Q&A: Andy Tongren Is Embracing the Moment With His Solo Debut, “So Good”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
FOR YEARS, ANDY TONGREN HAS BEEN THE MAGNETIC FRONTMAN OF INDIE POP OUTFIT YOUNG RISING SONS, delivering euphoric anthems that racked up hundreds of millions of streams and took the band around the world supporting artists like The 1975 and Halsey. Now, with his debut solo single “So Good,” Tongren is stepping into a new era—one defined by stripped-down honesty, emotional contrast, and a fearless embrace of imperfection.
Released alongside a vibrant music video, “So Good” is a breezy blend of indie pop and folk rock that radiates warmth despite its roots in a particularly dark chapter. Written from a cold Bushwick basement during a gloomy winter, the song captures the kind of fleeting joy that can pull you back into the light. “It’s about embracing the moment with a carefree and reckless energy,” says Tongren, “without worry of what comes next.”
In this exclusive interview, Tongren reflects on the vulnerable creative process behind “So Good,” the shift from bandmate to solo artist, and how his relentless optimism, and his Ohio roots, continue to shape his music. With more new music on the way and a show set for June 22 at Berlin in NYC, Tongren is just getting started.
LUNA: Congrats on the release of “So Good”! How did you know this was the right song to launch this new chapter?
TONGREN: Thank you! It’s sometimes difficult to find perspective in the things you’ve written - often I have to take a step back and sit with things for a while. However, ‘So Good’ felt SO inherently ‘me’ right off the bat. In a way I feel that it encapsulates this optimism & recklessness of embracing the now, which really defines not just this new project, but who I am as a person.
LUNA: You’ve described writing “So Good” as less about being precious and more about feeling. Was that a departure from how you’ve approached music in the past?
TONGREN: I often get caught up in the minutiae and the little details of things - especially when it comes to songwriting & production, so it was definitely a departure and an exercise in letting go of that compulsion to try and make things perfect.
LUNA: You’ve talked about writing this song from a pretty dark place, yet the result is warm and euphoric. How did you channel that contrast into the track?
TONGREN: One of my favorite things in music is juxtaposition, whether it’s lyrically or sonically I find it just makes things more interesting. So I think I approached writing this as a bit more of a meta juxtaposition (if you will haha) - almost to trick myself into feeling like it was a departure from where I was mentally at the time. Essentially I wanted to hear something in that moment that made me feel like things can get better and that the dark places we find ourselves in aren’t forever.
LUNA: As the frontman of Young Rising Sons, you had major success and huge touring experiences. What’s been most exciting, or terrifying, about stepping into something more personal and solo?
TONGREN: The unknown & the vulnerability of essentially starting from scratch. I think this is something I’ve been running from for a long time because admittedly I’m scared of facing some of those things. However, just allowing this to be what it wants to be and not forcing anything has been really refreshing.
LUNA: Has writing alone changed how you view yourself as an artist compared to writing as part of a band?
TONGREN: In a way but not that drastically. I suppose there is no one I need to meet in the middle when writing alone versus when writing for my band, it’s an amalgamation of 4 people. However, I think authenticity is the most important part of music, and I try to be honest with myself as a songwriter - so whether it’s a Young Rising Sons song or an Andy Tongren song it will have my fingerprints on it.
LUNA: Who have you been listening to lately?
TONGREN: A lot of Mon Rovia, I love Bebe Stockwells new EP, Jason Isbell, Caamp, Dylan Gossett. Some friends also started a new project called RIO KOSTA and I’m obsessed.
LUNA: What kind of live show do you imagine building around your solo music?
TONGREN: I’m really excited about the versatility. I think these songs can translate with just me and an acoustic guitar, but depending upon the show/tour, I can also see a lot of production and a full band.
LUNA: You mentioned chasing that unexplainable feeling when fans connect with your work. What moment in your career has given you the most powerful version of that so far?
TONGREN: One particular feeling I found myself chasing was playing Firefly with my band. We opened the main stage on Thursday afternoon - it had been raining relentlessly and it was just mud everywhere. So, given the conditions our expectations were relatively low. Time comes to hit the stage and we walk out to 25 thousand people singing every word. Truly indescribable feeling to connect with so many people in a moment like that.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this spring season?
TONGREN: I’ve been living in Brooklyn for a long time. I do love it here, but I’ve kind of hit my threshold of the city. Being from Ohio I miss the outdoors and grass and trees, so I’m trying to spend more time outside this spring.
