Introducing: Aldo

Scottish indie-pop newcomer Aldo is making waves with his soaring sophomore anthem, Runaway. Blending 80s nostalgia with a modern alternative pop edge, Aldo’s sound channels influences like The Cure, The Blue Nile, and The 1975 while remaining unmistakably his own. Co-written and produced by platinum and gold-certified hitmakers Chris Marshall and Johnny Madden, Runaway explores the emotional turmoil of long-distance relationships—diving into the doomed, fleeting connections we cling to despite knowing their inevitable fate.

More than just a songwriter, Aldo’s music is a deeply personal reflection of his struggles with mental health and addiction, turning private pain into cathartic, relatable anthems. As he steps into the spotlight, this Glasgow-based artist is proving he’s not just here to play—he’s here to be heard.

Your music blends nostalgic 80s influences with a modern indie-pop twist. How do you balance classic inspirations like The Cure and The Blue Nile with contemporary sounds?

Presentation is subjective I think into tapping into what you hear in your own mind and what you want to give across. Songs, pop particularly, follow a classic formula, from The Shangri-La’s right up until what you hear today. Production does heavy lifting, personally I like using sounds that I find just itches my brain, be it Roland jazz choruses or a bit more of a synthetic drum sound. I saw a lot of these songs I wrote for this project being played through a boombox that’s above John Cusack’s head out in the rain, outside the girl’s window. 80’s movies and instrumentation. These days though you can give the nod to those sounds but have production techniques of modern stuff. Jack Antonoff from Bleachers is the best in the world at that. 

"Runaway" explores the complexities of long-distance relationships and emotional unavailability. What personal experiences or observations inspired this track?

I think when you know the person in question is thousands of miles away, and you don’t want to jump in with both feet. Sometimes both parties want fulfilment emotionally but in a part time aspect. You both romanticise the idea and tart it up. But the lonely nights kick in and ultimately they’re not there. Expectations can’t be met. So those few and far between encounters, you cram in lies and dreams of the grandiose. Only to be met with the reality yet again. Like the ending of The Graduate. It’s difficult, I respect those who can make it work. 

Your journey into music started as a private therapeutic project. How has opening up about mental health and substance addiction through your music shaped your artistry?

The honesty is a weight lifted. Stripping away some narcissism, and just using it as a vehicle to be introspective compared to my last music. If I can give people hope to not be scared to start again, to have the wobble, then I’ll have done what I can do. From fellow artists to just a listener who needs to hear. As I’ve always said I don’t try to be the flag bearer, I simply can only bear my own weight, and hopefully encourage people to do the same. You have no idea who you could be helping in the process. The worst thing you could do is not speak up. I’ve been in close contact with SAMH, the Scottish mental health charity to work on a few things through this project too. So hopefully they come into fruition soon. 

You’ve worked with platinum and gold record producers Chris Marshall and Johnny Madden. How did that collaboration influence the sound and direction of “Runaway”?

The collaboration with Chris and Johnny always influence the sound, to sound the best it can. I’ve been working with these guys since I was a teenager. They’re my go to’s always. The only ones that can get out of me what’s in my head and play it back to me exactly what I imagined, and then some. The best to do it. Me and Johnny co-wrote this number, and we rattled it out shortly in a day, he added some of the atmosphere and a big Prince-esque solo for the track. 

With your debut single now out and gaining attention, what’s next for Aldo? Can we expect more releases, live performances, or a full project soon?

It’s been good to just be out in the open and be heard, that’s always a plus. I have a few songs sitting ready to go. It’s just timing it all right and getting back on the horse to gig again soon. Knock off the ring rust!