heavy on the heart. connects with us to dive deep into their powerful new release "Pretty Pills"
- STAFF
- Aug 23
- 13 min read
By: Staff
“Pretty Pills” is a breathtaking anthem that fuses heartache with strength, showcasing raw brilliance.
In a world where heartbreak meets hope, one band is pushing the limits of vulnerability, sound, and connection. heavy on the heart. is back with their electrifying new single, “Pretty Pills”, a track that blends raw emotion with the kind of sonic power you can feel deep in your bones. From the first thundering drum beat to the soaring vocals and crushing guitars, this song is a visceral experience that leaves an unforgettable mark. But the journey behind it? Even more extraordinary.
We spoke with the band about the making of this track, which almost didn’t see the light of day, and the creative struggle that led to one of their most iconic moments. In this exclusive interview, they dive into the emotional complexity of their music, how they push each other to the limit in the studio, and the deep personal vulnerability they pour into every note. From the unexpected origins of their name to the raw moments of creation that led to the final product, their story is one of passion, pain, and perseverance.
And as the outro of “Pretty Pills” soars, the message is clear: pain is real, but so is the strength to rise above it. Don't miss the chance to read this in-depth conversation and discover how heavy on the heart. is redefining what it means to be truly alive in music.
Keep scrolling to get into it with heavy on the heart.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello heavy on the heart., we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We absolutely loved “Pretty Pills.” The opening drum beats were so powerful and striking. They were the perfect introduction to your stunning vocal display. The notes felt infinite, soaring and relentless. The bass carried the rhythm flawlessly, while the blazing guitars turned the arrangement into what felt like a tsunami of sound. Was there a specific moment when you realized, “This is it, this is the perfect track to take everything to the next level”?
A. Honestly, this song almost didn’t make it. We ended up finishing it in the studio. Costas had the majority of the parts and some very scratchy melody ideas, but nothing really striking. We kept hitting blocks during the pre-production in the studio. Costas had this really cool almost math like part, but it never really fit and he spent months trying to rephrase it. Spent months trying so many different things. Finally, our producer Gary had him lay down what you hear as the bridge and outro now and told him to just sit on it for a little. He wasn’t really vibing with it because he felt it was too simple. He ended up going for a drive to grab everybody dinner while I was doing some harmonies on another song. About 45 minutes later, he comes barging through the door screaming “I got it!”. He ended up singing the outro part he wrote on the drive and everybody just got chills. We all were in agreement that this is most certainly it. We ended up tracking the outro vocals then and there. Honestly that moment saved this song. He was really considering cutting it.
Q. The music video for “Pretty Pills” was incredible. The visuals and editing really captured the emotion and depth of the lyrics. How did you pull this all together? What was the creative process behind making such a captivating video that not only complemented the song but elevated it to a new level?
A. Thank you so much! Our video guy, James Morano is a wizard when it comes to filmography. Costas had the idea for this video and I expanded on it. When we brought the initial concept to James, he was stoked and couldn’t wait to create this. Costas and James have been working together for so long and they just have an understanding of what each other wants artistically out of a project. After the phone call, James sent us a pilot and it matched our vision perfectly. We did 2 days of filming. One day at each location. One day for the performance shots and one day for the theatrical shots. Once we get on set and warmed up, the ideas between everybody just start flowing. The collaborative creative juices start flowing and when we look back at the raw footage and get chills we know we’re gonna be stoked with the final product.
Q. Your band’s style and presentation are amazing. The sound you’ve cultivated is uniquely your own, and it’s clear that it’s not an accident. Is this specific style something you embraced from the very beginning, or has it evolved over time as you experimented with different genres or influences?
A. Thank you so much, truly. That makes me so happy to hear that. You’re making me blush, haha. The way this band came together was sort of out of the blue. By chance or fate you could say.
Back in late 2020, I started writing music with Costas. We were just doing pop songs and he had a bunch of stuff he recorded during the lockdown part of the pandemic and we were just making songs out of them. In the summer of 2021, his band broke up and I kind of nudged the idea of doing a band. So we started writing music. He would demo out everything musically and then we would sit down and write the lyrics and melodies. We ended up taking those songs to the studio in September 2021. That became our debut EP “It’s You That Has To Think”. I was pregnant during this time, so he used this time to put a band together.
This song and this upcoming record was definitely a little different in the sense of writing. It didn’t happen over the course of 10 weeks for starters, haha. It was a collaborative effort between all 4 of us. It was awesome watching everybody contribute their piece and watch something come to life. We’ve only gotten more comfortable writing with each other. We definitely trust each other more. Everybody comes from different backgrounds musically and individually. I think those differences reflect in a nutritional way when it comes to writing and putting something together. It’s cool finding the balance of wanting to do something different, find the median and sometimes you just have to let the songs write themselves. The songwriting process has definitely evolved for all of us individually and collectively.
Q. Can you walk us through how you landed on the title “Pretty Pills”? Was this always the first choice, or did it evolve over time? What does the title mean to you personally, and how does it connect to the themes of the song?
A. The demo and scratch track name of the song was called “Inhibition”. That’s what we knew the song as since its inception. We were going to just keep that name initially, but towards the end of production, we realized that this was going to be a single and more than likely the first single. As Andrew stated “we can’t have the name of the single be a word someone would have to look up in the dictionary”. We all agreed and threw some names out, but nothing really stuck. About 5 months ago when we started really prepping the record and the rollout, Costas threw out the name “Pretty Pills” and he took it from the lyrics of the second verse. We all were a little hesitant at first, but all agreed it rolled off the tongue nicely and when it came time to the final few names, it was definitely the best one. Definitely the name to sum up the whole vibe and understanding of the song.
Q. “Pretty Pills” is layered with emotional complexity. Does it ever feel difficult to reveal such personal vulnerability in a world that’s so comment- and judgment-driven, or do you find it liberating to express yourself so openly through your music?
A. I find it easier to be vulnerable and personal on a piece of music that I give to the world to do what they want with than I do with strangers. The world is full of so many good people. The world is full of so many passionate, inspired, brilliant, empathetic people who make the world around them a better place. Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad people who use your vulnerabilities against you. A lot of people who have no regard for their fellow humans. Unfortunately, that is how it is. So I feel you always need to be cautious about who you let in and what they know.
But when it comes to writing a song, it’s therapeutic to be as raw, honest and emotionally charged as possible. I feel that is when an artist is at their best. When an artist can confront their weaknesses, fears, faults, sorrows, understand those emotions for what they are and let it all out, that is when they shine. Not only does it lift a huge weight off your chest, but you just created something that may fall into the ears of a listener who needed to hear just that. Who needs reassurance that they are not alone in feeling what, how or why they feel. I don’t care at all about what anybody says about me, this band or the art that we create because I know how it has impacted us emotionally. While any artist wants to reach as many people as possible, if an artist reaches just one person in their career, impacts their life, changes their life, gives them reassurance, gives them perspective, then that artist has done their job and they have done it well. We are all very well aware of who we are. For good and for bad. There’s nothing anybody can say to change that. We will continue to spread love and hope in a world full of hate.
Q. You mention in the process of making "Pretty Pills" that the song was almost scrapped. What does it feel like to take a risk on a song that feels unfinished or uncertain, and how do you push through those moments of doubt during the creation process?
A. There’s a verse in a J. Cole song where he talks about listening to the instrumental he’s rapping on for the first time and it didn’t resonate with him. Fast forward a couple years later and a new album cycle, that instrumental eventually ended up being used. He said something like “Sometimes things don’t stick the first time you hear it.” I definitely feel and relate to that.
Other times, it’s like if you try and force it or keep pushing it, it’s not going to come. It’s not natural. So step away and revisit with a fresh head and new perspective. I can’t tell you how many riffs or song ideas don’t find their moment or life until later on. When the timing is right and the emotion, feeling or history that is trying to be translated out can finally find the arrangement, words and phrases to tell its story.
It’s always so different. I do know we wouldn’t release something that we feel is unfinished, but every release is always uncertain when it comes to listener reception. But as long as we all feel certain with it, we feel that’s definitely a good starting point.
Q. Your band's sound has been described as a bridge between heartbreak and hope. How do you see these two elements coexisting in your music? Is one more prominent for you in the writing process, or do they always play off each other naturally?
A. I think heartbreak and hope coexist in our music, the way heartbreak and hope coexist within our lives. We all experience life and all it has to offer. For good and for bad. At one point or another everybody has experiences that are parallel with one another. Everybody responds differently emotionally, but we all go through the same stages of life.
I think understanding and identifying these situations or experiences and how they make you feel is a good thing. It’s basically the whole point of therapy. As a musician, certain sounds, chords, phrases, riffs just take you back somewhere or make you feel something. I think identifying what that sound makes you feel and translating the emotions of that situation or experience out is what comes natural. I think it really all depends on what’s going on in our lives during that cycle. This record is definitely darker, but ends more optimistic. These new songs we’re writing definitely have some darker themes but overall it seems that the brighter, more hopeful songs are reflecting through. It really is all place, time and environment I suppose.
Q. The outro of “Pretty Pills” is a truly dramatic wow moment in the song. Can you walk us through the emotional journey of creating that final section? What kind of impact did you want to leave on the listener with that ending?
A. We really wanted to sum up what it’s like when you are toxically dependent on substances and how it feels when you are trying to detoxify and turn it all around. It isn’t easy. It doesn’t necessarily have to be narcotics or alcohol. It could be sugar. It could endorphin rushes. It could be caffeine. But we really wanted to paint the picture of what it feels like and what you go through during these times in the way that is most self reflective to us. In a way that hits home to all of us personally one way or another. Whether that be as a user or as someone who has lost a friend or loved one who was a user.
Q. It’s clear that your live performances are a big part of your identity as a band. How does the energy of a live show compare to the emotional experience of recording in the studio? Do you approach the music differently in each setting?
A. They’re 2 different animals in our opinion. I feel like the emotional experience in the studio is more inner body, intimate and personal. It’s a group of friends locked in a room letting their creative juices rationalize their emotions in a healthy and meaningful way. Whereas the live setting is unleashing the beast. Letting all that pent up energy out. Letting all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears out. Giving that energy to the crowd. We want people who are seeing us for the first time to feel like they have known us their whole lives. We want them to feel our drive. We want them to feel our hearts. We want to touch their souls. We want them to wake up the next morning and remember how epic their night was.
We also like to have a lot of fun when we play live. We add intros, outros, extend songs, cut songs, blend songs and get the crowd involved when we can. They are 2 different beasts. Day and night. But they both hold a special place in all of our hearts.
Q. The track’s vulnerability is something a lot of fans connect with. Have you found that sharing your deepest emotions through music has also helped you heal personally, or is it more of an act of connection to others or both?
A. It has definitely helped me personally. Just letting it all out is relinquishing. It frees you. The weight is lifted. Writing has to be vulnerable. The more honest and vulnerable you are, the more a person who understands you can relate and connect. I feel while I am healing myself during the writing process, but when it finds the right listener who understands or feels the exact same way when it’s released into the world is the art and beauty of connection.
Q. Your music seems to encourage listeners to embrace their pain rather than shy away from it. What would you say to someone who feels overwhelmed by the emotions in your songs but is struggling to process them?
A. I don’t think I struggle to process them as much anymore. I don’t let it overwhelm me anymore. Embracing your pain doesn’t mean making yourself a victim. Embracing your pain is understanding where you were victimized and no matter how big or small, it’s traumatic and needs to be dealt with. Understanding it, learning from it and dealing with it head on is coping. It’s therapeutic. It’s growth.
Q. Costas mentioned that you all worked through harmonies and arrangement changes right up until the last minute on “Pretty Pills.” How does that collaborative process play into the final sound, and what’s it like to push each other in the studio?
A. He’s been pushing me since day one, haha. He’s been pushing all of us. Not in a bad way. He truly believes in all of us. It can always be better. It can always be tighter. You’re a musician right? Keep perfecting the craft and striving to be better each day.
I think all of us pushing each other is a good thing. There’s growth in that. Not settling for less. Don’t leave any stones unturned. It’s a beautiful thing. Even in heated moments. Because it’s all love for the greater good of the song and each other. Even when things get a little heated, we always come back to earth, apologize and keep moving. It's all love.
Q. “Pretty Pills” feels like an anthem for people going through tough times. What do you hope listeners take away from the song, beyond just the catharsis of singing along?
A. Just know that you can overcome any obstacle that you are facing. Internally or externally. You are not alone in feeling how you feel. But everybody has a purpose, whether we know it or not. Turn this pain you’re feeling into your purpose. Fight back. You will win. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us if you feel you have nobody to talk to. Everybody deserves a chance to live.
Q. We’d love to dive deeper into the story behind your artist name, heavy on the heart. Now that we’ve had a chance to experience your music, it’s clear that fans will be curious about the meaning behind the name. How does heavy on the heart connect to the music you create, and what significance does it hold for you personally? What’s the origin or backstory behind the name?
A. Costas didn’t take his old band breaking up really well. He had himself a little bit of a manic episode, haha. One day we were on his deck and just talking. He said something like this situation weighs heavy on my heart or something. But I remember jumping up and saying that is the name. That is the band name. Heavy on the heart. He looked at me and goes “holy smokes, you’re right”, haha.
So that is how the name came about. I think it made complete sense with what was coming out musically from us. Just touchy emotional subjects. Good and bad. Seemed on point, fitting and on brand.
Q. And finally, we can’t thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! So, what’s next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We’d love to be the first to share the news!
A. Thank you so much for having us and honestly thank you for such rad, deep and intimate questions. This was sick! We have some more singles we will be dropping. The next one in October. We have a 5 day run in September, will be getting ready to drop a record and will spend the majority of 2026 touring. Somewhere in all of this, hopefully hit the studio and start tracking the new songs we have been writing! Thank you so much for having us and please stay in touch!
heavy on the heart., thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared heavy on the heart.’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
