Back To You: Benjamin Ingrosso Interviewed
The stats alone are staggering. Swedish pop voice Benjamin Ingrosso has racked up more than one billion streams and counting, a bone fide hit factory his exceptional run of singles has made him a star at home and abroad.
This year has brought a slew of triumphs. Alongside those eye-watering streaming figures Benjamin Ingrosso aims for something more personal, finding space to truly express himself on record.
Out now, new album ‘Pink Velvet Theatre’ could be his most in-depth work yet, Benjamin Ingrosso blending his empathetic vocals to lyrics that touch on some deeply personal themes.
Executive produced by Vincent Pontare and Salem Al Fakir, it find the Swedish all-rounder making waves globally. CLASH caught up with Benjamin Ingrosso for the low-down on his hectic 2024.
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If you could sum up your 2024 in one sentence, what would you say?
This year has been the best of my career so far. I’ve never had so much fun or learned so much.
Your album ‘Pink Velvet Theatre’ has become a real moment for you – what were you trying to express on that record?
I tried to be as authentic to myself as possible. I didn’t overthink it – I just followed my heart and leaned into the kind of psychosis I was in while writing the album.
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You worked with a number of guests to create it, including producers Vincent Pontare & Salem Al Fakir. What did they bring to the project?
They helped me evolve as a songwriter, producer, and singer, and encouraged me to take risks. They gave me the freedom to explore creatively.
What’s the secret to a great collaboration do you think?
To stay personal and true to your identity, while still bringing something new to the table. It’s all about fresh perspectives.
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You’re an incredible live performer, and clearly relish being onstage. What’s your favourite part of performance?
Working the crowd until they’re completely in the palm of your hand.
The Better Days European tour was a huge success this year, what were some personal highlights?
Playing Heaven in London was unforgettable – the whole day was so much fun, especially grabbing a burger beforehand. Seeing the queue outside the venue was surreal. Madrid was also a highlight – standing half-naked on stage in just a towel while singing is a memory I’ll never forget.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I always huddle with my band for a pep talk, and we say a quick prayer together.
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Right now you’re preparing for the Pink Velvet Theatre tour, how it that going? What will make it different from your other tour productions?
It’s going well! I’m feeling a bit worn out right now, but I have a clear vision of where I want to take the audience – it’s going to be a completely different kind of show.
Some musicians believe that a song only truly comes alive when it’s been performed in front of an audience – would you agree with that?
It’s both yes and no for me! Performing a song live definitely elevates it, but there’s also a special feeling when you’ve worked on a track for so long, and it’s finally finished. That moment when you’re blasting it in your car is something else.
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It’s now almost a decade since your debut single, and you’ve grown so much over the years as an artist. How do you feel you’ve changed? And what aspects remain the same?
I’ve grown so much and gained a lot more ‘hair on my chest,’ so to speak. I’ve also developed a deeper sense of gratitude for these past ten years – I wouldn’t change a thing. What’s stayed the same is that, at my core, I’m still a doubter. I think I always will be, but maybe that’s what pushes me forward. I also still have the same drive to improve and challenge myself in new areas.
What are your hopes for 2025?
That it’s even better than 2024!
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Words: Robin Murray
Photography: Jonathan Perlmann
