Mixtaped sat down for an exclusive one-on-one with Pop Alchemist PAAB to discuss his latest single, Heartbroken Era. Check out the full interview below.
Heartbroken Era is the newest release from Pop Alchemist PAAB, offering an intimate and deeply personal narrative. This poignant yet empowering anthem explores the journey of heartbreak, healing, and self-reclamation, capturing the raw emotions of enduring toxic love. The track was brought to life by a team of world-class composers and producers, known for their work with top record labels and global icons like Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, and Shawn Mendes.
Your new single, “Heartbroken Era,” is an incredibly heartfelt and uplifting track. Can you share the inspiration behind it?
“Heartbroken Era” is a truly intimate and personal story for me. The inspiration behind it comes from a significant chapter in my life – meeting someone who seemed extraordinary but ultimately became a painful yet profound life lesson. I poured everything into that relationship, often putting them first and losing myself in the process. When it ended, I was left with nothing but painful memories and heartbreak. This song is more than just a closure. It symbolizes the end of a year marked by heartache and the beginning of transformation. It captures the bittersweet journey of letting go, finding strength, and rediscovering myself after love lost. The release date of the song marked the exact one year anniversary of the relationship.
The production on “Heartbroken Era” is incredible. Who did you collaborate with on the track?
I was really privileged to collaborate with an incredible team on “Heartbroken Era”. Howard Fitzpatrick, Ashley Madison, Josh Newman and Tom Kruger played a huge role in bringing this song to life, making it a true breakthrough for me. The track was shaped by world-class composers and producers known for their work for major artists like Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter and Shawn Mendes, and such record labels as Universal and Island Records. Their creative mastery helped transform the song into a powerful sonic experience, blending vibrant beats with poetic storytelling to inspire and uplift.
The lyrics include mythological and symbolic references—can you talk about their significance?
The references add depth to the emotional journey of the song. The mention of „titans” represents immense strength and resilience, but also the burden of carrying emotional weight – just as titans in mythology were powerful yet often doomed to struggle. „Fallen angels” symbolize lost innocence and the pain of betrayal, reflecting the disillusionment that comes with toxic love. The „sling of sick love” alludes to both David and Goliath – a battle against something seemingly overpowering – and the idea of love turning into a weapon that wounds rather than uplifts.
What emotions did you want to evoke with the melody and instrumentation of the song?
„Heartbroken Era” is a blend of vulnerability and sorrow which ultimately builds into strength and empowerment. The song begins with a sense of melancholy, reflecting the weight of heartbreak, as the track progresses, the instrumentation grows bolder, blending powerful beats and dynamic arrangements to mirror the transformation from sadness to resilience. I wanted the listener to feel not just the heartbreak, but also the triumph of reclaiming oneself.
Where can fans find you and the song online ?
You can find me on Instagram @thepaab (https://www.instagram.com/thepaab), and my music is available on all major streaming platforms under PAAB, so you can listen to it wherever you enjoy music. Stay tuned for more exciting releases coming soon!
The song delves into the raw emotions of enduring toxic love, ultimately celebrating the strength it takes to break free from its entanglements. It reflects on a period of intense emotional pain, fuelled by unfulfilled dreams and deceit, yet transforms this anguish into a narrative of resilience and personal growth. Far from being a tale of defeat, the lyrics chart a journey from sorrow to empowerment, declaring the triumph of leaving behind the shadows of the past. Rich in emotional and mythological symbolism — such as references to “titans,” “fallen angels,” and the “sling of sick love” — the song invites listeners to connect with its depth and meaning.
Pop Alchemist, PAAB, masterfully fuses contemporary pop music with spirituality, creating songs that pulsate with vibrant beats, boundless energy and profound symbolism. As a singer and songwriter, PAAB draws inspiration from his study and practice of the Laws of the Universe and energy alchemy, which deeply influence his creative process. His lyrics are meticulously layered with symbolic meaning, inviting listeners to experience a journey of sound and self-discovery. Each song tells a compelling story rooted in his personal life experiences. Beyond his musical pursuits, PAAB has guided and inspired hundreds of individuals worldwide, helping them reconnect with their inner source of peace, wisdom, and power through his energetic teachings and practices. His work transcends music, offering a holistic experience that resonates on both a personal and universal level.