We feel like you could’ve only written this song if you’d actually lived this very specific type of heartbreak. On his latest single "How", he taps into not the immediate sting of a breakup, but the disorienting stretch that comes right after, when you know you need to move on but have absolutely no idea how to actually do it. The Gothenburg-based independent artist Astian captures that feeling with precision and the result is a genuinely gorgeous piece of modern alternative pop.

Astian's whole approach blends minimalist Nordic pop sensibilities with slight touches of R&B and singer-songwriter intimacy. Right off the bat, "How" is a great showcase of exactly how well those influences work together. The track builds patiently, starting from an intimate, stripped down verse before opening up into a chorus that hits in the catchiest way! Rather than trying to offer any tidy resolution, the song sits comfortably in the questions that linger after a relationship ends. We felt this was a very lyric-forward song and you’ll quickly realize how much you can connect with it after you actually listen to his words.

Production wise, this track is super well crafted. There's some really lovely understated acoustic guitar finger picking woven throughout, giving the song a warm, organic texture underneath all that polished pop sheen. The drum work stays subtle too, never pulling focus, but giving the song some much needed oomph when it needs it. We appreciate the restrained approach that fits the song's reflective tone.

However, Astian's vocals are really the centerpiece of it all. Silky smooth and mixed very high up front, his delivery is vocal forward, letting every word of vulnerability land clearly. That choice makes the song feel much more personal, like you're hearing these thoughts as they're being worked through in real time.

Said by the artist himself, one of the most charming touches comes at the very end, where a playful outro nods to Hanson's "MMMBop," a song Astian has loved since childhood. He doesn’t copy it outright, but he channels that same carefree, melodic spirit. It adds a little lightness right when you need it the most.

Coming from an artist who's built an impressive following completely independently, "How" feels like an exciting new chapter. It's catchy in the best way and unbelievably relatable! This is a lovely introduction to where Astian is headed next and we cannot wait. So please, go ahead and click those links below to listen in and of course to stay tuned for whatever’s next.

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Astian captures the ache of uncertainty on Pop-forward single, "How"