Dave Luv Trades Heartbreak for Freedom in “Let It Go”

Chicago’s Dave Luv has built his name on swagger, genre-blending, and sheer creative confidence, but “Let It Go” proves he’s not afraid to tear it all down and start fresh. Known for his sharp wordplay and smooth fusion of hip-hop, pop, and alt sounds, Luv flips the script this time, diving headfirst into indie rock territory, and somehow, it fits him perfectly.

Gone are the chill bars and flex-heavy anthems, this one hits different. Gritty guitars and punchy drums set the stage for an emotional release that’s raw, loud, and liberating. “Let It Go” isn’t about wallowing in heartbreak; it’s about taking your power back when someone keeps trying to drag you down. The track’s hook feels like a breakup and a breakthrough rolled into one, equal parts catharsis and rebellion.

Working with longtime visual collaborator Nicholas Jandora, Luv delivers a music video that nails the feeling of emotional burnout. The camera catches him detached and drained, with lifeless eyes, restless energy, and zero interest in pretending anymore. It’s the ugly part of moving on, captured with Gen Z precision and rock-star style.

Dave Luv’s debut EP Mixed Emotions drops soon, and if “Let It Go” is the vibe we can expect, the kid’s clearly evolving past genres altogether. He’s not chasing a trend; he’s building his own lane.

You’ve always blended genres, but “Let It Go” leans hard into indie rock. What pushed you to step outside hip-hop and scream your emotions instead of spitting them?

I still love hip-hop, but I’ve loved rock since before I was ten. I grew up playing Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and a lot of that music stuck with me. It just felt like the right time to tap into that side because I haven’t been able to put my guitar down lately. I had so much fun making this record, and I definitely plan to keep going down that path.

The track’s all about letting go of something that’s been draining you. Was there a real-life relationship or moment that sparked this song?

Yeah, the record was definitely inspired by a real situation. I’m completely over it now, but putting that emotion into the song just felt right. When I was in the studio, I started by playing some chords on guitar. Then my friend John added a few more guitar parts, and Onassis finished the track out. After that, the writing process was super natural. From the jump, it didn’t sound like a love song, so I knew exactly where to take it.

Visually, you and Nicholas Jandora have crazy chemistry. What’s your creative process like when building out a music video? Do you start with the vibe or the story?

I usually just send Nick the song and trust him to do his thing. If adjustments are needed—which they rarely are—we’ll make them together. Nick’s so creative, and I’m always amazed by the concepts he comes up with.

You call this your most personal project yet. What did you learn about yourself while making Mixed Emotions?

Each song tells a story from my life, so in a way, every track holds a piece of me. Looking at the project as a whole, it really shows the range of emotions one person can go through.

You’re joining Michael Minelli on tour this fall—how do you plan to translate that high-energy, indie-rock chaos from the studio to the stage?

In true Dave Luv fashion. I always give the crowd 100% and make sure everyone’s part of the moment. I like to encourage crowd participation—it’s all about energy and connection. It’s going to be a good time.