Peder Elias goes where the music takes him
“I call out your name while I gather our friends, and we’ll meet up by the bonfire with our bottle of gin.” How does that sound this summer?
With a soft-spoken sincerity and sweetheart charm, Norwegian singer-songwriter Peder Elias walked into his last show in Asia with a full heart and a warm welcome from his Filipino fans, as well as his newly released song. Manila marked the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour and the timely release of Call My Name, a single that feels like an embrace.
“I’m always kind of nervous about releases,” Peder admits, “and maybe in some way, extra nervous about this one because it feels extra good.” Call My Name, with its heartfelt message and moving lyrics, might just be his most personal work yet. Described by fans as a song that offers a safe space, it taps into the silent power of emotional availability, resilience, and love that shows up every time, no questions asked.
The song began in an unexpectedly light way. “It started with having a melody,” he laughs, “and then I was like, ‘What three words sound good here?’” But the results were much deeper. With a bit of inspiration from Bruno Mars’ Count on Me, Peder and his co-writers crafted a message about showing up for the people you love, which mirrors how he traverses the world, personally and creatively.
“My number one value in life is to be kind towards others,” he shares. “The world is too scary and sad if we’re not.” Raised in a big, supportive, open-hearted family where he’s both the youngest sibling and counterpart to many nieces and nephews, Peder has always known what love and support can feel like at their most genuine.
@_yoru_04 Peder live busking in BGC! #peder #pederelias #busking #manila #bgc @Peder Elias ♬ Hey Hello - Peder Elias & CHA EUN-WOO
Filipino fans first spotted the rising artist in a surprise busking session at Serendra, Taguig City, last year. “It was really nice,” he recalls, beaming. “(My first meeting) with Filipino listeners.” Now, with his first show in Manila, it’s a full-circle moment. “I’m super excited. I hope it can be the first of many concerts in the Philippines.”
And he’s learning more than just geography along the way. Mid-interview, I asked Peder if he’s familiar with the uniquely Filipino word and feeling of kilig. “Can I say that onstage? Like, I got butterflies—right now guys, I’m kilig?”
Peder recently stumbled upon a harp cover of Call My Name online, even before the song was officially released. “It was very touching,” he says. “They probably spent some time learning it, and it sounded beautiful.” Moments like these were surreal. “I grew up listening to covers on YouTube, and knowing people are covering my songs is kind of a bucket list (item).”
A passionate and easygoing approach to music determines how he collaborates with others. From working with Alan Walker to a moment of admiration with South Korean singer and actor Cha Eun Woo, Peder’s criteria for choosing creative partners remain simple: “(Authenticity), personality and fun. It’s been great as a solo artist to share the emotions with fellow artists when crossing borders, especially with people I wouldn't have met without music.”
Releasing a deeply personal track while touring from one place to another sounds overwhelming, but for Peder, it’s grounding. “It’s good that I have stuff keeping me busy,” he says. “I’m not just on my phone checking numbers. It feels like I’m doing what I should be doing.”
As fans in Southeast Asia sing along, Call My Name becomes a shared experience and a reminder that music can travel further and faster than any plane ticket. “It’s like triple-underlining the answer,” he reflects. “Music is important to people. It’s so nice to hear just the stories of how my music is actually affecting people's lives.”
Asked a playful hypothetical—how he’d order a coffee or any beverage using only his lyrics—Peder joked and sang, “Bring the bottle of gin,” referencing a line from his track Bonfire. “I don’t actually drink gin so often, but that’s it. Easy enough.”
The conversation ends the way it began: with honesty, laughter, and that signature softness that makes Peder Elias a global artist with a local heart.
As he steps onto the Manila stage for the first time, maybe he’ll tell the crowd with the word he just learned: “I’m kilig.”
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Listen to Call My Name on all major streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Follow Peder at @pedereliaas.
