Indie rock icon Lucas Brandt has spent the last decade establishing himself as one of the most influential voices in alternative music. Known for his introspective lyrics and raw, powerful sound, Brandt’s newest album, Circles, marks a milestone in his career. The album delves into themes of personal growth, love, and the struggles of modern life.
In a recent interview, Brandt discusses how the making of Circles was both a creative and personal discovery. “The process was incredibly cathartic,” he says. “I wanted to capture the feeling of being caught in a loop, struggling to break free, but finding moments of clarity within the chaos.”
A New Chapter in Sound
Circles is a bold departure from Brandt’s previous work, especially his acclaimed album The Quiet Years. While that album was characterized by its melancholic sound, Circles introduces a more expansive, experimental approach. Tracks like “Endless” and “The Longest Road” reflect his willingness to explore new sounds, incorporating elements of synth-pop, folk, and even a hint of alternative rock.
“The idea was to push myself beyond my comfort zone,” Brandt explains. “I’ve always loved the rawness of acoustic guitar and minimal arrangements, but this time, I wanted to experiment more, play with different textures. The synths were something I’d never really used before, but once I started incorporating them, the album began to evolve in a new direction.”
With Circles, Brandt has embraced a fuller, richer sound, layering lush synths over familiar rock instrumentation. Tracks such as “Endless,” a haunting meditation on time and relationships, feature shimmering synth lines, giving the song an ethereal quality. The song explores the tension between wanting to escape and realizing that some experiences are inevitable.
“It’s about feeling stuck, wanting to move forward, but understanding that you have to go through the hardship to grow,” Brandt explains. “The song captures the internal struggle of wanting to break free from patterns, but realizing that the growth comes from understanding those cycles.”
Themes of Growth and Personal Reflection
One of the core themes of Circles is personal growth. Throughout the album, Brandt confronts the inevitable ups and downs of relationships and life itself. “I was going through a lot of personal changes when I wrote this album,” Brandt admits. “It’s about growth and learning that life isn’t a straight line. It’s full of twists and turns, and sometimes you need to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come.”
While Brandt has always explored the intricacies of relationships in his music, Circles offers a more mature perspective. There’s a sense of optimism in the album, even in its more reflective moments. “I wanted to capture the feeling of moving forward,” Brandt explains. “It’s not always easy, but I think there’s beauty in the struggle.”
On tracks like “The Longest Road,” Brandt offers a poignant reflection on self-discovery. The song, with its introspective lyrics and soaring instrumentation, explores the feeling of navigating life’s uncertainties and coming out stronger on the other side.
A Bold New Direction
Another striking aspect of Circles is Brandt’s willingness to incorporate new genres and influences into his sound. While his foundation remains rooted in indie rock, the album features subtle nods to folk and even alt-pop. The song “Into the Night,” for instance, blends soaring vocals with a rich, synth-laden backdrop, pushing the boundaries of Brandt’s established style.
“I’ve always been drawn to different kinds of music,” he says. “Whether it’s electronic, folk, or even pop, I didn’t want to limit myself on this album. The world of music is vast, and I wanted to experiment with it all.”
The result is an album that feels both familiar and fresh. While fans of Brandt’s earlier work will recognize his signature style, Circles introduces a new, exciting layer to his sound. The experimental aspects of the album, particularly the use of synths, have given it a modern edge without losing the emotional depth that defines his music.
The Struggle of Finding Balance
Despite the artistic success, Brandt admits that balancing his music career with personal life is an ongoing challenge. “Being a musician is all-consuming,” he shares. “There’s always pressure to be creative, to tour, to write new music. But I think this album touches on the idea that sometimes, the hardest part is just finding balance in your life. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but that’s when you need to step back and reflect.”
This struggle for balance is woven throughout Circles, where moments of clarity emerge in between the turbulence of everyday life. Whether it’s the yearning to break free or the realization that life is cyclical, the album mirrors the complex nature of human experience.
With Circles, Brandt has crafted an album that speaks to both his growth as an artist and his ongoing journey of self-discovery. The music feels like a natural progression from his earlier work, yet it’s also an exciting departure into uncharted territory.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lucas Brandt?
As Circles continues to make waves within the indie music scene, fans are eager to know what comes next for Lucas Brandt. While he remains focused on promoting the album, he admits that he’s always looking ahead to new creative ventures.
“I’m always thinking about the next step,” he says with a smile. “But for now, I’m really proud of Circles. It’s a reflection of where I am in life, and I’m excited to see how people connect with it.”
While Brandt has undoubtedly made his mark on the indie music world, he is far from finished. With Circles, he’s proven that he’s willing to take risks and evolve as an artist, and his fans will undoubtedly follow him wherever he goes next.
As Brandt continues to tour and perform, the future seems wide open. One thing is clear: Lucas Brandt is ready for whatever comes next, and his fans will be there every step of the way.