Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

San Sebastian – Hear Me Out – Kronlund Remix (2024)

Probably most well known as a participant in 2022’s Swedish Idol, Sebastian Rydgren returns to the music scene using the moniker San Sebastian. Quickly picked up by songwriter and producer Anders Baggge following Idols, Rydgren started collaborating with international music industry professionals honing his sound over the past two years. Not having watched him on Idols, this is our introduction to San Sebastian; join us as we delve into his debut single ‘Hear Me Out’… well, one of the remix versions.

Recorded and produced with Alex Mood and Mariella Garcia Balandina, ‘Hear Me Out’ is a powerful flood of pop tinged with bold electronic beats and soothing synths. For me, and perhaps this is only me, ‘Hear Me Out’ reminds me of 90s pop sliding along the likes of Adam Rickett; however, contemporary vibes exude from the track making it perfect for any 21st-century pop playlist.  

Not only a pretty face, San Sebastian is wistful and whimsical but inserts profoundness in his moving lyricism. He explains that ‘Hear Me Out’ is a song “…about knowing that a relationship has fallen apart but you’re trying to hold onto it anyway. It can be both romantic and friendly relationships. You know that it’s over, but you can’t help but hope…” The original track already captures the theme’s vulnerability; however, the Kronlund Remix ups the ante as the melody reflects the protagonist’s tumultuous experience.

In its high-voltage sound, the Kronland Remix offers a sensation of grabbing the original ‘Hear Me Out’ and clasping it in bold house beats. Wrapping a wall about San Sebastian’s smooth vocals, this remix is slightly suffocating… but in a good way. Oozing an overwhelming sense of freedom as you dance about and sing along in the dizzy haze of sound, the track is simultaneously a heart-gripping rush of vulnerability. Finding an obscure line between powerful bliss and tragic fragility, the tumultuous wave of a lost romance carries in the song. If I’m completely honest, I love the original version but the Kronlund remix has a greater impact melodically, lyrically and emotionally.


Find out more about San Sebastian on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustianablecurator


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