Establishing the mood with a stripped-back acoustic guitar and brooding vocals, Zach Outman opens Carpe DMs with the situational lyrics, “Turn the lights on turn ’em back off but you, already know I won’t miss you when you’re gone, it was only one night only one night so I don’t know what you want from me…”
We immediately connect with the raw authenticity and high emotional quotient that Zach shares. The song feels both visually cinematic and deeply personal. It is clear that Zach is writing from his lived experience. It is relatable, and the songwriting is polished.
We imagine that fans of Morgan Wallen and crossover country-pop would be able to connect with what Zach is sharing, although there is no doubt that he is manifesting a sound and universe unto his own design.
Zach cleverly transforms the iconic Latin phrase carpe diem, meaning “seize the day,” a saying popularized by the Roman poet Horace centuries ago, into the concept of Carpe DMs, thus modernizing the expression into a witty commentary on dating culture in the social media era.
As for the message, Carpe DMs explores the emotional burnout that comes with modern dating culture. Zach comments on the cycle of temporary highs, ghosting, anxiety and emotional self-preservation.
Lyrics like “Once you lay it out you can’t take it back…”, and “Gotta push those feelings back before they get the best of you…” highlight the tension between emotional honesty and self-care, whilst the recurring line “On this week’s episode of Carpe DMs…” frames modern romance like an endless episodic performance.
We really vibe with the philosophical depth and intentionality of how Zach uses humour and wordplay to mask deeper feelings. It feels tailor-made for a sync placement in a show like My Life with the Walter Boys, or Euphoria.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Carpe DMs to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Zach Outman, including See You in Hell, and Warning Label.