San Sebastian – Madness (2025)
Sweet, cute and filled with that “oh, he’s so adorable” flair, Sebastian Rydgren won hearts as a youngster performing at talent shows, gigs, and probably singing at home. This was about a decade or more ago, but his musical passion only grew as the years passed. With the same twinkling cuteness, Rydgren made his name in 2022 on Swedish Idol – and he was only 19. Skip ahead a couple of years, and his flawless good looks, bright eyes, and cheeky smile are quickly enchanting international audiences. Yet, he is more than just a pretty face with a lovely voice for his music offers profoundness, insight, and emotional weightiness. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘Madness’.
Following the well-received 2024 single ‘Again and Again’, Sebastian Rydgren – now performing as San Sebastian – saunters into the new year with ‘Madness’. Recorded and produced with Johan Kronlund, ‘Madness’ draws together pulsating beats with shimmering synth-pop swirls of sound. Harmonic and rhythmic, Kronlund’s arrangement is soothing, smooth, laidback and languid; however, there remains a sense of vulnerability, delicacy and emotional fragility laced through the sonic bubble.
Listening to San Sebastian’s music is like speaking with a friend – light-hearted, chilled, and with synth-pop suaveness. Calm, happy, and warm, but there is a heaviness shared only by close friends. I find it intriguing that as a delicate unpacking of inner conflict, Sebastian’s music acknowledges themes of self-worth, self-discovery, and identity in a hopeful, empowering new light – tenderness and underlying darkness held up in a bubble of kaleidoscopic music.
“’Madness’ is a song that means a lot to me. It’s about embracing and loving yourself, daring to trust yourself and your own abilities. With the lyrics, I want to remind myself – and others – not to act solely to please others at the expense of my own thoughts, opinions, and needs. By staying true to myself and taking up space, I grow as a person and build meaningful, lasting relationships, both with myself and those around me.” – San Sebastian on ‘Madness’
Find out more about San Sebastian on his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more synth-pop music on The Other Side Reviews Synth Pop playlist:
