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Artist Spotlight

Sebastian Rydgren shares a catchy sound of his new single, “Hear Me Out” [Interview]

Sebastian Rydgren

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.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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.
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Artist Spotlight

“Subterranean Homesick Blues” finds a new direction through Ghost of Panama

Ghost of Panama

Rearranging a song that carries six decades of cultural weight is a creative challenge, but Ghost of Panama approaches “Subterranean Homesick Blues” with clear purpose. The rock band radically reworks Bob Dylan’s counter-culture hit, reshaping its identity while keeping its rebellious spirit. It’s a tribute to musical heritage and a statement of artistic independence all in one.

This new interpretation is very much shaped by the production, made at Ghost of Panama’s home studio in West London. The setting allows an intimate approach to reinterpreting a familiar song and lets the group engage directly with the material, taking it in a new artistic direction.

“Subterranean Homesick Blues” centers on the tension between conservation and transformation. Ghost of Panama is true to the song’s rebellious spirit without adding to its legacy, and this approach gives the release an adventurous feel, grounded in countercultural energy but driven by a desire to see what the composition can become in a different musical context.

Their version of this 60-year-old classic shows that respecting a song’s history can also mean breaking the rules and finding new ways to express its spirit. Fundamentally, “Subterranean Homesick Blues” presents Ghost of Panama as artists who want to engage with the past without being tied to it. The release’s strongest identity is a familiar heritage reimagined through a singularly forward-looking creative vision.

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Artist Spotlight

“NO MORE” by Amanda Holley connects healing, awakening, and survival

Amanda Holley

“NO MORE carries that kind of emotional weight, and some songs feel like they come from lived experience but reach for something bigger. Amanda Holley blends R&B and soul, turning a lifetime of survival into a vision of healing, awakening, and the determination to move beyond what caused the pain.

“NO MORE is a healing anthem for people who have gone through bad experiences and reached a place of higher awareness, but it’s also an emotionally charged protest. The duality is introspective and outward-looking at the same time, turning personal survival into a broader declaration that some experiences, conditions, or cycles should end.

Holley had a premonition of the song six months before the world went into global shutdown. In the vocal booth, working out melodies with her collaborators, she pictured people in the streets. Those images were hard to imagine at the time, but subsequent events would make them painfully familiar.

“NO MORE is given a particularly contemplative underpinning by the context. The identity of R&B and soul leaves room for emotion. The song’s themes link survival, awakening, resistance, and the need for change. Amanda Holley is an artist using music to process personal endurance and a broader sense of social awakening. It’s got a complicated significance, and its release feels like a glimpse of a moment when personal intuition and public reality collided in an unexpected way.

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Photo Credit: Yulia Shusharina

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