Etherdene introduces herself as a singer, songwriter, and producer whose artistic identity has been shaped across continents, disciplines, and personal transformation. Originally from South Africa and now based near Portland, Oregon, she first honed her craft in an Afrikaans alt-rock band that earned label support, where she was deeply involved in songwriting and arrangements. Following the emotional aftermath of the band’s breakup, she temporarily shifted her creative energy into brand design work at leading agencies, finding that the same sense of artistic fulfillment carried through both music and visual storytelling.
Her single “Falling Up” sits at the emotional center of that evolution, built around a paradox that captures grief as both devasting and having unexpected peace. In the wake of her mother’s passing after a long struggle with dementia, the song reflects the complicated reality of anticipatory loss. Watching someone you love gradually fade while still present, and then confronting the finality of their absence. Rather than expressing grief as dark or consumed in sadness, Etherdene explores the duality of mourning and relief, describing a sense of spiritual closeness and reassurance that transforms sorrow into something quietly hopeful.
Interviewer: For new fans: can you give insight about who you are as an artist and the genre of music that you create?
Etherdene: “I’m a singer-songwriter-producer, originally from South Africa but now living in Oregon, close to Portland. I was in an Afrikaans alt-rock band back in South Africa — we were signed to a label, and I wrote the songs and did the arrangements. After a really hard band breakup, I focused on my brand design career, working at some really cool design agencies. (The creative high was the same, whether it was music or design, though I continued to write music.)
During COVID, I discovered music production (and Breath of the Wild), and three years later, for the first time, I realized I didn’t need a band to put out music — I could play keys myself and bring in session musicians for drums, bass, and guitars. Since June 2023, I’ve been releasing singles every 4–6 weeks. My influences are synth-driven ’80s music, Muse, The Killers, Metric, and Silversun Pickups.”
Interviewer: “Falling Up” is such an intriguing title because it feels paradoxical. What does “falling up” mean to you?
Etherdene: “To me, falling up is expecting utter agony but finding peace instead, thinking you’re going to be unrecognizably destroyed but — to your own wonder — learning the end doesn’t look the way you thought it would.”
Interviewer: Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired this song?
Etherdene: “My mom passed away in November last year, and my whole life I dreaded that moment. My mom was my best friend — such a good sport, so stylish, musical — she was endlessly interested in me, like the “Dala whisperer.” A few years ago she started showing signs of dementia, and we slowly started losing pieces of her. Seeing someone you love have dementia is surreal, because you lose pieces of them while they’re still with you — but the beautiful thing was seeing the essence of who she was shine through right till the very end. Her kindness and sweetness never left. When she passed away I was shattered, but also relieved to finally mourn her.
And though I expected it to be the end of my world, I felt God’s closeness and assurance that she is with Him now, experiencing life in full color again. I didn’t know it was possible to grieve with your whole heart while also being at peace — relieved that the person you lost is finally okay, and that you’ll see them again — and that’s where “falling up” came from. I realized if God can hold me this close when I lose my mom, He will hold me close in everything I face, which gave me so much peace.”
Interviewer: Were there any lyrics that were particularly difficult or vulnerable for you to write?
Etherdene: “I think the lyrics came easily, but it was hard to sing because I kept crying during the vocal takes. It was a fun song to write.”
Interviewer: How did you approach the production to reflect the emotional push and pull within the lyrics?
Etherdene: “I wanted it to just be piano and vocals. When I did the initial takes, I was super emotional, and because they were just guide vocals, I didn’t worry about technique — but I think not worrying about it helped add so much emotion to the vocals, and when I listened back, I realized it came out really nicely. I edited it carefully and was able to use those takes. Production-wise, I added some synths for continuity with my overall Etherdene sound. After the synths, it felt like it just needed a tad more, and Dennis Holt — legendary Dennis Holt — added drums.”
Interviewer: Did the final version of the song sound the way you originally imagined it?
Etherdene: “Yes, it did!“
Interviewer: What message do you hope listeners take away from the song?
Etherdene: “That we don’t need to be alone in our darkest moments, and there is hope beyond the things we fear the most.”
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