THE DROP:ROB DE BOER
Rob de Boer Finds Soulful Clarity on Debut Album Man to You
Irish-Dutch multi-instrumentalist and visual artist Rob de Boer steps confidently into the spotlight with his debut album Man to You, a deeply personal, soul-steeped journey through themes of identity, queerness, relationships, and modern masculinity.
Described by as “an old school and unassuming jazzy gem,” de Boer’s work balances intimacy with expansiveness—pairing stripped-back, organic instrumentation with lyrical vulnerability and warm, analog textures.
Tracklist:
If You Wanna
Autumn Haze
Our Own Way
Downpour
Man to You
So Hard to Forget
212 Hours
Backline
Song for You
Moon and the Stars
Shine On Me
Having already garnered support from Jazz FM, RTE 2XM, NTS Radio, and more, Man to You is the culmination of years of creative exploration. Moving away from the electronic polish of earlier releases, de Boer leans into rich soul and Motown influences, with nods to Bill Withers, Oscar Jerome, and Michael Kiwanuka.
Across 11 tracks, the Dublin-London-based artist explores love and longing (“Autumn Haze”), growing apart from loved ones (“Our Own Way”), and identity reckoning (“Man to You”).
Man to You: The Heart of the Album:
On the album’s title track, Rob strips things back entirely for a soul-baring reflection on queer identity within conservative frameworks. Raised in Ireland’s religious and often patriarchal environment, the song is a contemplative dialogue—both internal and outward-facing—about how one’s identity collides with tradition.
Our Own Way: A Cinematic Standout
Accompanied by a visually arresting Bob Fosse-inspired dance video, “Our Own Way” sees de Boer push his multidisciplinary talents to the fore. Co-directed by long-time collaborator Douglas Reddan, the video expands Rob’s narrative beyond audio, emphasizing the seamless marriage between his filmic and musical sensibilities.
