Q&A: Fiji Blue’s Bittersweet Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope Takes Flight with Debut Album ‘Glide’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SOPHIE GRAGG ☆
Photos By Joe Hunt
INDIE SINGER-SONGWRITER FIJI BLUE, known for his blend of guitar-driven storytelling and "bittersweet optimism," is finally ready to share his deeply personal debut album, Glide, with the world. Out December 13 via Nettwerk, Glide is a testament to the power of vulnerability, chronicling Fiji Blue's experiences with love, loss, and the unwavering optimism that shines through even in life's darkest moments.
Influenced by artists like John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Blue's music blends indie, pop, and R&B with a touch of Southern California cool. After accumulating over 300 million streams and garnering praise for his "incredibly orchestrated" songs, Fiji Blue has captivated audiences worldwide. Glide is a deeply personal journey for Fiji Blue, reflecting his experiences with love, loss, and the challenges of personal growth. This introspective collection of songs showcases his vulnerability and honesty, inviting listeners to connect with their own emotions and find solace in the beauty of human connection.
Read below for our interview with Fiji Blue to learn about the making of Glide, his hopes for the rest of the year and more.
LUNA: Your debut album, Glide, feels deeply personal and heartfelt. Can you share the journey of creating this album and how it reflects your experiences, especially with your wife, Natasha?
FIJI BLUE: Creating Glide was a deeply personal journey, capturing years of experiences, especially my life with Natasha. She’s always been my greatest inspiration, and while the challenges we’ve faced recently came after the album was finished, they’ve given me a new lens to hear these songs. Now, they feel like a reminder of how important our love is to my life and my music.
Writing this album felt like chasing a never-ending finish line—there was always more to say, more to refine. But ultimately, learning to let go allowed me to close the chapter on Glide and the collection of stories that define this period of my life.
LUNA: The diagnosis of Natasha's brain cancer must have been a challenging and emotional time. How did those experiences impact your songwriting and the urgency to release this album?
FIJI BLUE: Natasha’s diagnosis was one of the hardest moments of our lives, and it shifted everything for us. It truly felt like my world was ending. While the songs on Glide were written before that time, her diagnosis brought a deeper urgency to releasing the album. It reminded me of how fleeting and precious life is, and how important it is to share what matters most to you while you can.
Life was moving as fast & slow as it ever has & in the midst of things, Natasha selflessly wanted me to continue my life as planned, as best as i could of course. Although those experiences didn’t directly shape the songs, they gave me a new appreciation for the themes of love and connection woven throughout the album. Releasing Glide now feels like a way to honor those emotions and create something meaningful that Natasha and I can look back on together.
LUNA: "One Last Time," which features collaborations with Conrad of Public Library Commute and Colin of Surfaces, is such a standout track. Can you tell us about the creative process behind this song and what it means to you?
FIJI BLUE: I had the absolute honor of creating 'One Last Time' with two amazing musicians and human beings, Conrad and Colin. I recall the song coming to us almost instantly, and by the end of the day, it was nearly finished. Being vulnerable and making music with others takes time to feel comfortable, but with these two, it felt effortless. Their openness and creativity made the process so natural, and I think that authenticity shines through in the song.
LUNA: You’ve been described as a “bittersweet optimist.” How do you balance the melancholic and hopeful tones in your music to create such an emotionally rich listening experience?
FIJI BLUE: Being a 'bittersweet optimist'—it feels true to how I approach music and life. For me, balancing the melancholic and hopeful tones in my music is about embracing the complexity of emotions. Life isn’t just one thing; joy and sadness often coexist, and I try to reflect that honestly in my songs. I think the beauty lies in the contrast—pairing lyrics that explore vulnerability or loss with melodies that feel warm or uplifting. My goal is to create music that feels real, that lets listeners sit with their emotions but also reminds them that there’s always a sense of hope, even in moments where it feels like nothing can go right.
LUNA: Glide has been compared sonically to artists like John Mayer and Jack Johnson. Were there any particular artists or albums that inspired your sound on this record?
FIJI BLUE: To me, John Mayer has always & will continue to be a huge inspiration of mine. My whole life changed when I heard “In Your Atmosphere” 14 years ago. I fell in love with songwriting, playing guitar, & hoping that I could one day write something that could help someone as much as John’s music has helped me.
LUNA: You postponed your fall US tour to be with Natasha during her recovery. How has this time reshaped your perspective on life, love, and the role of music in your life?
FIJI BLUE: Postponing the tour to be with Natasha was one of the easiest and hardest decisions I’ve ever made. For the longest time we were keeping things private as we navigated her medical journey. As the tour loomed closer & closer it just seemed impossible to make everything work as we were trying so hard to do. She will always come first in my life & being there for her was what I needed to do. The response from my fans was beyond supportive & I cannot thank everyone enough for understanding.
LUNA: With Glide being your debut album, what are your hopes for how it will resonate with listeners, both old fans and new ones?
FIJI BLUE: With Glide, my biggest hope is that it feels like a shared experience for anyone who listens. For old fans, I want it to feel like an evolution of the sound and emotion they’ve connected with before—something familiar yet deeper. For new listeners, I hope it’s an invitation into this world of storytelling and vulnerability that I try to create with my music. Ultimately, I want Glide to be more than just an album. I want it to be a companion for people in their own moments of reflection, joy, or even heartache. If even one person feels seen or understood through these songs, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something meaningful.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the remainder of 2024?
FIJI BLUE: For the remainder of the year, I plan to take the deepest breath possible. This year has been a journey of incredible highs and challenging lows, but I’m more hopeful for the future than ever. I can’t wait for this album to come out and serve as a meaningful bookend to this chapter of my life.
