Sometimes, the best songs are the ones that seem to arrive without a struggle. For Dear Martin, the musical project of Gothenburg-born, Stockholm-based Martin Edvardsson, the new single “I Could Be Loving You” came together almost naturally, with its melodies, harmonies, and lyrics seemingly finding their places at the same time. The result is a fresh reminder of what makes this independent artist so appealing: a genuine love for pop music, a willingness to follow his instincts, and a perspective that has always made room for the underdog.
With nearly two decades of music-making behind him, Dear Martin has developed a sound that blends melodic pop with atmospheric electronics, personal reflections, and occasional political observations. “I Could Be Loving You” feels right at home in that world, drawing on classic electro influences while adding its own slightly offbeat character. It is familiar enough to feel inviting, yet distinctive enough to avoid sounding like a trip down someone else’s musical memory lane.
One of the most interesting things about the single is its approach to production. Rather than polishing away every rough edge, Edvardsson chose to preserve many of the synthesizers and plugins from his original demo. These early ideas form the foundation of the track, retaining the sounds he naturally gravitates towards when inspiration first strikes. It is a decision that reflects the freedom at the heart of independent music: sometimes, trusting your first instincts is more rewarding than trying to make everything fit a predetermined formula.
The lyrics draw from fragments of memories and experiences, connecting moments from the past with feelings rooted in the present. That gives “I Could Be Loving You” a personal quality without requiring a straightforward narrative. Combined with harmonies that came together during the writing process, the song captures the kind of emotional uncertainty and reflection that can make a simple pop melody linger in your head.
Behind the scenes, producer Tom Goran of Sonika Studio helps bring Edvardsson’s ideas into sharper focus. Dear Martin admits that technical production is not exactly his favourite territory, making a trusted collaborator particularly valuable. Goran’s work as a multi-instrumentalist and vocal coach also makes him an important creative partner, helping refine the original material while preserving the artist’s intentions. The collaboration strikes a useful balance between keeping the spontaneity of the demo and giving the finished track the attention it needs.
For longtime followers, the single also connects naturally with the different stages of Dear Martin’s journey. His 2007 debut EP, This Is Wrong, introduced a sound built around sparkling arpeggios, guitars, acoustic drums, and layered harmonies that managed to feel both delicate and expansive. The 2009 album The Dearest leaned into the escapism of early 1980s British pop while exploring themes of low self-esteem, solidarity, and the possibility of change. Those ideas helped establish the underdog spirit that continues to shape his work.
That willingness to look beyond personal experience has also surfaced in later releases. “So Much for the World,” released in 2022, confronted failures in society, politics, and humanity’s relationship with nature, while moving towards a more acoustic arrangement featuring live bass, Wurlitzer piano, and Edvardsson’s softer baritone vocals. Later that year, “You Turn the Love On” appeared on the EP Out of the Woods, a project shaped by personal lyrics, evocative drum loops, and atmospheric production.
“I Could Be Loving You” brings the focus back to the meeting point between pop melody, electronic textures, and intimate songwriting. It does not need to abandon Dear Martin’s familiar identity to move forward. Instead, the single embraces the sounds and creative habits that feel most natural to Edvardsson, allowing the music to develop on its own terms.
As the first single from the forthcoming EP Conversation Pieces, scheduled for autumn 2026, the release offers an inviting introduction to the next chapter of Dear Martin. Nearly twenty years after his debut, Edvardsson is still making music independently, following his own ideas, and proving that pop can be heartfelt, a little unconventional, and entirely personal without losing its appeal.
Dear Martin delivers an intimate and quietly captivating pop moment with ‘I Could Be Loving You’
