With the veil fully lifted on the return of Swedish House Mafia, the trio is now taking to traditional media to discuss their upcoming activities. Recently, they spoke to Algemeen Dagblad (AD) a news organization based in the Netherlands about their collaboration with The Weeknd, possible tour plans and more.
Read the full transcript of the interview below and watch the video here.
How does it feel to be back as a group, a Swedish House Mafia?
Steve Angello: It’s amazing. We had a little break there for a little bit, so it’s exciting to be back in with the boys and just having fun.
After eight years of absence, who called who? Who picked up the phone first?
Steve Angello: I think we had, you know, we were talking during the time and then we just decided to get back together for a dinner. And then that led to us feeling like that was an incredible journey. Why don’t we embark on a new one?
Was there any hesitation?
Steve Angello: I don’t think so. It felt right. You know, it felt exciting. We were like we were just chit-chatting about it. And then we were like, Fuck it, let’s go.
What did you miss most during your absence as House Mafia?
Axwell: I think that there was always, with Swedish House Mafia, something special, a special sort of nerve that we couldn’t replicate anywhere else. It was just something so special […] when people say Swedish House Mafia, it was always a little bit tense. And I think that tension was what I missed the most. When we do Swedish House Mafia songs, I think we all change a little bit, we would just become a different character somehow. It’s hard to explain, but whenever I make a song myself, I’m just feeling in a certain way. But as soon as we go together there’s something special happening. And also the same with the crowd. There’s something more tense. I think that that sort of tension I missed.
When there’s a comeback, there are rumors, and I have to address one rumor because it’s coming back every day and it’s about The Weeknd. There’s something about The Weekend and Swedish house mafia? Is there something boiling?
Steve Angello: We’re kind of family. You know, we’re great friends and we’re in the same management group. So we got to learn to know him, and he’s incredibly supportive of our music and obviously, we super appreciate it. We love him, obviously, and we are super happy about the support that he showed on his show for our music and in person.
But the collab is not finished yet?!
Steve Angello: No, I mean, we haven’t spoken about that yet. You know, you went one step at a time.
Axwell: His voice is great.
Steve Angello: Yeah, yeah. Sounds incredible. And visually, he’s just incredible stuff.
Axwell: Could be a nice collaboration.
What’s the calendar for Swedish House Mafia? Are you getting back on the road?
Axwell: That’s their idea. That is the idea. We just, you know, trying to maneuver the world, basically. So when we do go on tour, we don’t have to cancel it because of stuff. So we just try to figure out how we can do it. But as soon as we can, we will.
Steve Angello: I mean if we could go out today. And that’s the reward. That’s very rewarding. But after two years in the studio to make music, you go out there and perform for your fans. That’s the reward.
What can we expect and in the future?
Steve Angello: This is just the beginning. And I want to just point that out. This is just the beginning.
Featured image by Therese Ohrvall
