Music Interview: Hellberg

The name Hellberg may be familiar with some fans of EDM, but the Swedish producer is going in a different direction. In the tech world, companies often pivot and this is the same for Hellberg, who has switched his style to electropop on his latest releases like the single “Hey Mama”. But that’s not to say he’s done with the genre he’s best known for just yet.

Check out our interview with Hellberg below to learn more about his shift in music, how he came to this decision, and how it’s been signing onto a new label.

The Young Folks: Love the new direction you’re going into with your new single, “Hey Mama”! First things first, why or what sparked the change in direction of what you normally are known for which is EDM?
Hellberg: Thank you so much. So it’s been a process, I’ve been working on and developing my new music for about 2 and a half years without it seeing the light of day. A lot of music was obviously squashed in that process, but the development has taken a long time. What made me wanna go in a new direction was just getting a little tired of doing the same thing over and over for every song I made that was in the house genre. After years of perfecting my own way of making house music, it became too easy almost to make the production sound great. I wanted a new challenge, and I wanted to make music that didn’t have as many constrictions as I felt house music had. So when I started to venture out and tried different BPMs, different drum rhythms, different instruments, it was incredibly liberating.

TYF: Was there much of a difference or disruption switching your paths from EDM to what you’re making now?
Hellberg: Yea definitely, again, I pushed myself to change everything I was doing and basically start over when it came to my palette of sounds, samples and instruments.

TYF: What made you decide that this is the time for you to pivot towards a different direction?
Hellberg: I was in Miami for Ultra and the whole Miami Music Week in 2016, and it was totally an eye-opening experience. I really felt like the bubble burst for me during that trip, before going I was still stuck in this headspace where I was convinced that progressive house would make a huge mainstream come back any day now, but during the trip I realized how far behind I was. So, I made the change partly obviously because of the landscape in the industry. I don’t shy away from the fact that I do try and keep up with what people are liking right now and I do want my music to sound fresh.

But also because I wanted to challenge myself and when I started making other types of music, I realized how much fun you can have with it and how freeing it is not being tied to those set rules. I’ve also always been a huge fan of pop music, so the change has come naturally for me.

TYF: Now that we’ve heard “Hey Mama”, what can you tell us about the future tracks that are sure to come?
Hellberg: I can tell you that I’ve been fortunate to work with some great people on the upcoming songs and that I’m super excited to show all of you what we’ve been up to! More good vibes and uplifting songs to come!

TYF: Is this to say you’re completely done with the EDM scene or can we expect to hear a back-and-forth now and then?
Hellberg: Definitely not completely done with it, I would love to work with some DJs and producers who are killing the game and make some stuff with them that is more club-y or festival-y.

TYF: How would you describe your new sound in one word?
Hellberg: Danceable.

TYF: You’ve also signed onto a completely new label. How has that transition been for you?
Hellberg: Yes indeed. It’s been great, obviously it’s been a big change, but Sony has been taking really good care of me and my team. We have our differences sometimes, but we discuss it and usually come to a consensus everyone’s happy about.

TYF: Being that you’re from Sweden, what is the music scene like out there and how is it different to the music scene in the United States?
Hellberg: So, Sweden has just very recently gotten into American hip-hop, obviously there’s always been fans of rap here but it’s never been charting as well as it is right now. Post Malone, Drake, Migos etc. are all super popular right now even in Sweden. We also have Swedish rappers who are doing very well for themselves.

TYF: And lastly, for fans who know your work in the past, what would you like to say to them when it comes to promoting your new work?
Hellberg: Get ready for more new music, it’s coming very soon. I’m super excited about it, and I can’t wait to show you guys!