ARGYRO
ARGYRO In this interview, ARGYRO opens up about the renewed release of “Lifeline,” the creative process behind her music and visuals, and how a transformative year is guiding her artistic evolution. 1. “Lifeline” was originally part of your album Glitterati, yet you chose to release it as a standalone single with a new music video. What made this the right moment to spotlight this particular song?“Lifeline” has always been one of those songs that quietly taps you on the shoulder. It’s about reconnection, humanity, and noticing how divided the world has become. Right now felt like the perfect moment to let it step out on its own. If there was ever a time to put a little unity back into the conversation – or at least nudge people toward it – it’s now. 2. The track carries strong themes of unity, compassion, and human connection. What inspired you to write “Lifeline,” and how do those themes reflect your personal experiences or your philosophy as an artist?It feels like everyone is living in their own silo these days – little bubbles, little factions, each with their own storyline playing on repeat. With “Lifeline,” I wanted to shake that up a bit. Not in a preachy way, just in a ‘hey, maybe let’s look up and notice each other again’ kind of way. As an artist, I’m always trying to remind myself and everyone listening that perspective is a powerful thing. 3. You’re known for handling nearly every part of the instrumentation yourself. How does that shape the emotional tone of “Lifeline”?Playing all the instruments lets me translate the melodies in my head without any detours. It’s like directing the entire cast myself – I get to shape every sound, every rhythm, every texture. That control allows me to be more honest emotionally. Instead of explaining what I want to another musician and hoping we land in the same place, I can just… build it. It’s a very direct line from imagination to music. 4. The music video expands the message of the song visually with a bold narrative. Can you walk us through the concept and what you wanted the imagery to communicate? We wanted the video to feel like a look inside the process, but also inside the mind. So we mixed studio performance with these moments in nature and isolation. My director, Elgin Cahill, had this idea of dropping me into the elements to show introspection – me versus the wilderness, basically. Hopefully that contrast adds another layer to what the song is saying. 5. Your 2025 has been huge – Glitterati is climbing, and your acting career is taking off with Christmas Cards on Amazon Prime. How has balancing music and acting influenced your creativity this year?Honestly, they feed each other. Our film is all about community and connection, which are the exact themes I dove into on Glitterati. Acting and music are just two different tools for expression. One uses a camera; one uses a mic – but they both want the same thing: to make people feel something. 6. With Glitterati still gaining traction and new projects ahead, where do you see your next artistic chapter heading? Any collaborations or releases you’re excited about?I was just cast as Bureau Chief Mark Taylor in the upcoming thriller ‘White Sycamore’, so it looks like the acting universe isn’t done with me yet. And on the music side, I’m already sketching ideas for the next project – my notebooks are getting suspiciously full again. I’ll probably start recording in 2026. In short: I plan on staying busy and staying curious. Argyro Official (@argyroofficial) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Robert Ross
Robert Ross Robert Ross brings a lively, country-meets-rock spark to the season with “Rockin’ Christmas.” In this interview, he reflects on joyful memories, creative confidence, and crafting a modern holiday anthem. 1. What inspired the more vibrant, party-ready direction for “Rockin’ Christmas”?I’ve always loved Christmas songs that feel alive — the kind that make you want to turn the volume up, sing along, and actually move. A lot of holiday music leans heavily into the quiet, reflective side, which I love too, but I wanted to capture the energy of a house full of love, laughter in the air, and music playing a little louder than it probably should. Blending country with a touch of rock ’n’ roll just felt honest to who I am and how I experience the holidays — full of joy, connection, and a whole lot of fun. 2. Were any of the lyrical scenes drawn from your own holiday memories?Absolutely. Christmas for me has always been about being present with the people you love, whether that’s sitting around the house late into the night, sharing stories, or sneaking in a quiet moment together. The song is really a collection of those feelings and snapshots that make December special. 3. What did you want “Rockin’ Christmas” to bring that feels fresh and uniquely “Robert Ross”?I wanted it to feel familiar but not predictable. There’s no shortage of great Christmas classics, so my goal wasn’t to compete with them — it was to add something that feels modern, energetic, and authentic to me as an artist. I think what makes it uniquely “Robert Ross” is that it stays true to my country roots while letting my personality come through — upbeat, a little edgy, romantic, and built for people who want to celebrate the season, not just reflect on it. 4. How did the Tulsa King placement influence your momentum and creative mindset? That placement was a huge moment for me. It was incredibly validating to hear my music paired with a major show like Tulsa King, and it confirmed that the songs I’m making are connecting beyond traditional lanes. Creatively, it gave me a lot of confidence — not to change what I do, but to lean into it even more. Heading into a release like “Rockin’ Christmas,” it reminded me to stay fearless, trust my instincts, and keep pushing forward with music that feels true to who I am. Which is exactly what will be the focus going into 2027. 5. How did you balance country charm and rock swagger in the production?It really came down to finding the right groove. We kept the foundation rooted in country storytelling and feel, then layered in rock elements that add punch and energy. Guitars(electric and steel) were a big part of that — letting them drive the rhythm while still keeping things melodic and warm. The drums, the tempo, and the overall performance were all about creating that festive, foot-tapping feel without losing the heart of the song. 6. What do you hope “Rockin’ Christmas” brings to listeners this season?I hope it brings joy and love — plain and simple. I want it to be the song people throw on when friends show up, when the kitchen’s full, when they’re driving around looking at Christmas lights, or if you just want to grab hold of the one you love and just dance. If it puts a smile on someone’s face, gets them singing along, makes them want to dance or helps create a great memory during the holidays, then it’s done its job. At the end of the day, the message is about love, togetherness, and enjoying the moment — because that’s what we’re taught and truly know. Christmas is all about love and sharing that love with one another. God so loved us he gave us his only son, through whom we know the true meaning of love. Robert Ross Music | Country music
Casey McQuillen
Casey McQuillen In this interview, Casey McQuillen opens up about her new single “Good,” sharing honest reflections on insecurity, self-worth, and the empowering message behind her advocacy and the You Matter Tour. 1. Your new single “Good” is such a heartfelt exploration of self-doubt and not fitting in. What inspired you to write this song, and why did you feel now was the right time to release it?“Good” came from all those moments when I felt like I was surrounded by people but still wondered if anyone truly saw me. That fear of throwing a birthday party and worrying no one will show up felt like the perfect image of what insecurity can look like. I released it now because I finally feel strong and ready to hold those feelings with love instead of shame and I want people to feel seen when they hear it! 2. The song paints a vivid picture of feeling unseen like the fear of throwing a birthday party no one comes to. Was this based on a personal experience and how have those emotions evolved for you over time?Yes that birthday party image is rooted in how I felt growing up. There were many times when I felt like I was visible on the outside but unseen on the inside. As I have gotten older I have not stopped having those feelings sometimes but I have learned to carry them differently. Through music and connection with fans I have come to realize that so many of us share those insecurities. Over time I have transformed that pain into something honest and real and not something to hide. 3. You have built such a strong connection between your music and your advocacy work. How does “Good” tie into the message behind your upcoming You Matter Tour and your collaboration with Ditch The Label?“Good” is really the emotional anthem of everything I believe the You Matter Tour represents. It speaks to self worth acceptance and the belief that you matter even in the moments when you feel completely invisible. Partnering with Ditch The Label takes that message even further by turning the song into a meaningful movement focused on real change. The song reflects exactly what we talk about on the tour. You deserve to be seen and heard. Releasing “Good” now makes that message feel stronger than ever because your voice your feelings and your story truly matter. 4. Touring across Europe with artists like Anastacia and Loreen must have been incredible. How have those experiences shaped your confidence and artistry as you move into this next phase of your career? Touring across Europe with Anastacia and Loreen was absolutely wild. Every night I stood on huge stages and looked out at crowds of thousands. It forced me to face my insecurities and rise above them. Those shows proved to me that even songs written from quiet personal moments can connect in powerful ways with so many people. The experience made me braver and more certain of who I am as an artist. It strengthened my voice not only musically but emotionally and gave me the confidence to share something as vulnerable as “Good.” 5. You’ve spoken openly about body image, mental health, and bullying. What advice would you give to young people struggling to feel “good enough” — especially those you’ll be meeting on the You Matter Tour?If I could speak to every young person out there feeling “not good enough,” I’d tell them this: you matter. Your worth is not measured by how many people show up for you; it’s measured by how true you are to yourself. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to feel invisible sometimes. But those feelings don’t define you. What defines you is that you keep going. I want you to know that you’re seen, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. I’ll be carrying that message with me on the You Matter Tour, because no one should have to walk that path alone. 6. You’ve achieved so much already — from performing to hundreds of thousands across Europe to partnering with a global youth charity. Looking ahead, what’s next for you after the release of “Good” and the You Matter Tour?After “Good” and the You Matter Tour I’m hungry for more growth as a songwriter, an advocate, and a person. I plan to keep writing, digging deeper into emotional honesty, creating songs that reflect not just my journey but the journey of anyone who’s ever felt lost or unseen. I want to build a stronger community around my music and advocacy, reach more people, maybe expand the tour to new places, and create spaces where people feel heard and valued. This is just the beginning — I have big dreams! https://listentocasey.com/
EGGER
EGGER Exploring digital unease and sonic experimentation, EGGER’s debut track “Strange Behaviour” probes the tension between humanity and technology. We discuss the inspirations, atmospheres, and evolving concepts shaping this intriguing new project. 1. “Strange Behaviour” dives into the unsettling relationship between humans and technology. What specific moment or observation first sparked the idea for this track?The initial spark came from a mundane moment: an automatic system that suddenly reacted differently than expected, displaying a strange, almost human stubbornness. This small discrepancy between machine and everyday life left behind a sense of unease that I wanted to explore musically — not as a technophobia, but as an observation of a creeping feeling of alienation. 2. The song blends analogue synth textures with modern experimental elements. How did you approach balancing the retro influences of Kraftwerk or John Foxx with a contemporary sound?I deliberately worked with analogue layers because they bring a tangible warmth and imperfection. At the same time, I overlaid modern textures and unconventional edits so that the references remain audible but never linger nostalgically. The aim was to create a dialogue: the aesthetics of the pioneers meet contemporary breaks. 3. The track raises questions rather than offering answers about our increasingly unpredictable digital systems. What emotions did you want listeners to feel as they move through this sonic space?I wanted to create a feeling of anxiety and, at the same time, a strange fascination. Listeners should feel observed and attracted at the same time — an ambivalence between curiosity and unease that echoes in their minds without providing any easy answers. 4. Much of your sound design leans into dystopian and hypnotic atmospheres. Can you walk us through your process for building the pulsating sequences and darker soundscapes? I start with a pulsating sequence as a skeleton, then work in layers: modulated filters, irregular LFOs, tape artefacts and targeted resonances. Darker spaces are created by sub-bass drones and slow, backward-moving textures; small, random disturbances give the whole thing a hypnotic, slightly paranoid feel. 5. “Strange Behaviour” suggests a growing unease with technology’s evolution. In your view, are we heading toward something transformative, dangerous, or simply unknown?I see neither utopia nor dystopia, but rather a field full of ambivalence. Technology is transformative and opens up possibilities, but it also brings new uncertainties. The decisive factor will be how consciously we shape these tools and how we deal with the side effects. 6. As your debut release under EGGER, what can listeners expect next from the project? Will future tracks continue exploring digital anxiety or branch into other conceptual territories?As a debut, this is just the beginning. There will be more pieces that explore the theme of digital unrest in greater depth, but also excursions into other concepts — intimate, organic soundscapes and experimental collaborations. Expect a continuation in tonality and attitude, but with surprising changes of direction. 🐺EGGER🐺 (@egger.music) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Vitto
Vitto Chilean artist VITTO unveils his raw, one-shot debut EP, blending Country, Folk, and Blues with vulnerable storytelling. In this interview, he reflects on identity, loss, healing, and the creative vision behind his work. 1. Your EP “VITTO” blends Country, Folk, and Blues through a uniquely Chilean lens. What first drew you to these traditionally American genres, and how did you adapt them to reflect your own cultural identity? I discovered Johnny Cash’s music very early, around 12 and became obsessed with his music but also with his unique personality and values. For me what’s beautiful about country music specifically is the songwriting, and how can you tell stories through melodies. And about my own cultural identity, I would boldly say that I’ve never felt attached to Chilean culture, so my music style and lifestyle has always been molded by the musicians and artists that I admire. 2. The EP was recorded entirely in a raw, one-shot format with no edits. What personal or artistic truth were you hoping to capture through this vulnerable approach? It was a decision we took with my producers due to the vulnerability of the songs and that I wanted it to sound very 60’s almost like it was recorded live. Since I came up to them with the songs completely finished (lyrics, music and even arrangements) for the producers that was something so new to them so the way they wanted to contribute it could be strictly with this kind of ideas, like doing and recording everything in one-shot format. 3. The songs explore a duality between love and grief. What role did emotional transformation and healing play in shaping these tracks? I was experiencing the biggest grief in my life, going from being at your highest emotionally, being in love real love for the first time to suddenly death taking away that love from you. Writing these songs for me was incredibly therapeutic, I didn’t really know how to express what I was feeling in words but with music it came out so smoothly, I wrote the songs in the exact EP order and all of them were written in less than 20 min each. 4. You composed, performed, and recorded every instrument yourself. How does full creative control influence the emotional weight and authenticity of your music? I think it made sense for me to doing everything on my own, conceptually speaking with the record. It was my own weight being lifted by myself, if we want to put it into a metaphore. Artistically talking not going to lie I do enjoy doing everything and being in control, so at least for this debut release I knew it has to be done like that. 5. You’re also recognized internationally for your work in film, poetry, and creative direction. How do these different artistic disciplines feed into the visual and narrative identity of “VITTO,” especially the cinematic music video for “Song For Her”? When I think about VITTO and the record for me it always comes visually paired with cinematographic images, art and all. I’m a huge film enthusiastic since I was little, I adore cinema very much and I would to work and be involved more in that field, so it did make total sense for me that the music video was directed by Forch, who is a Chilean filmmaker I admire a lot and also one of my closest friends. When I make music or even when I listen to it for it always has to come with a visual concept, with something more concrete, so the music video of “Song For Her” was inspired in all of these feelings and the whole story behind the record.6. As a transgender artist gaining visibility within Latin American folk, what message or feeling do you hope listeners — both in Chile and abroad — take away from this debut? I think is very important for me as a trans person to be visible for the LGBTQ+ youth. But also I don’t want to be recognize for being transgender, that’s just a part of who I am, for me VITTO as you said is a record of duality of love and grief, which is something any can relate to, as human beings we do all experience situations that tear us up in a way. I do hope people worldwide beyond Chile give my music a chance and like I said, for me is much more predominant that the industry and the public can recognize me for my music, my songwriting, my session musician work more than just “being a trans guy”. vittoibarra | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree
Callie Joy Porter
Callie Joy Porter Callie Joy Porter’s “Darkness & Soul” unravels hidden emotions and inner battles with haunting honesty. In this interview, she shares the personal experiences and introspective truths that shaped the album’s creation. 1. “Darkness & Soul” explores deep emotional territories and the hidden parts of the human psyche. What personal experience or turning point first inspired you to create this album?I’ve been years involved with people who needed different sorts of guidance. I have seen and felt how people broke in front of me since I was 9 years old, because I’ve been a tarot card reader since I was that young. One thing that was a repeated common denominator, and triggered my need to help others was how people were willing to give up on themselves, so easily, giving away all their power to someone or something else, trying to people please and I could relate, it came a time when I noticed, I also did that. And I said enough is enough, so I hope someone else listening to my album will get that Aha moment that got me out of my comfort zone enough to realize that I can follow my own path. 2. The album blends dark indie, cinematic pop, ethereal and ambient elements. How did you approach shaping the soundscape to match the intensity and intimacy of the themes?My music is so intimately connected to me and my belief and my experiences that I simply listen to my heart, disconnect my head and combined with everything I’ve lived as a woman, as a single mom, as a human being, it simply flows through me. My music is easily comparable to a stream that unleashes out of me. Like untethered flames, so to speak. 3. You speak about impostor syndrome and the conflict between darkness and the soul. How did working on this project change your relationship with vulnerability and self-perception?This project is more a release than a shift. It’s everything I wanted, everything I feared, and everything I dreamed of having and saying “what if” a lot. It helped me to let go of the impostor syndrome, though sometimes it still creeps its head because apparently my brain thinks it’s funny to test me at times, but… I am free. And this is my release.. And the one that’s coming next, it’s my renewal. Yes, I am already working on a second album that releases on the 11th of December. 4. Each track carries distinct emotional weight. Could you choose one song from the album that was the hardest to write and explain why? Claim to Know You it’s the hardest, because… it involved to talk me into writing it. Not writing it, publishing it, sending it out into the world. I repeatedly listened to it and it simply hit a sensible point for some reason. 5. Your music is described as haunting, raw, and mystical, echoing artists like Florence + The Machine and Grimes. What influences—musical or otherwise—played the biggest role in shaping this record?The biggest role is the lack of filter I have and the NEED I had to send out a message. Minorities and women are mostly seen as people who have not enough voices? I’m both. I was hungry for music that would showcase all the fear of the dark, all the struggling, all the ‘I cannot do that’ that is involved in the process of not finding yourself, but of owning up to who you truly are. Because THAT is the hardest thing we can all do. 6. The album emphasizes that we all share these hidden inner layers, not just the performer. What do you hope listeners feel or confront when they experience “Darkness & Soul” from start to finish?Their own echos. We are all layered, like you said it perfectly. We all share aspects, both emotionally, spiritually, socially, whether we know it or not. Most of that is hidden in the darkness we don’t want to show anyone else. I’m showing mine. I hope mine, lights up the parts that need to be shown for those who listen. I’m grateful for even those parts inside me. If you don’t face that within, it shows it outside. And I know it hurts, and it’s lonely, and it’s tiring. But we all deserve to be able to live a full life. Not just pieces of one. I can only hope people are able to go within and follow their dreams after it. callieplopez (@cjporterofficial) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Flight 409
Flight 409 Flight 409 return after fifteen years, reigniting old chemistry and reconnecting with a loyal community. In this interview, they reflect on their past, creative rebirth, and what their long-awaited new chapter holds. 1. “Finish What You Started” marks your first release since 2009. What moment or conversation sparked the decision to finally reunite and return to the studio after all these years? In all honesty we have all thought about reuniting for a while but the logistics have never worked out in our favor. But the chemistry has always been there. We were informed our catalog was removed from Spotify and Apple Music. As we worked on restoring our prior material back onto streaming services we decided to write a new song. So we got into the room together and worked on new material. 2. The new single blends classic Flight 409 nostalgia with a refreshed energy. When you began writing again, what elements of your early sound did you intentionally revisit, and what new influences shaped this comeback? We are all scattered throughout the country now, so writing again was a bit different than how it was 15+ years ago. Each person has their own sound and style and as we shared ideas back and forth, our “Flight 409” sound began to take shape again. It wasn’t intentional, but there’s something special about how that familiar sound shows up in our new single, “Finish What You Started.” After getting back into the room together it was apparent the chemistry never left. 3. You’ve described the song as coming from a place of growing up, letting go of ego, and reconnecting as friends. How did your dynamic shift once you were all back in the same room, creating music again? We all agreed, the second we were back in our studio again, it felt like we were transported back in time. It was surreal in a way, like time never passed. In that studio, we were the same dumb kids we were when we first started writing together. 4. Flight 409 built a huge, loyal community through DIY touring and the Myspace-era scene. What does it feel like reconnecting with fans who’ve been waiting fifteen years — many of whom grew up alongside your music? Reconnecting with our fans has honestly felt effortless, because the moment we dropped the new song, their support came rushing back in full force. We have so much respect for this community who have adopted us as one of their own. Seeing all the familiar faces who have stuck with us throughout these years has been incredibly humbling. It’s hard to imagine something we worked on as teenagers can still resonate and have an impact today. 5. Looking back on your early years — Taste of Chaos, Warped Tour, and touring with bands like Eyes Set to Kill — what memories or lessons hit the hardest while making this new chapter a reality? Those years were incredible, and it’s easy to romanticize them because they were so chaotic and fun. But with some distance, we can see the things we’d probably do differently if we got a redo. For starters, we would’ve taken more time to just enjoy being around each other instead of always stressing about the next big move. We were constantly looking ahead and didn’t always live in the moment. Still, the memories are priceless. We laugh now about how we somehow survived touring with no money, no real plan, and absolutely no clue, but those are the stories that shaped us. 6. You’ve confirmed more new music for 2026. What can listeners expect from this next phase of Flight 409? Are you leaning deeper into nostalgia, exploring new territory, or a bit of both? We’re knee-deep in new ideas right now and honestly open to everything. Some songs tap into nostalgic vibes, some push into territory we never would’ve tried back in the day, and some sit right in the middle. We’ve all kept playing and evolving as musicians, and we’ve all grown individually over the years, and it naturally shows up in the writing. It feels like a continuation of where we left off. We’re excited about these songs, and we know the people who’ve stuck with us will be just as into the new material as we are. (@flight409sucks) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
SVMMI
SVMMI Blending cinematic pop with heartfelt vulnerability, SVMMI’s Almost Forever unpacks a love story defined by timing, emotion, and longing. In this interview, she reflects on inspiration, identity, and the raw truth behind the EP. 1. “Almost Forever” feels incredibly personal and cinematic at the same time. Can you share what inspired the concept behind the EP and what story you wanted to tell through its three tracks?The inspiration behind this EP comes from a story where two people love each other deeply but can’t be together because of where they are in their own lives. I wanted to express the emotions of knowing you can’t be together but still wanting to imagine having a future and always wondering what could’ve been. 2. You’ve experimented with so many genres—from pop to EDM and dance—but this project leans deeply into emotion and storytelling. What drew you back to this more vulnerable, stripped-down sound?I have always love stripped down vulnerable songs with meaningful lyrics. During my journey I have explored with different genres but my heart always pulled me back to this kind of music. It’s where I feel I can truly express what I’m feeling and tell a story. 3. Your song “More for You,” written for your mother during her battle with breast cancer, marked a turning point in your artistry. How did that experience shape the way you approached writing and recording this EP?My song “More For You” will always be my most meaningful song. It was written during such a difficult time but being able to create this song for my mom and anyone else that can relate to it meant everything to me. I saw the impact this type of music had and that’s what gave me the confidence to write this EP and share this story. 4. Each track on Almost Forever—“I Knew,” “What If?,” and “Almost Forever”—represents a stage in a love story that never quite found its ending. Which song was the most emotionally challenging for you to create, and why? The initial concept for the EP came from the first song “I Knew.” That song was probably the most emotionally challenging because I was creating a song expressing a love so deep but heartbreaking at the same time. There are so many raw and real emotions that went on to tell a story with “What If?” and “Almost Forever.” 5. Your music beautifully bridges cinematic pop and heartfelt country, two genres that rarely meet so seamlessly. How do you approach blending those sounds while staying true to your artistic identity?When writing my songs I always make sure to stay true to my heart and who I am as an artist. Blending pop with country feels natural to me because they both have given me the ability to express so much through my songs in different ways but ultimately come together to tell a story. 6. Now that Almost Forever is out in the world, what do you hope listeners take away from it—and what’s next for SVMMI as you continue to evolve as an artist?This EP holds a special place in my heart. Sometimes people can love each other so deeply but meet at the wrong time. Sometimes love just isn’t enough. I hope that this EP can help others that are going through an emotional time in their relationship. I want to continue creating pop country music that is real and tells a story. I want to always help and inspire other people that may be going through the same thing. Samantha Murciano (@svmmiofficial) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Toma
Toma In this interview, Toma opens up about the emotional depths behind her debut “Vienišas,” exploring toxic love, atmospheric soundscapes, and the honest storytelling that shapes her evolving artistic identity. 1. “Vienišas” tells a dark, emotionally complex story about toxic love. What drew you to this narrative, and how did you translate those psychological themes into the song’s sound and atmosphere?I would lie if I said that it was inspired by movies or books, as dark as it is, it’s truly my life experience. I went through a relationship that slowly stripped away parts of who I was, and for a long time I didn’t even realise how deeply it was affecting me.When I started writing “Vienišas”, I wanted the sound itself to feel like that emotional descent — that soft beginning that would give a naive hope, the tension, the confusion, the bridge moment that is the sound of the deep pain. That’s why the song has this melancholic, alternative rock atmosphere. Heavy guitar textures mirror the psychological weight, and my vocal performance is intentionally spaced out, almost blended in some moments, that’s how thoughts inside were back then, cloudy, hazy, not clear.For me, it wasn’t just about telling a story; it was about capturing the emotional truth of it. The song is my way of processing what happened and turning something painful into something meaningful. 2. Your music blends alternative pop/rock with cinematic depth. How do you approach building these immersive soundscapes, and what elements are essential for creating your signature melancholic tone?I would have to correct you here – the “cinematic” part comes from the music video, not the song itself. And that vision existed long before the track was even written. From the very beginning, both Stephen and I imagined the same abandoned house; we could picture it almost identically in our minds before I even discovered it in real life.I just knew it had to be this way. I wanted something high-quality, artistic, and meaningful, something with emotional depth and lasting value. People who have followed me for years know that whenever I’m past that forest road leading to my hometown, I always have to capture it. I want others to see it through my eyes, to feel how magical and special it is to me.This time, I finally got to preserve that feeling in a permanent way. It’s there now – my home, my memories, my story woven into the visuals of this debut.For me, melancholy in music isn’t something I try to “add” — it’s something that naturally comes out. I always start with emotion first. If I don’t feel something deeply, I can’t create anything meaningful.Usually the melancholic tone comes from three things:the chords, which I tend to choose darker or bittersweet;the guitar textures, because I love when they feel slightly rough, nostalgic, or emotional;and the vocals, which I intentionally keep spaced out or a little blended. 3. You’ve performed in both Lithuania and London for over a decade. How have these two music environments shaped your artistic identity and influenced your debut release?There’s a whole story behind this, but I’ll try to fit it into one answer. I grew up listening to Miley Cyrus – she was my icon from a very young age, and pop music culture shaped me more than anything. That’s also the music I performed for many years in Lithuania. Later I studied jazz vocal; I only connected to small parts of it at the time, and honestly, the course was very intense and I was very young. I think I simply wasn’t ready to appreciate it fully yet.When life brought me to London, everything about music suddenly became more complex. I met musicians from so many different backgrounds and cultures. We performed together, experimented, mixed genres, and even wrote music together – I still remember the Portuguese song we wrote and recorded. That period shaped me a lot. It was a difficult time in my life, but making music with those people genuinely kept me sane. It expanded my taste and made me understand music as something deeper, heavier, more meaningful.To be honest, the writing session for “Vienišas” originally started with a more superficial pop sound. But I drifted away from it immediately. I had a story to tell, and that story needed weight. It had to sound like “Vienišas.” 4. Your background spans genres like soul, blues, jazz, and indie rock. How do these influences inform the way you write and perform emotionally driven songs? Each genre I’ve touched taught me something different about emotion.Soul showed me how to sing with honesty.Blues taught me how to let pain live in the melody.Jazz trained me to be expressive, flexible, not afraid of unexpected choices.And indie rock brings the rawness and atmospheric tension that defines my current sound.When I write now, all these influences blend naturally. I don’t think in genres anymore – I think in feelings, and I choose whatever sound helps express that emotion the best. 5. The music video for “Vienišas” adds a visual layer to the story. What message or feeling did you want viewers to take away from the cinematic portrayal of this relationship?Going through all of this still feels like an emotional rollercoaster. It tells the story of a young, naive heart caught in a cruel, toxic relationship with someone struggling with psychological issues. Through an artistic, cinematic music video, the narrative of an unhappy love story hidden behind the lyrics is revealed, showing how another person’s inner darkness can irreversibly affect your own psychological state and identity.And yesterday I found the most beautiful comment under the music video – a woman said that my song and the visuals instantly reminded her of a book she once read, and that if the book had a soundtrack, it would be “Vienišas.” You know the saying that a person who reads lives a thousand lifetimes, so I hope they can relive that story, in a way. 6. Your mission is to create
Midnight Sky
Midnight Sky In this interview with Midnight Sky, we explore the inspiration behind “Dark Stretch of Road,” uncovering the song’s emotional roots, its metaphorical weight, and its place within the album Just Before Dawn. 1. Can you take us back to that long night drive that inspired “Dark Stretch of Road”? What was going through your mind, and how did that experience shape the emotions behind the lyrics? I had been working on a song for over ten years called “Mystery Road,” about a trucker who is killed when his truck runs off the road and is condemned to drive up and down the roads of America for eternity. Despite the content, musically it’s an upbeat rockabilly song. While I was slogging through that one, I thought about a similar theme but much darker (which was consistent with my mood at the time). It took me about an hour to write “Dark Stretch.” And a few days later I finished “Mystery Road.” 2. When you were writing the song, did you see it more as a literal story of being on the road, or as a metaphor for life’s uncertain paths? The song is definitely metaphorical. I was thinking about how quickly a life can spiral into chaos and hopelessness. Here’s this truck driver leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, which he’s probably done hundreds of times, and suddenly, he’s lost, both geographically and spiritually, and he’s got no map, his phone isn’t working, there aren’t any road signs, and all the buildings are dark. Despite the darkness of the lyrics, it’s been one of my most popular songs. Says something about the human condition! 3. What creative vision guided the making of Just Before Dawn, and how does “Dark Stretch of Road” fit into the larger story of the album? Much of this is covered above. “Just Before Dawn” suggests, I think, a sense of hopefulness: It’s dark now, but it will be light soon. “Dark Stretch” is saying “don’t be so sure.” 4. How do you balance classic Americana influences with modern storytelling and production to create a sound that feels both timeless and current? I didn’t know I was doing that until you mentioned it! But seriously, I have a great co-producer, Chad Burton. When I’m writing songs like “Dark Stretch,” I consider whether this sounds like a song that could have been written 100 years ago. I struggled with the mention of a cell phone in “Dark Stretch,” because it corrupted the timelessness of the song. Ultimately, though, I didn’t want a critic to say: Why didn’t he just call somebody? 5. The song speaks to perseverance and faith through uncertain times. In what ways do you think “Dark Stretch of Road” reflects where you and your listeners are in today’s world? We are in a very pessimistic place right now as a society. But I think I wrote “Dark Stretch” in the mid aughts, so maybe things haven’t changed as much as they seem. What matters, I think, is that the album is balanced by some very optimistic, upbeat pieces. What I didn’t want to create was a 50-minute dirge. 6. With “A Few Good Years (Remix)” reaching Billboard’s Top 50 and earning critical praise, how has that success influenced your approach to songwriting and connecting with audiences going forward? Not at all. I’m thrilled that “A Few Good Years” has done well, but I’m not going to concentrate on that style of song just because one did well. I could write ten more songs about what’s really important in life and the virtues of optimism, and they could all be stinkers. Like most songwriters, I think, I write the best song I can, and then I roll the dice. Home – Midnight Sky Music