RafDolBac bids farewell to the past as he takes stock of his life in his new pop-rock single Growing Up — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The third single from the up-and-coming teenage Quebec singer and songwriter, Growing Up offers a poignant yet punchy reflection on the transition from childhood to adulthood. The evocative track explores the bittersweet nature of growing up, highlighting the inevitable farewells to simpler times and cherished memories. RafDolBac masterfully contrasts the carefree days of youth — filled with bike rides, friendships, and summer joys — with the challenges and uncertainties of adult life.
The song’s lyrics delve deep into themes of nostalgia and longing for the past, expressing a heartfelt desire to hold onto the innocence and happiness of younger years. Musically, the single effortlessly bridges the gaps between pop, alt-rock, and indie genres, grounded by RafDolBac’s singer-songwriter traditions. A strong guitar riff forms the foundation of the soundscape, evolving as the track unfolds. RafDolBac’s vocals are outstanding throughout the track as he transmits his bittersweet sentiment with his captivating vocal tone and powerful performance prowess. As he grapples with the loss of one’s former self and the comfort of familiar experiences, his vocals soar over the shapeshifting instrumental below.
“I started writing this song when I moved out of my childhood home to go to college,” RafDolBac shares. “I had just moved into my dorm and as time went by, I felt sort of robbed of my childhood and the things that made it what it was. Everything was so different and all of the places that I would love going to and the activities I would love doing, all of it was gone. It seemed stupid but at the same time it left a hole in my chest. So I wrote Growing Up as a way to rationalize my thoughts and to cope with this big change in my life. Even though I felt melancholic and nostalgic about the whole situation, I knew that this step in my life was normal and that I had to go through it at some point. That’s when Growing Up came in. And it helped me a lot.
“About a year later, I learned that my parents had decided to sell the house. That really broke me. I started writing notes and letters to no one, just sentences filled with sadness and helplessness, letters of departure as well, saying goodbye, etc. I hadn’t finished writing Growing Up yet at that time. So that new situation really shaped the rest of the song. What I love about it though is that even though the song is technically about two separate situations, they aren’t too far off from each other in terms of subject matter. So it all makes sense together.”
Hailing from Boucherville, RafDolBac gained recognition as a finalist on the Canadian TV show La Voix Junior (The Voice Kids) in 2016, showcasing his exceptional talent. After the series ended, RafDolBac embarked on a tour with fellow participants, showcasing his talents across Canada in 2017. Since then, he has also worked with Marc Dupré, Mika.A, Mario Pelchat Et Les Prêtes and The Wild Sisters Band.
Check out Growing Up above, hear more from RafDolBac below, and follow him on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
