sometimes loses his voice mid show

[@NicheNonsense]

No for real he is make those cords earn their keep haha

[@vc1954]

reminds me of bartees strange

[@passwordprotectedd]

gonna be back in 5 years when he's blown up

[@mirror1001]

dijon the goat

[@NicheNonsense]

no lies detected

[@MjkL1337]

about dance song: i can't find a single cover on KZbin.

[@albanmlg5443]

As a french i wonder why is he fucking named after my hometown city of Dijon, well known for its mustard ahaha.. let me know ?

[@innormal99]

Im pretty sure its his name as well!

[@NicheNonsense]

yeah his real name's Dijon Duenas. who knows maybe his parents liked your city! I know he said in an interview they bounced between the US and Germany (close-ish) since they were in the military

[@oak5848]

let’s make a music podcast

[@gracedevlin5807]

mhm

[@mkeneely414]

i'm saying!

[@jano7228]

while I no doubt agree that dijon is sick, your writing is sick too dude and maybe that's what you're picking up on... peep john prine & tyler childers & keiyaA & nick hakim & moses sumney & alex g ...you like things done with intention ya? peep peep peep and write more of these

[@NicheNonsense]

thanks dude! I listen to all of em except keiyaa and nick hakim so they're going straight on the list, appreciate the recos and the kind words