Artist Spotlight
Sebastian Rydgren shares a catchy sound of his new single, “Hear Me Out” [Interview]
Sebastian Rydgren, a solo artist, is paving way in the music industry with his debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Influenced by prominent artists like Tove Lo, Troye Sivan, and Kylie Minogue, Sebastian brings a fresh and dynamic sonic vibe that resonates with the 80s’ nostalgic vibes. His passion for blending modern pop genres has culminated in a unique musical style that captivates listeners. Sebastian provides detailed insights into the creation, production, and inspiration behind “Hear Me Out,” along with his plans for future music projects and live performances related to his debut single in this exclusive interview.
Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?
I am a solo artist. My music draws influence from artists like Tove Lo, Troye Sivan, and Kylie Minogue. He likes to mix and play with different genres, especially music from the 80s, and combine that with a modern pop sound.
Where was the single/EP/album recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.
My debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was produced and recorded by a well-established producer in Sweden called Johan Kronlund in collaboration with my record label, Metronica.
Regarding production, what aspects of “Hear Me Out” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?
“Hear Me Out” went through many different stages and phases. It started as a beautiful and raw ballad, but my team and I felt that a more upbeat and “clubby” sound would suit me better as a debutant. Johan Kronlund and I worked closely in the studio to create the right sound for the single, drawing much inspiration from my influences and Daya’s song “Bad Girl.”
Can you describe what inspired you to write “Hear Me Out”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single/EP/album? How did you collaborate on the lyrics and melody?
The song is originally written by Alex Mood, Felix Svedestig Götesson, and Gracia Balandina. An early version of the song was presented to me by my team, and I was instantly drawn to the melodies.
How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?
The lyrics describe a feeling of emptiness that a lot of people can relate to. However, by adding an upbeat, dance-pop production, I want to convey a sense of positivity and hope.
Please briefly describe the song, the EP/Album, and the thinking behind the project? What does “Hear Me Out” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?
My team and I have worked on a few different songs over the past year, and we concluded that “Hear Me Out” is an excellent first single representing me as an artist.
Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?
The response to my release has been very positive, and I’ve received many great reviews worldwide. The song has also been broadcast on several radio stations.
Did “Hear Me Out” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?
I was surprised at how well it has been received and how widely it’s spread as a debut single. The fact that I’ve been invited for radio interviews and gotten to perform the song on different stages makes me so happy.
How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?
A few upcoming live shows are planned where I will perform “Hear Me Out” with my dancers. New dates are always booked, so the best way to know when and where I’ll perform is to follow me on Instagram (@Sebastianrydgren).
Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an EP?
There is no music video planned for “Hear Me Out” at the moment, but I hope to expand on the visual aspects of my music one day. The plan is to release new music during the fall, starting with two club remixes of “Hear Me Out” on August 9th.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sebastian Rydgren’s “Hear Me Out” on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Sebastian Rydgren | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”
Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.
“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.
“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.
The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.
Artist Spotlight
Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi
Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.
Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.
The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.
“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.
Connect with Kalpee: Instagram
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