Rising R&B singer Dende has signed a deal with Def Jam Recordings. He joins a roster that includes fellow R&B acts Jhené Aiko, Muni Long, Coco Jones, Fridayy, Chase Shakur, and more.
“I’m honestly just excited for the opportunity to showcase our talents on a bigger scale than ever before,” Dende told Billboard. “Signing with Def Jam under Tunji does just that. I am ready for everyone to understand that Dende and his producer, Billy Blunt, are here to stay.”
Along with announcing his signing, the Texan singer has released his new single “The Louvre” featuring Swedish singer LUCIIA.
Named after the iconic Paris museum that houses The Mona Lisa painting, “The Louvre” finds Dende enamored by a walking piece of art.
“You’re a masterpiece / Basquiat would try to make you from a dream / Finally came along and / Changed the scene,” he sings in the chorus.
Speaking on “The Louvre,” Dende shares, “A muse is a word used to describe someone who brings inspiration to an artist. Our single ‘The Louvre’ is about feeling like you don’t have any inspiration at all, creativity, or just going through your day happily and then finding that in someone else.”
He adds, “LUCIIA and I got to connect in Def Jam‘s studio in LA to make one of my favorite songs I’ve made in a long time. It’s a masterpiece.”
“The Louvre” was produced by Dende’s longtime collaborator Billy Blunt along with Maleík, and DAB. It follows his 2024 EP, Wish You Were Here, which was inspired by a trip to London.
In 2023, Dende dropped two projects: and EP, Before We Crash, and an album, ’95 Civic. “Releasing ’95 Civic feels like the last thing I needed to do to move on to the next phase of my life,” he explained.
Earlier this year, Dende joined forces with fellow R&B singer-songwriter JeRonelle on “Right One, Wrong Time.”
Stream Dende’s new song “The Louvre” featuring LUCIIA below.
