Dolo Tonight Shares Debut Concept Album ‘DVD Rental Store’
Out Now via Epitaph Records
WATCH The Music Video For “Two Pens”
Photo Credit: Rachel Briggs
On a mission to bring fun back into music, singer/songwriter Dolo Tonight (aka Jonah Rindner) is defining his own brand of “awkward anti-pop” with his debut album ‘DVD Rental Store’ out now via Epitaph Records. Expertly blending nostalgia with humor, the record is packed with bold anthems and buoyant chords produced by JUNO Award-winning, multi-Platinum producer Ryan Spraker (Weezer, Arkells). Listen to it in full HERE
After a series of whimsical singles and vibrant VHS-style music videos that reflect his full eccentric self, Dolo today shares the upbeat focus track “Two Pens”. An offbeat ode to friendship, the artist explains:
“My friend looked at me one afternoon and went, ‘I know exactly how to start a song you’d like,’ and just said, ‘I’ve got two pens…..in my T-shirt pocket… in case I lose one… or if you wanna use one…..’ I was like, ‘Damn. That’s accurate. I hate how much I love that.’ And the worst part is… it worked. That one joke turned into this whole song about how much I love my friends and how we moved across the country together chasing something.”
Co-directed by Dolo himself along Kalik Osborne, watch the music video for “Two Pens” HERE
Reflecting on the new record, Dolo expands, “I always saw my music as little pieces in a movie. Like, every song was a scene or a moment that stuck with you. So it just made sense to build out a world where all of it could live with the songs, skits, characters, the lore, and the chaos.”
On DVD Rental Store Dolo Tonight knows exactly who he’s making music for: the weirdos, the outcasts, and anyone who’s ever felt like an awkward outsider. With the help of producer Ryan Spraker, he learned to let go of genre and perfectionism in the studio and embrace his full creative spirit. Drawing influences from indie pop greats like Phoenix and Passion Pit, his infectious choruses and playful lyrics (about everything from crocheting animal sweaters to drunken cake runs at Wawa,) reflect his belief that music should be as fun and authentic as possible.
His debut album draws inspiration from the nostalgia of the DVD rental store, an era before algorithms and endless scrolling led to a paralysis of choice. The expository opening track, a skit titled “DVD Rental Store Intro (908-224-4086)” sets the tone, with Dolo picking out an unmarked disc at his local video store. As the album progress, many tracks play out as vignettes of coming-of-age stories inspired by indie cult classics like Juno.
With millions of views across social media and comment sections consistently pleading for new music, the 27-year-old musician is determined to turn fans into friends by creating music that reflects his vibrant personality and eclectic, colorful style. His approach is “intentionally unintentional,” meaning he doesn’t build a persona around his artistry. Instead, his full eccentric self is reflected in his work. “I’m just a weird, fun dude. I love writing weird lyrics,” he says. “I just like saying weird sh*t.”
Following two EPs, several standalone singles, and millions of streams across platforms, DVD Rental Store marks a sonic evolution in Dolo Tonight’s music. “For the first time, a lot of my personality is coming through in these songs,” he muses. “More so than in the past.” While he wants fans to connect with his music in their own way, he does invite listeners to have a specific takeaway: “You’re allowed to have fun. Let yourself have fun!”
DVD Rental Store Tracklisting
1. DVD Rental Store Intro (908-224-4086)
2. Hate You Now
3. Hotel On Your Heart
4. Live Your Life
5. Varsity Lip (Watchung Hills)
6. So Much Fun
7. Go Together feat. Rosarrie
8. Weatherman
9. Two Pens
