Fans of bands like The 1975, LANY, and flor, let me introduce you to your new favorite artist, STRUAN. A solo artist that draws inspiration from the indie-pop bands we all know and love, STRUAN writes emotive earworms about the messiness of relationships, love, and life. His music is characterized by introspective, often melancholy lyrics and catchy hooks set to deceptively upbeat tracks.
His latest single, “Go Out With My Friends,” fits that description perfectly. Co-written with LVRBOY and produced by Julian Dente (Annika Bennett, Chaz Cardigan), “Go Out With My Friends” takes a painfully honest look at what the end of a relationship feels like and trying to numb that pain.
STRUAN had this to say about the track,
“[Go Out With My Friends] started with my best friend, Jordan, and I texting voice memos back and forth from the bathroom of the restaurant where I was working at the time (I got fired shortly thereafter lol). He and I both had both broken up with our girlfriends within a few months of each other and his ex said something along the lines of, “You know where you belong? Drinking with Struan and all of his friends." [...] I'm incredibly proud of it. It's pop, with a little Killers influence, and it's my best work so far.”
The ‘80s-inspired indie-pop masterpiece is one of those songs that you’ll want to listen to on repeat and is perfect driving music. Unless you’re the ex the song is about, I guarantee you’ll be adding “Go Out With My Friends” to your playlists.
STRUAN gave me a little insight into his inspirations, writing process, and what we can expect next from him - check it out below.
YMM: Who is STRUAN? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
S: When I started this project I made a list of things I wanted STRUAN to be. I wanted to sound like a band, rather than a solo artist [and] wanted to write songs that conveyed earnest emotion but were still cathartic and fun to sing along to. Basically, I’m always trying to write “Mr. Brightside”
On a surface level, I’m a light-hearted person, but I’m also very introspective and that comes with a lot of inner turmoil at times. I rarely share that side, except for in my music. I think STRUAN has provided an avenue for all my doubts, hopes, sadness. It’s the most “me” music I’ve ever made, and I’m excited to just be getting started.
YMM: Do you have any writing or performance rituals?
S: I’m a neurotic so, yes. I’m always trying different things. For songwriting, I try to notice things people say in conversation or thoughts that naturally occur when I’m not thinking about songwriting. For performances, I like to envision my set before in my head like a damn ninja.
YMM: Who have you been listening to lately?
S: Liking The 1975 is almost a cliché at this point, but I think that’s because they’re amazing. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Nashville bands like Nightly, The Band Camino, and Betcha.
YMM: Do you have any guilty pleasure songs or bands that give you a bit of shuffle shame?
S: Sugar Ray, but also they’re great and I don’t care who knows it.
YMM: What’s next for you? Do you have anything in the pipeline you can share?
S: I have a music video and an EP coming out in January, and another EP nearly finished as well. So, loads of new music! It’s the best stuff I’ve ever written and I whole-heartedly believe in it.
I’m telling you right now, you don’t want to sleep on STRUAN and “Go Out With My Friends” - this is the future of indie-pop. To stay up to date with all things STRUAN, be sure to give him a follow on Instagram and Facebook. “Go Out With My Friends” is available on all major streaming platforms.
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