- Music
- 15 Oct 21
‘This is a song about bullying and anxiety, believing in yourself and never giving up on who you are,’ Steve Garrigan says about new track ‘Never Surrender’
Norwegian DJ & producer Matoma and Kodaline’s frontman Steve Garrigan have released their uplifting new single ‘Never Surrender’.
Trumpets and ‘80s synth stabs adorn the upbeat pop dance song as Garrigan’s signature melancholic and wistful vocals bring the heartfelt lyrics to life. The track's hopeful message was inspired by the Irish singer’s own experiences, many of which he shared in his memoir released earlier this month (October 7th).
The Norwegian DJ, whose real name is Tom Lagergren, has become one of the biggest names in EDM in recent years - collaborating with the likes of Dua Lipa and Snoop Dogg. Racking up over 2 billion streams, 'Never Surrender' is set to mark a new stage in the 30-year-old's career as he plans to use his music as a spotlight for issues close to his heart.
"After graduating high school and dreaming of who and what I would become, it was always to follow my love for music and make a living from it in some way,” Matoma said about the track. “I ended up choosing something safer than music and joining the military, because frankly I was too scared to embrace my dream.”
“But dreams have a way of not letting go, and I ended up dedicating my life that path that has now led me here. 'Never Surrender' is my interpretation of this journey - to never give up on something you strongly want no matter what others - or your own fears - say you can or can't do"
Earlier this month Garrigan spoke in-depth about the new autobiography - titled High Hopes: Making Music, Losing My Way, Learning To Live - with Hotpress's Lucy O'Tool. The Swords-born artist opened up about his struggles with anxiety and depression, as well as the stigma of mental illness.
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You can listen to the new track below:
Read our full Mental Health Special in the current issue of Hot Press :