Exclusive Interview with SAN SEBASTIAN

San Sebastian is a Swedish artist and songwriter. He became known to the broader public when he participated in the national TV show, Swedish Idol 2022, where he finished in 4th place. He became the first “Idol” ever to be picked up by the program’s chairman of the jury, the internationally known songwriter and producer Anders Bagge and his newly started record label Metronica. San Sebastian has since been working in the studio to create a new personal sound, which has resulted in new music that will be released in 2024, the single “Again and Again” being the latest release. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I’m the youngest of three siblings, I have one older sister and one older brother. My older sister, who is an amazing singer, started to sing at shows in school and at different talent shows. I was too young to be allowed to stay at home, so I used to follow my parents to all these shows. I really looked up to my sister and wanted to do everything she did. When I was around 9 years old, I applied for a show in school without telling anyone. That was my first time on stage, and I immediately fell in love with the feeling and knew that being on stage was meant for me.

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I started off by taking inspiration and advice from my older sister’s experience. When I was 11 years old, my mother was contacted by the national TV in Sweden, SVT, since they had seen a few of my performances on YouTube. They asked if I was interested in participating in a music competition for children called “Supershowen”. The show was broadcasted on national TV, i.e. SVT. I of course accepted and this also led to a step when I started to take formal training.

3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘SAN SEBASTIAN’?

SAN SEBASTIAN: Important figures in my early musical life, apart from my sister, were mainly artists from Sweden such as YOHIO, Ulrik Munther and Måns Zelmerlöw. I also grew up listening to Madonna and Katy Perry. With the former (Madonna) still being an inspiration in addition to Tove Lo, Kylie Minouge and Troye Sivan.

The name San Sebastian was a result of a long discussion with my record label and friends. I have previously used artist names such as NORR and also my birth name Sebastian Rydgren. San Sebastian takes inspiration from my interest in fashion and it’s also a cool name.

4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I describe my sound as danceable pop with an inspiration from club music. Fun fact, I’m actually part of a DJ-duo. I want my lyrics to be honest, relating to lots of people’s feelings. I try to take my flaws and turn them into something optimistic, showing that there is a future from everything. This can be done by combining sad lyrics with a positive sound.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I have gone through many different musical phases. I have also studied “singer-songwriting” where I had the opportunity to write and perform music in several genres. This has helped me to find the style and sound that represents me as an artist today.

6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I believe that the platform I have as an artist can and shall be used to do good. Since I was a young child, I have used my music to support children. For example, I recorded the main song for an organization fighting against bullying. I have also both recorded music and performed on shows in favor of an organization supporting abused children and their families. I have done some tours when I have dedicated all my earnings to these organizations so that they can arrange summer camps for children etc. This is something I will continue doing as much as possible.

7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?

SAN SEBASTIAN: Being an artist is always a struggle. Some days I feel that everything is moving in my direction and other days I feel like I’m stuck.

Being part of the national TV-show, Swedish Idol, has meant a lot to me. I was the very first “Idol” to be picked up by the famous chairman of the jury, Anders Bagge (Madonna, Celine Dion and Robyn etc.) and his newly launched record label, Metronica. This has opened a lot of doors to the Swedish music industry, and I have had the opportunity to work with songwriters and producers that I would never have dreamt of possible. Although I sometimes feel that things should move quicker, I generally feel that it’s moving in the right direction.

8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I often start the creative process with an idea of a song title or a picture of a single cover. I have a list of both single and album names as well as readymade single covers for upcoming songs, not yet written.

I try to work with several topliners and producers, finding the best sound for each specific song. Before we meet up in the studio, we’re sharing different songs and sounds for inspiration. We normally write a draft verse, pre-course and chorus at the very first session. During upcoming sessions, we mature the song further by improving parts of the song, the lyrics, the sound etc. During the final sessions we add all ad libs and do a final recording of my voice.

9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

SAN SEBASTIAN: A couple years ago, I became very ill with mycoplasma, nodules on the vocal cords and asthma. I completely lost my voice for almost a year and had to start all over again, learning how to sing. This period of my life has led to a greater appreciation of my voice and also a much better technique.

10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

SAN SEBASTIAN: One of the biggest moments in my musical career was when I was selected through televoting to become one of the top-eleven “Swedish Idols”, participating in the live TV-shows every week. That was the starting point which has led to all opportunities I have today, my new releases this year, “Hear Me Out” and “Again and Again”, in collaboration with Metronica and also a solid platform for future plans. My focus right now is to release more music and perform live both in Sweden and abroad, building my brand and increasing my group of fans.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

SAN SEBASTIAN: Being a public figure means that I also face negativity from people that I have never met. I try to ignore this type of communication as much as possible and instead focus on all the love, positive feedback and support I receive from my fans.

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I both love the feeling of creativity when working with the team in the studio. However, nothing can compete with the feeling when being on stage, performing my music live in front of an audience. The energy, connection and direct response from the audience is what makes me want to write more music and find new stages to perform on.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

SAN SEBASTIAN: I believe that everyone should be free to interpret my songs in their own personal way. I’m happy when people can relate to the lyrics or the songs in general and find their own meaning of the words. This is what I do when I listen to other artist’s music and what I hope to be able to encourage in my fans as well.