Sometimes, we refuse to move on from a failed relationship because we don’t how to begin or we’re afraid of what comes next. It might even feel like an impossibility at the moment. Hello Ocean’s song, “Slow,” expresses the relief that comes with the passage of time and the realization that it wasn’t so hard; life continues. We had the pleasure of interviewing Hello Ocean, and here’s what she had to say:
Q: What’s the story behind “Slow”?
HELLO OCEAN: “Slow” is about realizing you are ready to let someone go. A person that’s stayed with you, for whatever reason, who you are finally ready to move on from, emotionally. It’s not necessarily a sad or joyful feeling, but a sense of weight being lifted off your shoulders.
Q: Could you walk us through the creative and production process for this song?
HELLO OCEAN: It started with a few musical notes on the piano, as the melody of the verses took form. Almost instantly, I put words to it and added a chorus. I picked it up again with Olivia Lundberg in the fall of 2022. We finished the layout of the song and started to work on the production. We laid down the grounds, and Olivia continued adding elements until we felt ready to add the lead vocals. Once finished, we sent it to Andreas Johanson for mixing, and then Joe Vegna for mastering.
Q: How are you hoping listeners will respond to this song?
HELLO OCEAN: I hope they will be able to relate, and find comfort in the general story, or specific words or lines. I also hope they will enjoy the production, and how we have built the song. How it starts out soft and intensifies through each part.
Q: What drives you to make music?
HELLO OCEAN: I find it quite therapeutic, and more often than not get the most creative when I feel sad, tired, or down. At the same time, music brings me so much joy. I’ve had the time of my life writing and recording with Olivia, and I’m so happy that I reached out to her, and with how the songs turned out.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the Swedish electro-pop music scene?
HELLO OCEAN: I would say it’s thriving. There are so many talented bands and artists in Sweden who make amazing music.
Q: Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
HELLO OCEAN: Writing and producing “Slow” I’ve looked for inspiration in Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers, but I also love artists like Taylor Swift, Daniel Norgren, Sarah Klang, and Tina Dico. I think it’s mainly the lyrics that get me, but I also love their melody writing and the production styles.
Interviewed by Zoey King
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