To celebrate the release of the rock giants' tenth studio album, Brett Anderson shares insights into the inspirations and meanings behind each track.
16th September 2025
With ‘Antidepressants’ - the existential sequel to 2022’s self-identified “punk record” ‘Autofiction’ - Suede remains resolute and self-aware, unafraid to delve into the darker aspects of contemporary existence, reflecting on themes of mortality, 21st Century (dis)connection, and collective neuroses. Now that the album has been released, we’ve sought out frontman Brett Anderson to explore the narratives behind every track on ‘Antidepressants’. Brett, take it away…
Disintegrate
‘Disintegrate’ is such a compelling word; many songs I admire share that name, like The Cure’s album and The Flaming Lips’ track (‘Feeling Yourself Disintegrate’). This album touches on the fear of death, and this song celebrates one's own mortality. Rather than shying away from it, it encourages embracing and honoring it: “Come down and disintegrate with me”. It’s not a sad notion; it’s a dark celebration of your own end.
Dancing With The Europeans
There’s a feeling of optimism in this song. I distinctly recall performing a show in Spain while writing this album; I was personally at a low point, yet that performance was electrifying. There was a profound connection between me and the audience, and the phrase “dancing with the Europeans” came to mind. I find something captivating about the term ‘Europeans’. The phrase encapsulates the quest for connection in an isolated world: where do we find our connections and bonds with others? That performance in Spain broke those barriers.
Antidepressants
We began performing ‘Antidepressants’ live last year. It’s an easy song for listeners to grasp right away; if they’re unfamiliar with a track, they often just need to feel the beat. I still don’t fully understand its meaning… I appreciate the mystery in my songs. It keeps things intriguing for both me and the audience. It's ambiguous whether the song celebrates or critiques antidepressants, but it certainly sparks a conversation about them. It may reflect how society tends to label every human condition as a diagnosis. There's a sentiment that humanity is reduced to a mere medical condition, including our emotional states. When we turn to medication for our feelings, something that was once part of being human is now seen as medical. Is this positive or negative? I’m not sure. Nonetheless, it’s a reality, and this song addresses that. Many people I know are surrounded by it; medication has become a constant in 21st Century life. I felt compelled to write something about it.
Sweet Kid
‘Sweet Kid’ is about my son. I view it as a companion piece to ‘Life Is Golden’ from ‘The Blue Hour’, which also focuses on him. I wrote that when he was around four years old; now he’s 12, entering a new phase of life as he approaches adolescence, almost a young man. ‘Sweet Kid’ is a term of endearment I sometimes use for him, and the song reflects my relationship with him. It carries a hint of mortality. Every parent experiences the fear of not being there to witness their child's growth (a possibility we can’t ignore). While writing about my family, I aim to avoid overly sentimental tones. It’s too easy to create overly sweet songs about family; I strive to incorporate some grit.
The Sound And The Summer
One of my alternative titles for the album was ‘Suppression’. I was drawn to the word, but I hesitated, not wanting to frame it within a political context. The suppression I’m addressing pertains to the claustrophobia of modern life. ‘The Sound And The Summer’ embodies a form of autofiction; it offers an escape from that suffocating feeling, akin to speeding down a motorway and making some mistakes. It captures a slightly irreverent, Thelma and Louise-style adventure, intertwined with elements from J.G. Ballard.
Somewhere Between An Atom And A Star
This song was initially intended for the ballet album. It originates from a phrase in a book I read that I found beautiful. It speaks to the essence of a human being - “somewhere between an atom and a star” - and connects to mortality: life is merely a fleeting moment, and words are just illusions. It evokes a sense of being in the present while recognizing its transience. There’s a cosmic beauty to it.
Broken Music For Broken People
The broken individuals will rise and inherit the earth. It’s not the controlling figures who will prevail. If there’s hope, it rests with the masses. It’s like 1984 (though with a bit of humor).
Criminal Ways
‘Criminal Ways’ isn’t a profound song. It’s an energetic burst wrapped
UK pop sensation Zayn is set to embark on a residency in Las Vegas this January. The artist recently made a comeback with his impactful and intimate album 'ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS'.
Stealing Sheep have released their new album 'GLO' in its entirety. The band has been part of the music scene for more than ten years, and they even played in our
PIXIES have officially announced their plans for a tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The upcoming headline tour in 2026 marks four decades since their formation.
Shirley Manson has asserted that the "theft within the record industry" will halt Garbage's touring. The established band is currently engaged in a major
Kasabian performed a small show in London last night (September 23rd) at the Finsbury. This North London pub is just a short distance from Manor House station and is located on
Joe Talbot from IDLES has recently launched a new podcast that includes Julian Casablancas as a guest. The musician from Bristol hosts his Oh Gatekeeper podcast, where he welcomes a
To celebrate the launch of the rock giants’ tenth studio album, Brett Anderson shares insights on the inspirations and meanings behind each track.