Interview: ultrasaturated Opens Up About Their Single, "Luna"

Dream pop trio ultrasaturated, hailing from somewhere between Amsterdam and Northern Italy, is back to serve up another cosmic creation with their latest single, "Luna." Following the runaway success of their debut EP, Universal Hologram—which racked up over half a million streams—ultrasaturated is once again blending dreamy post-punk vibes with ’80s-inspired aesthetics. Formed in 2022 by three former Italian punk rockers, the band has traded hardcore edge for introspective shoegaze, mixing spaced-out vocals with cinematic soundscapes that echo DIIV, Beach Fossils, and Black Marble. Expect "Luna" to bring the same surreal, introspective vibe that’s made them one of the most exciting new acts on the dream-pop scene.

You all come from a background in the Italian punk and hardcore scene. What motivated the shift to dream pop, and how has that influence shaped your sound today?

The Italian punk scene is full of passionate, talented bands, but breaking out internationally has always been a challenge for bands in this country. When we first started, our music reflected the hardcore and punk sounds around us, but we felt like it was blending in with everything else. After moving to Amsterdam, I (Samuel) began listening to more shoegaze and dream pop, which inspired a shift in that direction. Gianmaria suggested experimenting with some demos he had been working on, and we decided to dive into this new sound.

In the summer of 2022, we got together in a small house in the Alps, where we set up a small home studio to write and record our first demos, and that experience was incredible. We wrote our first EP, Universal Hologram, there, blending our punk roots with dreamy and melodic elements. Our background has definitely influenced our sound, giving our dream pop a raw edge.

This combination has created a unique style we're really proud of, and we've been thrilled with the positive response so far.

Can you share more about the writing process for "Luna" during your retreat at Lake Garda? How did the environment influence the music and lyrics?

Just like our retreat in the mountains, we wanted to capture that same magic by immersing ourselves in a beautiful setting, so we set up a small studio at a beautiful house by Lake Garda. The place had such a unique energy, almost as if it had a soul of its own, and we tried to channel that into our music. It took us a little longer to find our groove this time, but we eventually managed to write new songs that, in our opinion, still carry the unique feeling of our earlier work but with a more mature sound. 

For any band out there, I highly recommend taking time away with your bandmates to write some music. It’s not only incredibly fun and great for making memories, but it can also lead to creating some truly special music.

The lyrics of "Luna" explore existential reflection and personal introspection. What specific experiences or ideas inspired the themes in this track?

I always try to write lyrics that feel like pages taken out of my personal diary. I love asking myself the big questions and exploring them through my music. With Gianmaria and Federico, when we’re done acting like stupid teenagers (we’re in our late 20s, after all), we often end up having deep conversations about topics that are bigger than us, and it’s so good and refreshing to be able to talk about these things with someone. These are topics that can make you feel lonely and powerless, but having someone to talk about it with makes it a lot easier. I think the listener who is willing to find a meaning to these lyrics will find their own answers.

Your visual identity features a psychedelic, vintage aesthetic. How do you feel this visual style complements the music you create, and what role does it play in conveying your artistic message?

We think the visual style plays a big part in the whole project. Gianmaria, who is the big creative brain of the band, usually makes all of our graphics and videos to ensure they match the vibe of our music. We think in this specific style of music, it’s really important to have an imagery that reflects and amplifies the mood and atmosphere of the music, creating a complete experience for the listener. 

Following the success of your debut EP and the upcoming single, what can fans expect from ultrasaturated in the future? 

We’re excited to share that we’ll release a few more singles in the coming months, so keep an eye on our pages for updates. We’re also working on organizing some shows across Europe, and we’re hoping to hit the road for a tour soon. Stay tuned for more news - we have some exciting plans that we can’t wait to share.

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