Q&A: Still Woozy on Evolving Sounds, Storytelling, and Finding Balance Amid the Chaos
WITH HIS LAID-BACK DEMEANOR AND EFFORTLESSLY GROOVY SOUND - Still Woozy (the stage name of Oakland native Sven Gamsky) has steadily cultivated a dedicated fanbase for his infectious blend of bedroom pop, indie rock, and dreamy electronic beats. Known for hits like "Goodie Bag" and "Habit," Woozy's music has always combined smooth, layered production with heartfelt introspection, giving listeners a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. This past summer, Woozy dropped his new album If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is, continuing to evolve his signature blend of lo-fi warmth and electronic polish while introducing a new focus on narrative songwriting.
In the midst of a packed fall tour that includes a set at Austin City Limits and upcoming shows in Europe, Woozy’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to effortlessly mix dreamy psychedelia with head-bopping beats has earned him spots at major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Outside Lands. And yet, despite his rapid rise, Woozy remains as grounded as ever—balancing a burgeoning career with fatherhood and a renewed focus on positivity.
We caught up with Still Woozy ahead of his set at ACL to discuss the evolution of his sound, how he balances narrative-driven songwriting with the vibe-heavy elements that fans love, and what he’s looking forward to as he wraps up this whirlwind of a year.
LUNA: Welcome to Austin! You had a show earlier this week, and now you’ve got the festival set later today. How are you feeling?
STILL WOOZY:: I'm excited. This time we’ve got a better time slot with less direct sunlight. It was intense the last time we played ACL.
LUNA: How do you approach a festival set compared to a headlining show?
STILL WOOZY: Festival sets are shorter, so you just go for all the bangers. It’s fun because it feels quick, and the energy from the crowd is always so good. I love it. Everyone’s here to have a good time, so that energy exchange happens naturally.
LUNA: Your new album dropped this summer. It felt like a mix of familiar sounds for your fans, but also brought something fresh. Can you talk about some of the new sonic elements you explored and what led you there?
STILL WOOZY: I was experimenting more with storytelling in the songwriting, rather than just focusing on production. I love narrative songs, and I wanted to dive deeper into that while still keeping the vibe.
LUNA: So, for the next project, will you be focusing more on narrative songwriting or maintaining a balance with vibes?
STILL WOOZY: I’m aiming for that intersection. You start with a goal, but things can end up completely different once you’re in the creative process.
LUNA: It’s hard to pin down the creative process until it’s done. Which songs from the new project have been your favorite to play live? Have there been any surprises with fan reactions?
STILL WOOZY: "Shotgun" always gets a great reaction, and "Little Things" is a psychedelic slow jam that contrasts nicely with something like "Frida Kahlo," which is super fast-paced. Each song has its own energy, and it’s fun to play them live.
LUNA: It’s awesome to have that variety in your music—songs that are fun and different enough to keep things interesting. Are you trying to create a narrative with your live sets as well?
STILL WOOZY: Yeah, it's all about the flow. I like to mix things up so there aren't too many slow songs in a row.
LUNA: Has playing live influenced your creative process? Do you think about how songs will translate to a live setting when you're writing?
STILL WOOZY: Sometimes after a song is made, I’ll imagine how it would feel live, but I don’t create with that in mind. It would feel too restrictive. I try to focus on what I want to hear rather than predicting what people want.
LUNA: You’ve got a big fall ahead with the rest of your US tour, some Europe show and you have a beautiful baby at home. What intentions do you have for the rest of the year?
STILL WOOZY: I just want to make the most of every situation and find positivity in everything, while also being mindful of not overdoing it.
LUNA: Mu Dang or Pesto?
STILL WOOZY: Mu Dang for sure.
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