A Chat with FOLLOWAY (11.11.25)
Emerging artist FOLLOWAY is carving out a distinctive space in the modern alt-pop scene, blending the raw emotion of rock with nostalgic, cinematic aesthetics. We chat with FOLLOWAY about his musical evolution, creative process, and the inspiration behind his latest single, ‘Rockstar Life’.
OSR: Can you tell us a bit about your musical journey and how you got started with songwriting?
FOLLOWAY: I wrote my first songs when I was around 14. Back then, it was more for fun – me and my friend were just experimenting. I was deeply inspired by both the American and Russian rock scenes of the 90s, and once I learned my first guitar chords, I started writing songs and recording them in my small home studio. In summer 2023, under the name Mattokushi, I began to take music seriously as my main focus – releasing more polished, commercial songs and building a small team around me. Those early tracks were in Russian. By summer 2025, with more experience and a clearer vision, I decided to start creating in English under a new name – FOLLOWAY.
OSR: What inspired the creation of your latest single ‘Rockstar Life’?
FOLLOWAY: Love and grunge aesthetics. I always rely on visuals when I create music, and when I sat down to write ‘Rockstar Life’, I wanted something loud, raw and confident. The song is about love and the euphoric feeling you get when you’re alone with someone you truly care about. That feeling became the foundation of the track.
OSR: How has your move to London influenced your music and artistic perspective?
FOLLOWAY: A lot. I moved when I was 16, an age when everything around you shapes who you are. The history of British rock is one of the most influential in the world, and I can feel it everywhere in London. Walking through the streets here, I mix that atmosphere with my Russian roots, trying to create something that reflects both worlds, something that feels like me.
OSR: Your music blends indie rock, pop-punk, and alternative pop-how do you approach mixing genres in your songwriting?
FOLLOWAY: Nowadays, genre boundaries are so blurred that it’s almost impossible to define one sound. I take the elements I love from each style: the energy of pop-punk, the emotion of indie rock, the melodies of pop and combine them to build something unique and personal.
OSR: Do you have a particular theme or emotion you aim to convey through your songs?
FOLLOWAY: Definitely. Most of the time, it’s a mix of nostalgia, love, energy, and a kind of bright sadness. I think that comes from my life, growing up between different cultures, long-distance relationships, constant change, and a deep love for aesthetics.
OSR: What’s your creative process like when starting a new track? Do you begin with lyrics, melody, or guitar riffs?
FOLLOWAY: It’s different every time, but usually I start with guitar chords and the atmosphere they create. I try to find the right vibe first. Then I record the guitar parts and build the structure, then adding drums, synths, and other instruments. Vocals usually come last, once the instrumental already tells the story emotionally.
OSR: How important is authenticity and imperfection in your music?
FOLLOWAY: I think it’s the key point. Your background – what you’ve lived through, what inspires you – that’s what makes your sound unique. I try to stay away from making something that feels purely commercial and instead focus on creating something real. Imperfection often makes a song special – if everything is too polished, the listener has nothing to hold on to.
OSR: Are there any artists who have had a major influence on your sound or approach to music?
FOLLOWAY: Definitely. Nirvana and Kino are huge inspirations for me, and from modern artists – YUNGBLUD and The Kid LAROI.
OSR: How do visuals, such as VHS textures and retro aesthetics, complement your music?
FOLLOWAY: Visuals are a huge part of what I do. VHS and retro textures feel like an extension of my music – they capture the nostalgia, warmth, and cinematic energy I want to express. That aesthetic helps people feel the songs, not just hear them.
OSR: What do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially ‘Rockstar Life’?
FOLLOWAY: Freedom, love, and energy. That’s what it’s all about.
Many thanks to FOLLOWAY for speaking with us. Find out more about FOLLWAY on his Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify.
