#66 - Duke Dumont - Ocean Drive
Dive into Duke Dumont’s “Ocean Drive,” where nostalgic 80s vibes meet melancholic lyrics and driving beats on a cinematic nocturnal journey.
Story Behind “Ocean Drive” by Duke Dumont
Released in July 2015 as the lead single from his Blasé Boys Club Part 1 EP, “Ocean Drive” features uncredited vocals by Boy Matthews and became Duke Dumont’s signature track. The song channels Miami‑Vice style synths and vintage basslines, blending nostalgia with fresh, contemporary production. Critics noted its fusion of indie-dance and nu-disco, describing it as "pure pop disguised as a dance banger".
The song’s moody lyrics—“don’t say a word as we dance with the devil”—paint a scene of nocturnal longing and tension, evoking midnight drives where joy and reflection collide Earmilk. The official video, set on LA’s Melrose Avenue, complements the vibe with neon-lit visuals of camaraderie and nighttime wanderings .
Technical Details
Notes About “Ocean Drive”
Release Date: 31 July 2015
EP: Blasé Boys Club Part 1, later included on 2020’s Duality
Duration: 3:25 (single), 4:42 (extended mix)
Genre: Indie Dance, Nu‑Disco, Deep House
Writers: Timucin Lam (Jax Jones), Adam Dyment, James Norton, Hal Ritson
Producer: Duke Dumont (with co-production by Jax Jones)
Vocals: Boy Matthews (uncredited)
Album & Release Details
EP: Blasé Boys Club Part 1 – released 2 October 2015
Album: Duality – released 17 April 2020
Label: Blasé Boys Club / Virgin EMI
Artist Details
Duke Dumont (Adam George Dyment) is an English DJ and producer best known for hits like “Need U (100%)”, “I Got U”, and “Won’t Look Back”.
He launched his own label, Blasé Boys Club, to release more frequent EPs instead of traditional albums.
Album Production Notes
“Ocean Drive” stemmed from Dumont’s shift away from album constraints toward a serial-EP format, aiming for agility and constant creative flow. The song’s nostalgic yet modern production brought cinematic textures, layering synths, bass, and subtle guitar under polished beats .
Interesting Facts about the Song and Artist
Chart Success: Topped airplay charts in Hungary and Poland; reached #5 in Australia, #14 in New Zealand; peaked at #42 on the UK Singles Chart.
Critical Praise: Recognized for blending 80s pop aesthetics with contemporary grooves .
Cultural Impact: Became a staple in nightlife and streaming playlists; widely used in visuals for its evocative mood.
Alternate Options: The track’s vocals were initially offered to The Weeknd before being recorded by Boy Matthews.