Coming off of the success of his EP Jersey or Mars, Kevian Kraemer bottled up the feeling of summer love in his latest single ‘Tan Lines.’ The opening chords are riddled with nostalgia for the carefree energy that only exists in the heat of the summer. Everything is more exciting in the summer, especially, as Kevian reminds us, falling in love. With ‘Tan Lines,’ we have to take one last glance in the rearview mirror as summer slips away.
‘Tan Lines’ is a perfect introduction to the world of Kevian Kraemer music. But it barely scratches the surface. If ‘Tan Lines’ highlights the serenity of summer, the rest of his discography feels like one endless summer. It takes us through the first feeling of sun on your face after a long winter, to watching the sunset on a cool midsummer night, and all the way the the first chill of fall that makes us wonder how summer flew by so fast. The mix of pop, alternative, and indie adds up to a sound that’s uniquely Kevian Kraemer. And he doesn’t stop at the sound. With lyrics about growing up and learning everything you can about life, Kevian could easily soundtrack a coming-of-age film. Keep reading this exclusive interview to hear all about his music, from creating it to everything that comes after!
Introducing Kevian Kraemer
Welcome to The Honey Pop! Could you introduce yourself to our readers who may not be familiar with your music yet?
Hey! My name is Kevian Kraemer, I’m 19, from New Jersey, and I make indie rock music!
Your latest EP Jersey or Mars was released right at the beginning of this summer. The sound of the EP is perfect for a summer day. How would you describe the shift from Jersey or Mars to where you are at the end of summer with ‘Tan Lines’?
I think in making ‘Tan Lines’ I chose to pursue a more alternative sound compared to the familiar pop-rock world of Jersey or Mars. This last single was a ton of fun to make, and I’m for sure going to explore that area of my sound moving forward.
Jersey or Mars focuses a lot on transition, moving on from a past relationship, and looking forward to whatever comes next. Looking forward to this next chapter of your music, what would you say you most want to accomplish?
My number one goal is to put together my most cohesive project yet, and I would also love to tour and play my first round of festivals in 2026.
One thing you excel at is capturing the feeling of nostalgia. With the acoustic sound and the reflective lyrics, we feel like we’re looking back on everything that’s ever happened to us. How do you get into the mindset to write these songs?
I think that it’s just the ability for my friends and me to be vulnerable and honest when writing each and every song. It’s always my goal to capture exactly how I felt when writing about a certain time, no matter how complex the emotion or situation.
Of course, you also perfectly captured the feeling of summer love in ‘Tan Lines.’ If you had to pick one song to soundtrack this summer for you, what would it be?
I think my soundtrack of Summer 2025 is ‘Golden Days’ by Whitney. I grew up listening to their music since I was super young, and with such rapid change and growth this summer, it became super nostalgic while on the road touring.
You seem to have no problem capturing the exact feeling you’re going for in your songs. If you had to describe the ideal setting for someone to listen to your music for the first time, what would it be?
I feel like my music is definitely best suited for driving in the car with your friends and the windows down, or, in contrast, lying in your bed alone staring at the ceiling and blasting each song in your headphones.
The way you filmed the ’Tan Lines’ music video wonderfully adds to the feeling of nostalgia for the summer. It feels like watching a home video, and getting a glimpse into the lives of people who love each other. What was it like to film?
It was such a fun experience to get a bunch of my hometown friends together with our film team. The whole video was shot on a 1960s Super 8, which posed some challenges but paid off tremendously. The beach day was perfect, and I’m so incredibly proud of the work that everyone did on it.
The ‘Tan Lines’ video feels like something that a historian would unearth in the future and use to describe what a summer was like. How would you want to be remembered in the future?
I want to be known as someone who was unapologetically themself. Other than that, I just would love to keep playing electric concerts and have people continue to see themselves in my work.
What one song from your past projects would you want to show to people to describe yourself in the future?
‘June is getting old’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve made, and I hope more and more people find it 🙂
Tour Life
You’ve been playing these songs for crowds all over on the Jersey or Mars Tour. What has it been like seeing these songs take on a new life on tour?
It was pretty much the most unreal experience of my life so far. To see every single crowd scream every word to every song was incredible and an out-of-body experience, frankly. Also, just playing this new music was so much fun and really translated well in making people jump up and down and go crazy.
It looks like you closed out your tour in your hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. How has your hometown impacted your music?
I think my hometown has impacted my music in many ways, some of them even on a subconscious level. Growing up in Asbury Park was such a gift for me, being surrounded by so many different artists and musicians. I was able to thoroughly explore my identity and who I wanted to be, and I’m forever grateful for that.
What was it like singing these songs that are so riddled with reflection in the town that must have inspired some of the stories you sing about?
I’m not gonna lie, it was super trippy. I found myself losing track of the show a few times because it was just such a full-circle moment. Nonetheless, it was one of the coolest things I’ve done so far.
Speaking of tour, you’re hitting the road with Smallpools! What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on tour so far?
Be kind and stoked for every opportunity and moment to play live music! It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to play for so many people in so many different places, and I just can’t wait to get back out there.
Thanks for talking with us! Are there any tricks up your sleeve that you can tease about tour, or anything else you might be looking forward to?
NEW MUSIC SOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!
Count us in! We’re ready for Kevian Kraemer to be a part of our autumn. And our winter. And every summer, too. And if you love good music like us, you won’t want to miss what he comes up with next. If you haven’t already, check him out now and let us know your favorite songs! If you’re a die-hard fan, let us know what you’re looking forward to! Either way, we’re ready to discuss at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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