Highroad No. 28 has never been a band driven by trends or external expectations. Instead, its identity has always been rooted in persistence, self expression, and a willingness to let the music speak for itself. With the release of Thistroubledsoul, that long standing philosophy feels sharpened rather than reinvented, reflecting an artist who knows exactly who he is and no longer feels the need to overexplain it.
Recorded and performed entirely solo to meet a 2025 release timeline, Thistroubledsoul captures a raw, inward looking moment in the band’s evolution. The song leans into a dark, cinematic atmosphere, balancing restraint and intensity while exploring themes of inner conflict, endurance, and emotional survival. Rather than intellectualizing vulnerability, the track allows it to exist naturally, presenting openness as a form of strength rather than fragility.
In this interview, the driving force behind Highroad No. 28 speaks candidly about working alone, embracing instinct over calculation, and maintaining artistic continuity through years of change, lineup shifts, and industry transformation. From the organic way emotion translates into sound, to the decision to keep the writing process intuitive and unforced, the conversation reveals an artist focused less on reinvention and more on refinement.
As Highroad No. 28 prepares for a new live lineup in 2026 and looks ahead to the upcoming album The Will to Endure, Thistroubledsoul stands as a clear statement of intent. It is not a departure from the past, but a reaffirmation of it, proof that endurance, honesty, and melody remain at the core of the project, even as the methods and mediums continue to evolve.
How has your artistic vision changed over the years, and how does “Thistroubledsoul” show where you are now creatively?
It hasn’t really changed, apart from adding more melody. Thistroubledsoul speaks for itself.
What made you decide to perform all the instruments and vocals yourself on this single, and how did working alone affect your writing and recording compared to working with a band?
In order for it to be released in 2025, I had to take this solo route this time. With the others on board, it wouldn’t have come out until well into 2026. Working predominantly by myself was, of course, much more challenging. I had to get all those songs to recording level on all instruments and vocals, and that took a LOT of work.
The song talks about inner struggle and emotional survival. How do you turn these deep feelings into music that people can connect with easily?
I have no idea. It just happens naturally.
How do you find the right balance between being open and vulnerable in your lyrics and still sounding strong and confident?
Being open and vulnerable is itself strength and confidence.
Can you explain how you created the dark, cinematic sound of “Thistroubledsoul,” especially the mix of guitars and atmosphere?
The programming was very helpful, and I took a more conservative approach with the guitars on this track.
How do your choices in production, like which instruments or effects you use, help tell the story of endurance and change in your music?
None of this is done consciously, so I can’t really answer that question.
Highroad No. 28 has had different members over time. How has this affected the band’s identity and the music you make now?
It hasn’t really, since I have always written the vast majority of the songs. Back in 2002 and 2005, a couple of members wrote some really cool stuff for Highroad No. 28. I’m always open for members to write too, but it has just turned out that I write almost everything.
After taking a long break, how has the music industry changed, and how has that influenced the way you make and share your music in 2025?
It has changed so much; almost everything is online now. It hasn’t changed how I write music, but of course it has changed how I share music—almost exclusively online.
With a new live band starting in 2026, how will you bring your solo-recorded songs to life on stage while keeping their emotion and energy?
Easily, because when the other members play the songs, they are also playing their songs. Just because I wrote and played everything on the songs in the studio doesn’t mean that when the other members play them, they are just playing a cover. They put their spin on everything, and it is their song too.
Looking ahead, what role do you want Highroad No. 28 to play in the alternative rock scene, and what new things do you want to try on your upcoming album The Will to Endure?
I am not sure. I just want to release the music and hope everyone enjoys it. I have tried everything I wanted to on the album, and it is out on 29 December 2025!
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