Interview: The Terrifying Lows Chat About Recent Single ‘When I Feel Like Giving Up’

Melbourne garage psych artist, The Terrifying Lows recently released his new single, When I feel Like giving Up. The track is taken from his forthcoming album, Into The Dark Devide. We had a chat with Tyler to dive deeper into the track and what we can expect from the album. 

‘When I Feel Like Giving Up’ really captures some heavy emotions. Can you tell us what inspired the track and how it came together? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked it?

‘When I Feel Like Giving Up’ came from a place of deep frustration and self-doubt. I wrote it during a period when everything felt like an uphill battle—creatively, personally, and emotionally. There wasn’t a single moment that sparked it, but rather a slow build-up of pressure that needed release. The song started as a quiet piano piece, almost like a diary entry, before evolving into something bigger and more cinematic.

The song blends atmospheric piano with lo-fi electronica and your signature alt-rock style. How do you approach crafting such a unique sound, and were there any unexpected influences or challenges during the recording process?

I’ve always loved blending organic and electronic elements to create tension and atmosphere. This track started with the piano, and then I layered in beats and ambient textures to give it that haunting, hypnotic feel. I was listening to a lot of wobbly lo-fi stuff at the time, which definitely influenced the sonic palette. One challenge was balancing intimacy with scale—I wanted it to feel raw but still expansive.

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Aging and its complexities are a big theme in this track. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about navigating life, what would it be?

I’d tell my younger self to trust the process and be kinder to himself. It’s easy to get caught up in where you think you should be rather than appreciating where you are. Growth isn’t linear, and every setback teaches you something valuable. I’d also remind him that comparison is the enemy of creativity—your path is your own, and it’s okay if it looks different from everyone else’s.

You’ve built a reputation for hypnotic rhythms and raw, emotional storytelling. How does ‘When I Feel Like Giving Up’ fit into the broader narrative of your upcoming album, Into the Dark Divide? Any surprises we can expect?

I’ve said before that it’s somewhat of a stand alone track but I think it’s a crucial piece of Into the Dark Divide because it captures one of the album’s central themes: confronting your own darkness. The album explores the highs and lows of self-discovery, mental health, and resilience. There are moments of euphoria and moments of despair, but ultimately, it’s about finding light in the dark. As for surprises, there are a few unexpected sonic shifts—some heavier,some more delicate—but all tied together by that emotional rawness.

You’ve shared stages with some incredible Australian artists like Dan Sultan and Hayley Mary. How have those live experiences shaped your artistry, and what can fans expect when they see The Terrifying Lows live in this new chapter?

Playing alongside artists like Dan Sultan and Hayley Mary has been incredible because they bring such raw energy and presence to their performances. It’s taught me the importance of connection—when you’re on stage, it’s about creating a shared experience with the audience. This new chapter of The Terrifying Lows is more immersive and visceral than ever. Punters can expect a dynamic live show that moves between meditative and explosive moments, pulling them deep into my world.