Interview: NEVEN Set to Drop Amphibian on 8/28

What inspired the creation of this single?

I’d been listening to a lot of early Dan Auerbach and older Hill Country Blues records lately and became slightly obsessed with that sound. I started experimenting with a repetitive, swampy riff just to see where it would take me. Swamps and amphibians go hand in hand, so the whole thing just clicked.

What story or message does the song convey?

It’s a story about adapting to whatever life throws at you. The lyrics are about overcoming challenges, persisting when things get difficult, and continuing to fight for a better tomorrow. There’s a sense of having been through some hard times but coming out the other side stronger and more prepared for whatever comes next.

Can you tell us about the creative process?

I tried to keep things simple. I had a draft of the lyrics from before, and I had that main riff, so I just kept repeating it, kept adding more dirt to it, and kept fitting the lyrics to it. It’s a real simple, but a real mean tune as well, I think. It actually started as an acoustic tune on my EP "Swamp Spawn", so I just 'electrified' it this time around.

How does this song differ from your previous releases?

The style is different. I’ve gone from my usual classic blues rock towards something greasier, fuzzed-out and lo-fi, with an almost garage-blues feel. It’s a bit rougher around the edges than some of my previous work, and I think that suits the song.

What challenges did you face while writing or recording?

Not many, really. I kept the recording process very simple: single takes, no overdubs, no excessive polish. The biggest challenge was probably the initial self-doubt, but I tend to have that with almost everything I make. I usually just have to leave a song alone for a little while, come back to it with fresh ears, and see how it feels then.

Did you experiment with any new instruments, techniques, or styles?

I used one mic, one room, and left the small imperfections alone. It’s a relatively new approach for me, but I find that the constraints actually add to the fun, if I’m honest. There’s something liberating about having fewer options and just working with what you’ve got.

Is there a personal connection or story tied to the lyrics?

I suppose the very first line: "I was born at the bottom of the sea." I was born on territory that was once covered by the ancient Pannonian Sea, so in a strange way, that line isn’t just a metaphor. There’s actually a little bit of truth behind it.

Have you performed it live yet, and what was the audience’s reaction?

I’ve performed it at quite a few dive bars, as well as at this year’s Dereham Blues Fest. It definitely made the crowd move! That’s always a good sign with a song like this.

Is this single part of a larger project, like an album or EP?

As it stands, it’s a standalone single that follows my acoustic EP nicely. The debut album is still in the works, but I’m not ruling out the possibility of "Amphibian" making the final tracklist.

Anything Else You'd Like Your Fans to Know.

I’d just say give it a spin loud. It’s a simple song, made with a simple approach, but there’s a lot of dirt, attitude and a bit of swamp in there. Hopefully it makes you move as much as it made the crowds move when I played it live.

Amphibian