Bente releases third album, *DWARS*, after a “long search”

Dutch singer Bente Fokkens has released her third studio album, *DWARS*, after two and a half years of writing, recording and reflection. She says the 14-track record grew out of a long search for music that met her exacting standards.

“I just don’t really settle for something being good or fine. I want it to be perfect,” the 26-year-old told ANP before the release, in an interview reported by Nieuws.nl.

Bente says the process was demanding: she recorded 60 demos before choosing the 14 tracks. While working on the album, she also performed at festivals including Pinkpop, Concert at SEA and Rock Werchter. She described the summer as busy and at times overwhelming, but said the experience made her realise how comfortable and happy she feels as an artist.

The title reflects her wish to resist being put in a musical box. Bente says she hopes the album encourages people to “colour outside the lines”, and describes its central idea as freedom and being yourself.

She says growing up brought stress, panic and anxiety that had displaced some of the carefree feeling of childhood. Making music, she said, gives her room to reconnect with that openness—and she hopes listeners will find inspiration in it too.