Dressed Like Boys

Dressed Like Boys, the solo project of Jelle Denturck, is the kind of music that doesn’t just sit there. It pulls you in, soft but insistent, asking you to listen, to feel, to think. Jelle, based in Ghent, Belgium, is a gay man whose music is deeply shaped by his experiences of sexuality, identity, and the constant struggles faced by the queer community. But it’s not all dark or heavy. The sound he creates is a blend of '70s piano ballads, the sunshine pop warmth of the '60s, indie folk, and a bit of experimental flair in the recording, resulting in something both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It’s a world where the personal meets the universal, where you can hear the ache of love and resilience, but also the joy of self-discovery.

In his latest work, Jelle’s focus is sharp, and one song, in particular, stands out – “This song is about Jaouad Alloul,” Jelle explains. “He lives in Belgium, just like me, although his roots lie in Morocco. Jaouad contains multitudes. He is an actor, a writer, a singer. A gay man, a Muslim, a drag queen. A freedom fighter. A gentle, wounded spirit. Above all, he is unafraid. Unafraid to be himself in a world where everyone seems to be a judge. I wanted to pay tribute to his beautiful, wonderful humanity by writing this song.”

And that’s the thing about Jelle’s music – it’s not just an inward journey; it’s about the people, the stories, and the lives that inspire him. In paying tribute to Jaouad, he’s weaving a narrative of unflinching self-expression, a celebration of someone who refuses to be defined by others. The song resonates with a vulnerability that goes beyond Jelle’s own life and speaks to something deeper, something that calls on all of us to be unafraid, to live without apology in a world too quick to judge.

Through his thoughtful blend of sound and lyrical honesty, Jelle creates a space where you’re invited not just to hear, but to understand. There’s a kind of quiet power in his music, a gentleness that pulls you in rather than pushing you away. It’s a world that feels familiar, yet entirely its own – one that celebrates the richness of humanity, in all its forms. It’s the kind of music that doesn't scream for attention but demands it all the same, simply because it’s so full of heart.