By: Staff
Arturs Lapins' "hurts more this way" is one of those tracks that feels like it was written for a specific moment, like driving solo at sunset, lost in thought, with the world fading behind you. The raw emotion, the hauntingly beautiful melodies, and the perfect touch of nostalgia wrapped in an irresistible modern sound make this song truly unforgettable.
Behind this evocative piece is an artist who has been quietly shaping their voice and sound, blending personal vulnerability with bold sonic experiments. Their journey spans over a decade, weaving through genres as diverse as electronic and indie pop, landing on something uniquely theirs, a style that refuses to be pinned down yet feels deeply authentic.
The newest release, a soul-stirring anthem that encapsulates heartbreak and introspection, is already turning heads. But there's so much more to the story—behind the name, the inspiration, and the process of creating music that moves people in profound ways.
Dive into our exclusive interview to uncover the story behind this mysterious and magnetic talent, their creative struggles, and the magic that brought this song to life.
Begin Interview:
Hello Arturs Lapins, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more excited to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
What inspired the name Arturs Lapins for your artist persona? How does it capture the connection you want to build with your fans?
Thank you for taking the time to interview me, I really appreciate it! I hope you are doing well. I’ve always used my real name as my artist name, except for a brief period between 2019 and 2023. During that time, I experimented with a different alias to see how it felt. But I didn’t create much music under that name, as I was more focused on developing my voice. Ultimately, I ended up scrapping that project.
Over time, I realized that my music is deeply personal, it’s rooted in real experiences and feels like sharing my most intimate stories with people I’ve never met, but with a touch of abstraction. Because of this, going back to my real name just felt right, it aligns perfectly with the authenticity of my music.
"hurts more this way" explores deeply personal emotions. How did you navigate revisiting such a painful chapter in your life while writing this song? Did the process feel therapeutic or challenging?
This song was something I had wanted to write for a long time because it’s about someone who was very significant to me and had a big impact on my life. However, I kept putting it off for various reasons, whether it was being inspired by more recent ideas for songs or not feeling ready to revisit the past and confront those old emotions.
In truth, it was probably a mix of both. Writing it was definitely a challenge, as it required me to dive back into those memories and feelings. But in doing so, I realized that I had truly moved on from this person and left that chapter behind.
Still, they were such an important part of my life, and given how much they influenced and shaped me, I felt it was only right to capture that in a song.
You mentioned that you scrapped an almost-completed version of this song and started from scratch. What made you decide to take that leap, and how did the final version evolve from the original?
I decided to listen to that scrapped version again, and honestly, it’s not as bad as I remembered. However, it just didn’t carry the emotional weight I was aiming for. Since this song was so important to me, I wanted it to evoke a specific feeling, and it simply didn’t.
I ended up playing the song for a friend, not to get their opinion, but because sometimes, when you hear your own work in front of someone else, the flaws become so much clearer. It’s a double edged sword, on one hand, it can discourage you from finishing a song and on the other hand it can be exactly what you need to figure out whether the song is working or not.
In the end, I decided to scrap all the lyrics completely while keeping the production the same, just adding a few extra elements in the final mix. Looking back now, I’m really glad I made that decision because the new version turned out so much better. It’s not the first time I’ve done something like this, but it’s definitely not something I do often.
Pushing the boundaries of your voice was a key part of creating this track. Can you tell us more about the vocal training process and how it shaped the song's impact?
I think I’m always looking to push the boundaries of my voice because that challenge is what excites me most about the music making process. When something comes easily, it doesn’t feel as rewarding. For this song, the most challenging part was the high note in the chorus. I could hit it, but not with the power it needed, it didn’t convey the right emotion when sung softly.
At one point, I considered singing a lower note and tuning it up in post-production. I had seen a respectable big name artist do that before, so I thought, “Why not?” However, the project ended up being delayed due to personal life getting in the way. During that time, I kept training my voice with common exercises and practicing the note, even straining my voice a bit trying to hit the not, which while usually not ideal, actually helped in this case.
By the time I got back to finishing the song two months later, I was able to hit the note with just enough power. That moment was incredibly satisfying because it captured exactly the emotion I wanted and brought the song to life in the way I had visioned.
The 80s synth vibe plays a significant role in the song's mood. Why do you think this sound felt like the perfect fit for the story you wanted to tell?
Typically, the chorus of a pop oriented song is packed with lyrics, leaving little room for empty spaces. When I write a chorus, I usually aim to fill it with catchy lines. But for this song, it felt right to leave the second half more open, lyrically. But that choice sparked my producer instincts, I wanted to add other elements to keep it engaging and dynamic.
I remembered an older song where I had crafted the perfect synth combo. I reopened that project, took those synths, and dropped them into this song. Then, I played the melody on the keyboard, and it fit so beautifully.
Moments like that feel magical. Sometimes ideas seem to flow effortlessly from the universe, and when you integrate them into a song and they work perfectly, it’s one of the most rewarding feelings ever.
You've described "hurts more this way" as a song that resonates with a solitary sunset drive. How do you envision listeners experiencing this track emotionally and atmospherically?
I think there are songs that are meant to be enjoyed together with friends and others that are best experienced alone in your feelings. This song definitely falls into the second category. While working on it, I tested it out by driving at night and listening to it in the car, rather than just in the studio. The atmosphere completely shifted, I could immediately imagine that solitary sunset drive, where you’re alone with your thoughts and emotions and that’s what made me realize that that’s the best moment to listen to this song.
That moment really solidified the vibe of the song for me. I feel like it’s the perfect soundtrack for those reflective, emotional drives, especially for anyone who might be going through something similar to what the lyrics convey. In those moments, the song’s impact feels even deeper.
What was it about this specific relationship that inspired you to create something meaningful for yourself and others? Do you think the song helps you reconnect with those feelings or provides closure?
I think any relationship can inspire a song, whether it’s good, bad, amazing, or terrible. This particular relationship was one I had when I was younger, and I feel like experiences at that stage of life carry so much weight. That’s why I thought it was important to create a song about it. It felt meaningful in shaping who I am.
The process of writing the song did help me reconnect with some of those feelings, and honestly, I think it’s nice to get deep into those kind of feelings sometimes. I even appreciate feelings like sadness or upset because they show that something matters to me. It’s better than feeling nothing at all. Negative emotions can be uncomfortable of course, but at the end of the day, they’re part of what makes us human.
As for closure, I don’t think the song played much of a role in that. I had already moved on from this person and found closure long before, which is something I became a 100% sure of as I created the song. It was more about acknowledging that this relationship is a part of my past and recognizing how it’s shaped who I am today. That’s what made it significant to me.
You’ve been making music for over a decade, starting with Drum & Bass and Dubstep before evolving into diverse genres. How do you think your earlier experiences shaped the music you create now?
When I was younger, before I started making music, I often wondered how songs could be created without traditional instruments like guitar or piano, something really common in genres like Drum & Bass. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it until I stumbled upon some music production software. That moment opened up an entirely new world for me.
While I loved Drum & Bass and Dubstep, I didn’t spend much time creating in those genres. I quickly transitioned into house music and fell in love with its many subgenres. Around the age of 16, I started learning to play piano and guitar, though I focused far more on piano than guitar. As a result the guitar is still an instrument I love but need more practice with.
Years of working on electronic music have definitely influenced my current sound. My songs often lean toward the electronic side, but my experience with so many genres also drives me to blend different styles into one song. Sometimes, that approach works beautifully, and other times, it can overcomplicate things or even ruin the song.
This versatility gives me a lot of creative freedom, but it also comes with challenges. For instance, I sometimes create songs that feel completely different from my previous releases, which means someone who loved one song might not connect with the next. I feel like I’m still in the process of finding my signature style, but I’m getting closer.
What led you to revisit a project you started two years ago for the synth elements in this song? How does it feel to repurpose old ideas into something entirely new?
Honestly, this older project crosses my mind quite often. It’s something I really want to finish, but I haven’t come up with any lyrics or vocal melody ideas that feel right for the song yet. I’m confident I’ll finish it someday, maybe with the help of a collaborator who can bring a fresh perspective and spark some new ideas.
That said, I’m really happy with how perfectly the synths fit into “hurts more this way”. They brought exactly the emotion it needed and have even inspired me to incorporate them into other projects. To my ears, they still feel fresh and far from overused.
The song explores the subtle, painful realization of a love fading away. How did you translate those nuances into both the lyrics and production?
That’s a great question. Capturing something as complex as the fading of love isn’t easy, it requires a spark, an idea, something deeply emotional that doesn’t always come when you want it to. There were many times in the past when I wanted to write a song about this person, but the right inspiration never came. So I just set it aside and waited.
Years went by without that spark, but I guess the timing was finally right, and it just happened naturally. Once the idea struck, I found myself diving deep into memories and moments I shared with this person, and that’s what really brought the song to life. Many of the lyrics felt like they came out of nowhere, I just sang them, and they felt right, as if they were waiting to be discovered all along.
I personally feel that these aren’t the most unique or creative lyrics, and honestly, they don’t always have to be. What’s most important to me is that they’re real and carry the emotion I wanted to express. That authenticity is what makes the song special in my opinion.
Many artists draw inspiration from heartbreak, but your approach seems intensely reflective. Do you think audiences relate to the vulnerability you share in this song?
Heartbreak has always been a source of inspiration for me, but with this song, I had to reflect on the past rather than writing in the moment. That said, I think I should challenge myself to create more music while I’m actively experiencing those raw emotions. It’s difficult though because when I’m going through heartbreak, I usually feel too low to do anything, let alone create.
However, the few times I’ve pushed myself to make music during those moments of pain, it’s been incredibly rewarding. There’s something about capturing those emotions in real time that feels so genuine and special.
As for whether audiences will relate to this song, I hope they do. I think it’s a beautiful piece that carries a lot of emotion, but I also understand that not everyone will connect with it, and that’s okay. Music doesn’t have to resonate with everyone, it just needs to be meaningful to those who find it.
You’ve mentioned another favorite song that’s set to release soon. How does "hurts more this way" compare in terms of emotional depth and creative challenges?
As of now, the song has actually just been released, it’s called “dead 2 u,” meaning “I feel like I’m dead to you.” I hadn’t really compared the two songs lyrically until now, but after listening to them both, I’ve realized they share some similarities.
“hurts more this way” focuses on the feeling of love fading between you and your partner, with the added pain of them finding someone new, or at least it feeling that way. On the other hand, “dead 2 u” goes more into the suffering of being in a relationship where a loved one has stopped loving or respecting you. They don’t treat you right, and you’re left unsure of how to win back their affection.
The song reflects the constant pain of holding on because you still love them, even though they’ve already given up emotionally. Instead of ending the relationship, they stay with you out of habit, elongating the pain. Both songs explore different aspects of love and heartbreak, but they definitely share some similarities.
In terms of creative challenges, I must say, “dead 2 u”, was one of the easiest songs to write, the studio session was so magical and the ideas flowed so easily, it felt really special and is definitely the best studio session I’ve had. I feel like I could talk all day about that song, so it might be better to leave that for another interview. :)
Can you share a bit about your songwriting process? Do you begin with a melody, lyrics, or a specific emotion you want to capture?
I love talking about the songwriting process, it’s such a special experience. For me, it always starts with a large cup of coffee. Coffee is like my creative fuel, I can’t do without it!
There’s no single way to begin writing a song, and I think most artists would agree with that. I’ve started songs in all kinds of ways, with just a vocal melody, a chord progression, a piano idea, or even a unique drum pattern. The key is that the initial idea has to feel exciting, it’s that spark of excitement that drives the rest of the song. You can have something that sounds great, but if it doesn’t inspire you, it’s hard to keep the momentum going.
For this particular song, I actually found a drum loop online. I’m usually not a fan of using loops because I like to create my own, but this one had that spark, it instantly got me excited. From that drum loop alone, the rest of the song began to take shape. I quickly found myself in the flow state building out the instrumental around it.
I typically work on the instrumental and vocals simultaneously. Most of the time, the instrumental inspires vocal ideas, and then those same vocals spark the next step in the song’s progression. It’s this back and forth between the two that makes the process so enjoyable.
The decision to avoid sticking to a specific genre seems freeing. Do you find this versatility allows you to express yourself more authentically?
It’s definitely freeing, and it allows each song to feel unique from the others. However, it also ties into what I mentioned before, this versatility can mean that someone might connect deeply with one song but not feel the same way about the next because of the significant stylistic differences.
That said, I believe every song should have its own distinct feeling and sound. It keeps things fresh and exciting, both for me as an artist and for the listener. Even if it’s a bit of a gamble, I think it’s worth it to create something that feels authentic and unique every time.
What feedback from listeners about this song has stood out the most to you? Has it matched your expectations, or surprised you in any way?
You know, it’s interesting how as the creator of a song, you spend countless hours refining and listening to it, probably over a thousand times. Naturally, you start to get sick of it, and it can feel like the song isn’t as good anymore. This can make it tough to stay enthusiastic by the time it’s released, but you have to just accept that it’s just part of the process.
This song was one of those for me. By the time it came out, I felt like it wasn’t good anymore, but I reminded myself that it’s normal to feel this way after so much time spent with it. I received a lot of positive feedback both before and after its release, especially from Spotify playlisters, which really changed my perspective. It refreshed my ears and helped me appreciate the song again.
I think people are drawn to the unique sound of the song, it feels fresh to them. But I also know that some songs take a few listens to really grow on you. That’s something I’ve experienced myself, where I’ve ended up loving songs I initially didn’t care for, simply because I gave them another chance. I hope this song has the same effect on listeners who might not connect with it right away.
As someone who has transitioned across genres and styles over the years, how do you define your identity as an artist today?
As an artist, I love creating meaningful music. While I occasionally enjoy making a more “fun” kind of song, I’m most passionate about songs with true meaning behind them, that’s what makes them special. Without that, it feels like just a collection of random words over a beat.
I started out making remixes of other songs and wasn’t singing at all. But over time, I realized that this didn’t allow me to share my own message with the world, I was just reinterpreting someone else’s. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I felt a deep need to express my own life experiences, so I began singing.
I’d love to collaborate more with other artists, especially those who are just as open to ideas as I am. That’s when the true magic of music happens. My ultimate goal is for people to resonate with my songs and connect with them on a deep level. I want someone to tell me that one of my songs changed their life, made them happier, helped them heal from pain, or even helped them reconnect with themselves by realizing something important. Making a difference through my music is what drives me.
I’m also excited about starting to perform live shows hopefully soon. Music has always been something special in my family, almost everyone in my family plays an instrument. I’m certain this is what I want to do for the rest of my life because to me, there’s nothing as beautiful as music.
So, what’s next? Can you share the full details on your future projects and what fans should be excited about? We’re hearing about more releases, and we’d love to be the first to announce it!
I’m dedicating the next few months entirely to music, seven days a week. I won’t be juggling a day job, which is definitely a bit scary, but life is too dull without taking risks. On top of that, I’m moving to Spain, which will be an exciting new chapter and, I hope a great source of inspiration.
I have plenty of amazing song ideas in the works, and there’s one in particular I’m eager to finish. It’s super catchy and has such a great vibe, I think a lot of people will really connect with it. My plan is to release that one in early January, followed by several other songs throughout the year.
I’ll make sure to keep everyone updated on social media, so stay tuned, it’s going to be exciting!
Arturs Lapins, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
Thank you for taking the time to interview me, your questions were great and I really enjoyed answering them.
End Interview
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We’re happy to have shared Arturs Lapins’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
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