A few weeks ago, Sebastian Ingrosso stepped onto the stage at Kappa FuturFestival to deliver one of the most celebrated sets of the summer so far. Ever since, the atmosphere that took over Parco Dora during his performance has remained one of the festival's biggest talking points. A few days later, he was back behind the decks at Tomorrowland, adding another standout moment to a summer packed with headline appearances.
We caught up with Ingrosso shortly after his time in Turin, just days before Swedish House Mafia's new collaboration with Lykke Li arrives at the end of this week. "We're obsessed with Lykke and this song," he tells us, but that's only one of the many things we discuss. We also talk about his connection to Italy, the freedom he has found through his solo project, the future of Swedish House Mafia, and why, after more than two decades in music, standing still has never been an option.
Just over twenty-four hours ago, you were on stage at Kappa FuturFestival in Turin. Now that you've had a moment to take it all in, how are you feeling?
Kappa was amazing. It’s always special. Wow, the crowd.
Your father is Italian. Does playing in Italy still feel different?
You know, somehow I always miss
Italy: the people, the food, the energy.
Italy: the people, the food, the energy.
Kappa always feels like a meeting point between history, industry and the future of electronic music. What keeps bringing you back to festivals like this?
It’s festivals like Kappa that inspired the music I make. The rawness of the venue creates this completely unmatched energy.
We covered Kappa FuturFestival's 2023 line-up when Swedish House Mafia's reunion was still one of electronic music's biggest talking points. A few years later, how does the relationship between your own identity and the collective feel today?
It’s very intertwined, but with my solo career I allow myself to be more playful and experimental. That’s something I will continue to explore in the future.
Speaking of Swedish House Mafia, you recently appeared on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia, and just a few days ago you shared a post pointing everyone towards July 31. What can we expect from that date? Is there anything you can tease for us?
Our new song with Lykke Li! We’re obsessed with Lykke and this song!
Naturally, the comments quickly filled with fans wondering if this could finally be the beginning of a new album era. Do you enjoy seeing all those theories, or is there anything you'd like to say to everyone who's already counting down the days?
Every day you’re blessed to wake up under the sun is one day closer to a Swedish House Mafia album.
We haven't heard new solo music from you since the end of last year. What can we expect from Sebastian Ingrosso over the coming months?
It’s coming soon.
You've collaborated with so many artists throughout your career. What's one thing people believe about collaborations that simply isn't true?
I don’t know. Collaboration is everything for me. It’s not fun to play football alone.
After more than two decades in music, do you still feel the need to reinvent yourself?
I change as a human every day. That’s the magic of life and getting a new perspective on things. Therefore, for me it becomes inevitable. My worst nightmare is to remain the same.
You've played almost every major stage in the world. What still makes you nervous?
To play new songs for my wife. She’s very honest.
Has your idea of success changed? What does success mean to you now?
Success to me is to be able to chase your dreams, to be able to wake up every morning and be surrounded by the people you love, and to dedicate yourself to your obsession with music.
When you finally have a few days off, what does the perfect day look like?
Family. Family. Family.
Have you become more demanding of yourself over the years or more forgiving?
Both. I’m more forgiving in the sense that I demand a lot and don’t feel guilty for it. I demand excellence from myself and the people around me.
Do you know yourself better today than when you started, or are there still parts of Sebastian Ingrosso that continue to surprise you?
I know one thing. I’m in a hurry.
