Following a long-form FM radio residency, streak of television appearances, award nominations, major film cameo and a collaboration with a bona fide 1970s rock legend, Frederica, Delaware-based Dutchman reveal the centerpiece of their momentum: the release of their Double A side singles “Springfield 78” and “Papa Fronc.”
Dutchman’s momentum began the first week of January, appearing on “The Bertram Newton Show”. Broadcasted on ‘Cruisin’ 92.1 WVLT-NJFM’, a four-hour deep-dive conversation covering the band’s history, self-built production, and behind the scenes stories of the band were carried onto late night radio. Unbeknownst to them, the appearance would spark a 8-month long residency at the station. Within days, Dutchman was everywhere. They appeared on multiple podcasts, including ‘33/24’ and ‘Recall The Podcast’ as well as sat down with the ‘Delaware State News’ for a profile that helped introduce their story to an even wider audience.
“The best part about Dutchman, is the energy in their craft. With so much going on, one episode of the podcast wasn’t enough. Dutchman was the first to ever have a back-to-back, two-episode interview on ‘Recall the Podcast’ in January and February. – Josh Kopelen
That momentum carried them into their first televised performances, beginning with ‘WBOC-CBS’s DelmarvaLife’, Dutchman delivered gripping renditions of their singles “I Need You Now” and fan-favorite “On the Run”. A second television appearance on ‘WRDE-NBC’s CoastlifeTV’ followed shortly after. This time premiering a new unreleased track “What She Never Wrote” performed live from the legendary studio “Midsouth Audio” located in Milton, Delaware. By February, Dutchman found themselves performing a blistering set at Dew Point Brewing’s “Cabin Fever” event, a performance that became a high point of the night reaching a record “112” on the venue’s decibel reader. As well as the crowd describing the rock group as one of the best and loudest bands to perform at the historical location. Following a trip through Pittsburgh, PA, scouting new venues and making new connections with their fan base, the month’s end brought a glowing review from Gable Music’s own Sug Daniel’s, revering the Delaware rock group for their “Warm and nostalgic sound”.
Gravatt adds, “We seem to have one speed and its “Go!”. Since the first album there’s always been something waiting right around the corner, every step so far has brought a new opportunity greater than the last. This year has proven that tenfold.”
March and April found Dutchman back to ‘MidSouth Audio’ finalizing the mix for “Springfield 78”. Working with engineer Ross Douglas, the track was originally developed from three separate compositions. Combining the strongest elements of each, Johnson, Gravatt, Solorzano and Fez got to work stitching them together into a sweeping 6-minute masterpiece. From strong soaring vocals to harmony rich guitars reminiscent of ‘The Eagles’ and’ The Allman Brothers’, the song is taken to a breathtaking finale grounded by Franco Solorzano’s expressive piano and Mitch Wiseman’s soaring saxophone. Written by Johnson, he proudly considers the finished track the finest example of musicianship the band has ever put on tape.
Engineer Ross Douglas mentions, “Working with Dutchman has been a highlight of my career thus far, with both new tracks marking the first time I’ve ever recorded on analog tape. The band really brings a sound, nostalgic, to 1960’s/70’s while keeping originality to the music. They’re a talented group of musicians and a riot to be around. There’s never a dull moment working with them, they’re always cracking jokes and bringing ease to the working atmosphere. All this to say, working with them has been a journey that I am excited to keep going down”
During these sessions the band received an unexpected message from the team behind the biopic, “I Got a Song: The Story of Sugarloaf”. Meeting with Executive Producer Stacy Raymond & Director Kyle Lamar. The filmmakers showed interest in Dutchman not only appearing in the movie but potentially collaborating with Sugarloaf’s legendary guitarist Bob Webber for the movie’s soundtrack.
Through Stacy, Dutchman was introduced to Webber and soon connected with the band on a musical level. Chatting about everything from recording technique to vintage equipment, Webber soon agreed to team up with the Delaware rock group to create a legendary bridge between the past and present Rock & Blues scene. The result is “Papa Fronc”. A funky, blues-infused, jazz-leaning track driven by rich organ textures, bold piano lines, and of course the unmistakable lead guitar flair Webber is known for. Written by band leader, Connor Johnson with the film in mind, the track features prominent moments from Webber, Johnson, Gravatt & the band’s legendary keyboardist Franco Solorzano on a howling B3 organ. With Fez topping it off with the distinctive pocket his drums are known for, we find the band tapping into the evident influence ‘Sugarloaf’ has made on the young musicians.
“Our Sugarloaf band members and the family of our bass player, who passed away in 2016, are working on a movie “I Got a Song – the Story of Sugarloaf.” Stacy Raymond, the screenwriter and executive producer of the film, connected me with ‘Dutchman’ to possibly collaborate on a tune. Dutchman has a track – Papa Fronc – that sounds like something that could have been on a Sugarloaf album. It’s funky, jazzy, bluesy, and something that I needed to play on. A great B3 organ sound sets up a tasty melody that lets me add my guitar style for a nice jazz-fusion flavor. Some fine piano work kicks off the track and really puts down a great foundation throughout the tune. Many thanks to the band! I am so humbled that they would want me to add some of my guitar work to their tune. The homage to “Green Eyed Lady” was deliberate and it was inspired by the vibe that Papa Fronc creates”
– Bob Webber of ‘Sugarloaf’
By June, Dutchman found themselves traveling west to Cripple Creek, Colorado. There, perched in a remote cabin at 10,500 feet called “The Fern House”, they recorded additional material in an environment Fez describes as “a place where the music could breathe.”
While in Colorado, the band spent 12 hours on set filming their cameo for the Sugarloaf biopic, inside Denver’s historic ‘Aztlan Theater’. While on set, they took the opportunity to meet the cast and crew as well as lend the production team some of their guitars for the film. While on set, the production team also allowed the band to shoot a live music video for their track “On the Run”. The video features Dutchman performing their fan favorite track on the famous Aztlan Theater stage with Colorado Actor “Sean Vadney” filling in Franco Solorzano’s spot on keys. Sean is starring in the forthcoming biopic as legendary singer/songwriter Jerry Corbetta.
Screenwriter and executive producer, Stacy Raymond, adds, “Their passion for Sugarloaf and genuine interest in our film project has added a new layer of authenticity in what we want to portray to our audience. We look forward to sharing Dutchman’s musical brilliance as well as their on-camera screen debut! Dutchman, in the flesh, coming to you live from backstage in “I Got a Song – The Story of Sugarloaf.”
July and August brought more television appearances and radio features. Returning to ‘WBOC-CBS’s DelmarvaLife’ with New Jersey Guitarist, Connor O’malley, The band performed fan favorites “Springfield 79” & “It’s a Wild Life,” as well as a heartfelt cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown”. That same month found the group in Boston, Massachusetts for a live performance and interview with “Boston Wave Radio” on “Rick’s Rock Shop”. While in town, the boys took the opportunity for some equipment, expanding upon their vintage arsenal. They acquired a 1960’s Lowrey organ, a Fender Rhodes, and a 1973 Martin D-28 nicknamed “The Nun”. Fittingly, the Martin acoustic was owned by a local musician named “Dutch”. Upon their return to Delaware, Dutchman found themselves attending The 2025 “Hometown Hero Awards” garnering two nominations. Their single “In Your Heart” was nominated for “Best Country/Americana Song” as well as Fez, for “Best Drummer”.
2025 has been a whirlwind for the band. From multiple television appearances, FM radio residency, movie cameo and film soundtrack. Dutchman’s reach has spread far and wide. This hard work has earned them over 175,000 streams, 8,200 playlist adds, and 65,000 new listeners in just eight months. You can stream “Springfield 78” and their historical collaboration with the legendary Bob Webber on “Papa Fronc” anywhere you find music.
