What inspired Hurts? What was the moment or experience that first set this song in motion for you?

I don’t think it came from one single moment - it’s more an observation I’ve carried through most of my life. As humans, we seem weirdly obsessed with the people or things that want nothing to do with us, instead of the ones that actually make us feel good and celebrate us.

What sounds, artists, or atmospheres were shaping your world while you were creating it?

I never really sit down trying to make a song in a specific sound or genre, but I’ve noticed that the music I grew up on always sneaks back in. For this one, it was definitely the indie rock I devoured at sixteen - think The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, Phoenix. That energy just found its way in.

How did the song evolve from the first demo?

I brought it to my longtime collaborator Izaac Wilson. Usually I’ll build out a full demo before showing anyone, but this time I just played it for him on acoustic guitar, and we built everything out from there.

If the song were a film character or a drink, what would it be and why?

A dirty vodka martini: It burns on the way down, then gives you that warm little buzz afterwards.

How do the visuals tie in with the themes of the song?

I had this brilliant/stupid idea: “What if I just… got hurt? Repeatedly?”
And of course, my longtime collaborator and good mate Mikey Conlon just laughed and said, “Yep. Love it. Let’s make it worse.”

So we did.

Sometimes the best creative decisions are also the dumbest.

Did you have any unexpected challenges or surprises while creating the videos?

Honestly, the hardest part of filming the visualiser wasn’t getting pelted with tennis balls - it was keeping my eyes open. The sun was so blinding that day. By the end of the take, my eyes were streaming.

What’s one instrument or sound in the track you’re particularly proud of? Something listeners might miss on the first listen?

There’s a cheeky little “OMG Ryan” buried in the mix during the second verse. You’ve gotta listen for it.

Looking ahead, how does it set the tone for what you’re creating next?

It’s definitely pushing further into the indie rock and pop territory, and I’m so excited about where that’s heading.