In a music landscape saturated with fleeting trends and surface-level sounds, som som brings something refreshingly honest to the table. Blending indie pop, rock, and dream pop with an introspective lyrical edge, their latest single “Seasonal Depression” captures the emotional ebb and flow of the colder months—while speaking to something much deeper and more universal. The track is melancholic yet hopeful, stripped-back yet sonically rich, and feels like a window into a very personal journal that somehow reads like your own.
We sat down with som som to talk about the inspiration behind “Seasonal Depression”, their ever-evolving creative process, and how vulnerability and authenticity shape their music. From sonic experimentation to emotional healing, this conversation digs into the heart of an artist who’s not afraid to feel it all—and turn those feelings into something beautiful.
- What inspired you to write “Seasonal Depression,” and how does it reflect your own personal experiences?
I wrote Seasonal Depression in the middle of winter, so there’s a very literal element to the song—but ultimately, it’s more about the periodic nature of emotional struggles I’ve had to work through over the past couple of seasons.
- The track blends indie pop, rock, and dream pop—how do you decide which genres to mix together when creating a new song?
I’m always experimenting with different sounds and tend to settle on whatever feels right for the song. It’s an organic process. While some technical aspects come down to conscious decisions, the overall vibe usually comes from a gut feeling rather than a calculated plan.
- How would you describe your evolution as an artist from your earlier work to your latest single?
I hope I’m able to communicate my thoughts and feelings more directly with each release, but the core has always remained the same—it’s just me writing songs and experimenting with sounds along the way.
- “Seasonal Depression” feels both melancholic and uplifting. How do you strike that delicate balance in your music?
I love playing with contrast—sad lyrics paired with upbeat music, or the other way around. That kind of juxtaposition creates an emotional depth that I’m always drawn to.
- The lyrics of your new single delve into emotional struggles and healing. What role do you think music plays in helping people work through their emotions?
We all go through similar feelings, but our individual experiences and perceptions are deeply personal. If my take on these topics resonates with someone else, then we can sort of unpack it together through the music.
- Can you walk us through the production process of “Seasonal Depression”? Were there any surprises or challenges along the way?
The main elements of Seasonal Depression are quite minimal—I like using a simple drum pattern with a picked, driving bassline to keep the verses sparse and open, then let things expand in the chorus. The synths have this nostalgic, throwback feel that adds to the emotion. Some people have been confused by the ending, but honestly, that’s my favorite part—I’ll let you decide what it means.
- Your music has a way of feeling very introspective, but also accessible. How do you ensure that your personal experiences resonate with listeners?
I try to write from a place that’s deeply personal but also leaves enough space for interpretation. If I’m honest with myself in the writing process, I think that honesty tends to translate—even if someone’s experience is different, they can still feel seen in the emotion behind the song.
- How has your songwriting evolved over the years? Have there been any key turning points in how you approach writing music?
My main focus is being more honest and raw without taking myself too seriously—I want to be able to write songs about the banality of everyday life, but also explore universal themes that are harder to pin down. It’s liberating to realize that nothing and everything is meaningful at the same time, and I want to keep embracing that.
- You’ve mentioned artists like Dayglow, Wallows, and Fontaines D.C. as influences. How do these bands shape your sound, and is there a specific element of their music that you want to capture in your own work?
These acts manage to convey an essential indie feel through their production and songwriting, which really inspires me. They strike a delicate balance between being approachable but also layered and complex—and that’s something I always try to aim for in my own music.
- In “Seasonal Depression,” you touch on themes of cycles and growth. Is there a personal message you hope listeners take away from the song?
I hope people interpret the meaning in a way that resonates most with them, but one takeaway could be that the struggles we’re facing now are temporary—and with time, we’ll see them in a completely different light.
- What’s your approach to balancing emotional depth with making your music catchy and enjoyable to listen to?
I love writing strong melodies—I’m definitely influenced by pop structures that make songs approachable. But I also like layering things in a way that, if someone digs deeper, they’ll find hidden gems or more emotional meaning beneath the surface.
- When you’re working on a new track, do you start with a specific message or theme, or does the song evolve naturally as you go along?
The process always starts intuitively for me. The initial idea usually comes from some subconscious place—when you’ve got a lot on your mind, it’s not hard to land on a topic. But it’s always an organic process that unfolds as I go.
- How do you handle the vulnerability of sharing personal emotions through your music? Is it therapeutic for you, or do you find it challenging?
It’s definitely therapeutic to process emotions through creating. The tricky part is making it relatable to others—but that’s more of a technical challenge. Being honest with myself is the most important part; sharing the songs publicly is just a bonus.
- Looking ahead, what’s next for you in 2025? Do you have plans for an album or any exciting collaborations?
I’ve got one more song coming out at the end of spring, and a bunch of ideas waiting to take shape. I want to experiment more with visuals, merch, and interdisciplinary formats—and just see where that takes me. “Big things coming”, as always.
- If there’s one thing you hope listeners feel when they hear your music, what would it be?
A sense of escape.
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