Connor Nelson’s “Paranoia” Turns Overthinking Into a Pop Banger That’ll Wreck You

You know that pit-in-your-stomach feeling? The one where you say “I love you” and immediately regret it—not because you didn’t mean it, but because they didn’t say it back? Yeah, Connor Nelson bottled that exact moment, wrapped it in shimmering synths, glitchy vocals, and pulsing heartbreak, and dropped it as his latest single: “Paranoia.”

It’s moody. It’s cinematic. And it’s a lot—but in all the right ways.

Connor Nelson calls his genre Midnight Pop, and honestly, there’s no better way to describe it. Think: sleek alt-pop production with the emotional drama of a late-night text you’ll regret in the morning. “Paranoia” opens like a dream but quickly spirals—just like your thoughts when someone you care about starts pulling away.

Co-produced with JUNO-nominated Nathan Chiu, the track builds slowly, layering Connor’s smooth vocals over swirling synths and jittery rhythms that mimic the feeling of mentally unraveling in real time. By the time the chorus hits, you’re in full spiral mode—trapped in a neon-lit thought loop of “what did I do wrong?”

“Paranoia” doesn’t just talk about anxiety—it sounds like it. From glitchy vocal chops to syncopated beats that never quite resolve, this song is built to make you feel unsettled. And yet… you won’t be able to stop listening.

There’s something addictive about how polished the chaos is. One moment it’s smooth and introspective, the next it’s blown wide open with tension and vulnerability. You feel like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s most private fears—but they’re singing it so beautifully, you don’t want to leave.

Let’s be real: we’re not short on sad pop songs. But very few artists have the range (and guts) to make music that feels this specific. Connor isn’t chasing trends—he’s building a world. A world where love feels risky, emotions are sharp, and storytelling is the star.

That emotional honesty is why people are paying attention. After landing a sync placement on Season 3 of Netflix’s #1 show “Ginny & Georgia” with his song “Psychic,” and performing at major festivals like Vancouver’s Khatsalano Street Festival, Connor’s already carving out his own space in the alt-pop universe.

And “Paranoia”? This is the storm before the storm. It’s a preview of what’s to come on his upcoming debut EP Red Mountain Light, dropping June 17th, 2025. If this single is anything to go by, we’re in for a project that’s as emotionally raw as it is musically bold.

If you’ve ever stared at your phone wondering why they haven’t texted back...If you've ever said too much too soon and then stewed in your own vulnerability...If you’ve ever felt just a little bit crazy for caring so much...

Connor Nelson wrote this song for you.

“Paranoia” isn’t just a vibe—it’s a full-on emotional experience, wrapped in a pop package that hits hard and haunts sweet. So go ahead: blast it alone in your room, scream it in the car, cry to it on your third rewatch of that scene from “Normal People.” It’s okay. Connor gets it.

Stream “Paranoia” now on all platforms—and keep your eyes locked on Connor Nelson’s upcoming EP, “Red Mountain Light,” dropping June 17th. Just... try not to overthink it.