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Today, 17-year-old artist Hunter Oliveri celebrates his signing to hard rock record label Spinefarm Records with the release of his boisterous new single “DUMB” and accompanying music video. 

A spirited, grunge-like track reminiscent of Oliveri’s musical inspirations Chris Cornell and Soundgarden and Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins, the track is carried by a distorted guitar riff and lyrics that conjure memories of aimless youth. 

In the thumping energetic chorus, Oliveri sings out, “Yeah, I’m a roller coaster / Yeah, I’m a goddamn loner / I made a home in the chip on my shoulder / I know I could change / But I’d rather be dumb.”

The accompanying video is equal parts rowdy and nostalgic, transporting viewers to the days of misspent youth and pursuit of the next high. Starting with an audio clip scolding, “That was not okay. I mean, why were you guys even outside drinking to begin with,” the music video then catapults into a house-party montage of mischief as Oliveri sings into the end of a beer bottle.

Regarding the inspiration for “DUMB,” Oliveri says, “My mom wants me to get a job, two jobs, everything’s expensive as fuck, I have friends making more on OnlyFans than college graduates/doctors, everything’s dumb. So I tried to grab the feelings I have on the daily of: What is the point of doing what my parents want me to do when shit just feels dumb as fuck.”

Oliveri added, “I bet a lot of kids could relate to having people tell you to go to college, find a steady career, have a family, and be a part of this fucked up system when in reality, I just want to be a kid my entire life, chase girls, skate, smoke, hang with my friends, and make music. I hope the song connects with anyone who just wants to forget all their problems and live life without all the bullshit. Just rather be ‘Dumb.’”

Writing songs every day in his bedroom since only 13 years old, Oliveri strives to create music that connects and inspires those who, like himself, feel trapped in the digital world and tend to disassociate from the outside. “I want people to feel something when they listen to my music, and to relate to me, and for me to be a friend and an outlet for them,” Oliveri commented. 

Combining forces with Spinefarm Records, we are excited to see how Oliveri continues to make sense of life through music, grappling with the messiness of youth and pushing the boundaries of the punk, grunge genre. 

Watch the “DUMB” video below: