Peder Elias Tells Us All in This Exclusive Interview!
- lewishooper1
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
In this exclusive interview with Norwegian singer/songwriter, Peder Elias, we dive deep into his K-pop collabs, K-culture, creative connection, and returning to Korea.
Who is Peder Elias?
Peder Elias is a Norwegian singer-songwriter who achieved massive multi-platinum success in Korea with hits like "Bonfire" and "Loving You Girl".
Not only this, but he has also collaborated with some of K-pop's hottest names, while also
notably featuring on the track "7PM" by the SEVENTEEN sub-unit BSS and releasing the 2024 single "Hey Hello" with Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO. Beyond this, he has worked with artists like Suran and Yuqi of (G)I-DLE, further solidifying his unique status as a mainstay in the Korean music scene.
Our writer Lewis Hooper previously interviewed Peder Elias in 2023, and on December 15th, 2025, he interviewed him again to discuss his holiday hits "My Kinda Christmas" and "Northern Lights" as well as what fans can expect from him in 2026!
From the studio to the stage: Here is our full interview with Peder Elias.
Compared to more traditional holiday songs, "My Kinda Christmas" feels very
personal and contemporary. What specific moment or feeling from your own life
inspired you to write a 'modern' Christmas anthem?
In 2020, I released a Christmas track called "Home", which was a very personal and quite sad song. This time around, I really wanted to create something more uplifting—a song that simply makes people feel good. The inspiration came from my own childhood memories and the Christmas music I grew up listening to. I was also inspired by Justin Bieber’s holiday tracks; he’s someone who has always been a significant musical inspiration for me.
Knowing your popularity in Asia, especially in Korea, did the idea of how this song might be received in a high-stream market influence the production or the lyrics?
I tend not to think too much about specific regions when I'm writing; instead, I focus on making music that feels personal and inspiring to me. However, those moments of crowd interaction during my shows definitely play a part in my songwriting process.
When I'm creating, I try to picture myself on stage performing the track to imagine what the energy in the room would feel like. Once I have that feeling captured, the melody usually follows to complete the song.
The "Northern Lights" track, and the EP as a whole, suggest themes of nature and
wonder. Since you were also busy touring, what were the key moments or sights that helped you define the sound and emotional tone for this 6-track collection?
Nature played a huge role in the inspiration for this track. Growing up in Norway, being surrounded by nature was such a central part of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights many times, and those experiences really stay with you and find their way into the music.
The melody for the "Northern Lights" section was really what helped me complete the song. I chose it as the title for the EP because it feels so true to my roots. I’m incredibly happy with the production, even though it took quite a while to get those final touches just right—the verse was actually the very last section we added, and we finished it off with that guitar ending. Now, every time I listen to the track, I can clearly picture myself watching the Northern Lights; it’s a feeling that always brings me peace.
Your collaboration track "7PM" with SEVENTEEN'S BSS and "Hey Hello" with Cha
Eun-woo were huge hits. What specific element of the K-pop production or
songwriting style has influenced your own upcoming album for 2026, and can you
drop any hints about the next major Korean artist you'd like to work with?
Everything I experience and the different stages of my life inspire me musically. Every time I visit Korea, I find it such an inspiring place. Having worked with some major artists here, I’ve realized how much I enjoy writing music for other K-pop artists—not just for myself. It allows me to be more playful and open-minded during the creative process. Since my previous collaborations have been with male K-pop idols, I think it would be really cool to collaborate with a female Korean artist for my next project.
You've held solo concerts in Seoul multiple times. What is the energy like
performing for your Korean fans compared to other countries on your Asia tour? And
what special memories or interactions with Korean fans stand out from your recent
visit?
The Korean audience is so unique—they feel like a true community and are incredibly organized compared to other crowds I’ve seen. I remember one performance where the entire audience prepared notes to hold up at a specific moment; it caught me completely by surprise and remains such a vivid, great memory.
Another time, the fans made paper planes and threw them toward the stage, right as I was performing that track. Those kinds of surprises are so special to me and really make the shows unforgettable.
I’ve had so many incredible moments with my fans. Bringing a fan up on stage to perform 'Bonfire' with me is always such an amazing, shared experience. Another highlight was the busking event in Hongdae during one of my trips; that felt like a very special, intimate connection.
I’ll never forget the first time I landed in Korea. Seeing so many fans waiting at the airport to greet me with gifts and such overwhelming support was unforgettable. Moments like those are a key inspiration for me—they give me a real sense of purpose in making music.
We know you've made an effort to learn and use some Korean phrases (like on your
variety show appearances). What Korean word or phrase are you currently
practicing?
I’ve been trying to learn more Korean phrases during my shows and my time here. Lately, I’ve really loved joking around with the phrase "가보자고" (Ga-bo-ja-go), which means "Let’s go!" I find myself using it in the studio all the time—especially when we’re working on something and the vibe just feels right!
Your single "Bonfire" remained on the charts in South Korea for over two years, and
your debut album earned you 6x Platinum there. What is the biggest lesson you've
learned about creating timeless, border-crossing pop music that resonates with such a diverse global audience?
One of the most beautiful things I’ve learned is that in music, there is no ‘right or wrong'. People in the industry often try to dictate what is good or what isn't, but at the end of the day, no one truly knows which song will take off or what will spark that emotional connection with an audience. There is no natural formula. For me, I have to feel something special about a track—I need to feel transformed by it. That’s what allows me to really believe in the music and perform it with that extra layer of emotion."
Can you describe your typical songwriting process? Where do you draw the most
inspiration for the emotional themes in your songs?
The emotional themes behind my music really depend on where I am at the time. Inspiration can come from anywhere—social media, a meme, or even the drums in a song—but I always need to feel a true connection to the story. I’m not the type to wake up in the middle of the night to take notes; I work much better during the day. Whether I’m at the drums or the piano, the instrument changes how I write.
Sometimes, I can even picture a song and write it entirely in my head without making a sound. I remember writing a song on a plane once, just in my head, because I didn't want to disturb the other passengers! It was similar to my work on "7PM" with BSS—the melody for that chorus was actually created while I was in a taxi. It’s always so exciting when I finally get to sing those thoughts out loud for the first time."
Do you have a personal goal for how you'd like to continue merging Norwegian and Korean musical styles in the future?
K-culture is growing so rapidly that people all over the world are falling in love with it more and more. You can see this clearly with some of the biggest global artists actively seeking out K-pop stars for collaborations. I believe K-pop will continue to grow for a long time, and we will likely see even more Norwegian artists looking to collaborate with K-pop artists in the future.
Peder, before you go, do you have any last words for your fans?
Thank you so much for listening to my music. I truly appreciate every one of you, and I try never to take a single listener for granted. I hope to continue returning to Korea to play concerts, create new music, and make memories with you all along the way—all while striving to make the world a slightly better place. I can't wait to see you at my next concert in Korea in 2026!
Before you go, check out the full video interview with Peder Elias & Lewis Hooper!
Any questions for Peder Elias? If so, leave them in the comments below.