Eternal Mourning
In this interview, Eternal Mourning explores the creative process behind “Drums Are Beating My Steps,” discussing insomnia, dark folk atmospheres, songwriting influences, and the project’s evolving musical direction.
1. “Drums Are Beating My Steps” began as a late-night voice memo during a period of insomnia. What inspired you to turn that personal experience into a song, and how did the initial idea evolve into its final form?
The song started with a voice memo recorded late at night, during a period when sleep was hard to come by. I’ve always had insomnia, but in a good way. Sometimes, when you can’t sleep, your mind keeps moving even when you want everything to stop, but I’d rather use that period to be creative and build on that anxiety before daylight. I wanted to capture that feeling of being caught in a movement you can’t quite control. What began as a simple idea gradually developed into a much more layered arrangement. I went through several stages, from the initial memo to a DIY demo and eventually the final mix, moving from a very clean folk approach with only the guitar to a more twisted dark folk approach. Looking back at those different versions, it’s interesting to hear how the song evolved with a demo that has a specific mood and feeling to a mutated mood and feeling on the final mix. I wanted to share that.
2. The song explores the feeling of being pushed forward by an unseen force while struggling to regain control. How important is storytelling and emotional imagery when you write music, and what do you hope listeners take away from this track?
Storytelling is important to me, but I don’t necessarily want to explain everything or give the listener a single interpretation. I love multiple layers of meaning in a song and letting listeners interpret it for themselves. I tend to write from feelings, images, and situations that can be difficult to put into words directly. Music gives those things another dimension. With this song, I wanted to convey that sense of movement and tension, as if something is driving you forward whether you’re ready or not. I hope listeners can connect with that feeling in their own way and find something of their own experience in the song.
3. Your sound combines intimate indie folk songwriting with atmospheric textures and darker alternative elements. How do you balance these different qualities to create the distinctive sonic identity of Eternal Mourning?
I usually start with the lyrics first, then build that collage with a melody or a guitar part. I’m trying to play the priest and create a good marriage. I don’t try to fit everything into a predefined sound. I’m drawn to contrasts: something intimate alongside something expansive, a delicate melody against a rougher texture, or a quiet moment that gradually builds in intensity. Between lush guitars, thumpy bass mixed with a rubber bridge hidden in the background. Production is a way to explore those contrasts without losing the emotional core of the song, and it’s always a dramatic feeling to have a specific feeling when you do a demo and get a different one when you have a final mix. I wanted the arrangements to add depth and atmosphere, but I also want the songs to retain a sense of vulnerability and space.
4. Artists like Timber Timbre, The National, and Beck’s Sea Change are mentioned as points of reference for your music. What draws you to these artists, and how do you ensure their influence inspires rather than defines your own creative direction?
What I appreciate about these artists is their ability to create a strong atmosphere while keeping the songwriting at the center. Timber Timbre has a distinctive sense of moods and tension, and I’m very, very sad that we lost him recently. Berninger with The National can make intimate emotions feel expansive, and the lyrics are always brilliant. Beck’s Sea Change has a vulnerability and restraint that I find particularly compelling, and it connects with many of the tones I like. These are references rather than formulas. I’m not trying to reproduce their sound; I couldn’t anyway. I take inspiration from the way they approach songwriting, texture, and emotion, then let the songs develop according to their own needs. I’m just a sponge, hoarding influences, with my own shapes and colours.
5. The evolution of “Drums Are Beating My Steps” has been documented through Reels, Stories, and live performances, from the early demo to the final mix. What did this process teach you about the song, and how has sharing these behind-the-scenes moments influenced your connection with listeners?
Revisiting the different versions reminded me that a song is rarely finished in a single moment. Small decisions in the arrangement, performance, and mix can change the way it feels, even when the original idea remains the same. Sharing that process has also given me a way to show a more personal side of making music. It’s all about the story, and life is not linear. Social media often focuses on the finished product, nice, cute videos, and a polished appearance, but I find it interesting to reveal the work and experimentation behind it. At least I tried thru Instagram. It gives listeners a glimpse into how a song comes together, including the imperfect stages that are usually left unseen.
6. Released independently on October 23, 2026, “Drums Are Beating My Steps” marks another step in the development of Eternal Mourning. What are your plans for the project moving forward, and what can listeners expect from your next releases?
Right now, we’re focused on continuing to develop Eternal Mourning, both for a new recording project and as a live band. We’ve built a new lineup and are exploring how the songs can evolve when we play them together live. We’re also writing with a more organic approach. I think the next songs could be our heaviest yet and more drum-oriented, while staying within the dark folk and indie rock genres. We’re interested in allowing that collaboration to influence the music. We’re so blessed to be all four together and able to create. As for what’s next, we want to keep writing, experimenting with different textures, and finding new ways to bring the songs to life. We don’t want to rush into defining next chapter before it takes shape. Looking forward to see new faces when 2027 comes.