Hello everyone, it’s your host Oliver from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by Swedish singer, songwriter and DJ Sebastian Rydgren. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Sebastian has been developing a contemporary pop sound shaped by personal storytelling and emotional expression. His latest single, “momentary”, released on October 16, 2026, explores the frustration of wanting a meaningful relationship with someone who only sees the connection as temporary. It’s a pleasure to welcome Sebastian to DULAXI as we discuss his musical journey, creative development and the story behind his latest release.
Before we begin our conversation with Sebastian, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
About SEBASTIAN RYDGREN
Sebastian Rydgren first gained national attention through Swedish Idol in 2022, where he reached the semi-finals and established himself as a promising vocalist and performer. His talent attracted the attention of the show’s chairman of the jury, internationally recognised producer and songwriter Anders Bagge, who subsequently connected him with songwriters and producers. Having previously released music under the names NORR and San Sebastian, Sebastian eventually chose to return to his birth name as he worked towards establishing a more personal and clearly defined artistic identity. Growing up in Järfälla, outside Stockholm, he developed his musical foundation through singer-songwriter studies at Rytmus before continuing his education through the Global Songwriting Program at Musikmakarna.
His musical direction brings together modern pop, personal experiences and contemporary production, with songwriting playing an important role in how he expresses himself as an artist. Alongside developing his own material, Sebastian writes music for other artists, allowing him to explore different creative approaches and collaborate with other writers and producers. He also works as a content administrator at a global music label while continuing his studies at Musikmakarna, balancing his professional responsibilities with his artistic development. These experiences have contributed to his understanding of the music industry and his growing confidence in making creative decisions independently.
In June 2026, Sebastian released his debut EP, “Midnight Confessions Pt. 1”, marking an important chapter in his development as an independent artist. The project gave him an opportunity to establish his own creative direction and explore personal stories through his music. His subsequent single, “glitter in my eyes”, released on September 18, 2026, introduced the next stage of this development and served as the first single from his forthcoming EP, “Contemporary Pt. 2”, expected in early 2027. The two releases explore related emotional territory while approaching it through different musical energies and production styles.
His latest single, “momentary”, continues this exploration through a story about emotional attachment, mismatched expectations and the difficulty of walking away from someone who cannot offer the relationship you desire. Written by Sebastian Rydgren, Peter Berglund and Joselin Fogelberg, the track was produced, mixed and recorded by Berglund, with mastering handled by Peo Hedin. Its narrative examines the tension between holding on to hope and recognising when a connection is unlikely to become something lasting.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured artist and his latest release, I’m sure both new listeners and longtime followers will be interested in hearing more about Sebastian’s journey. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Oliver:
You first came to wider public attention through Swedish Idol in 2022, reaching the semi-finals. Looking back, what did that experience teach you about yourself as a vocalist and performer, and how did it influence the direction you wanted to take afterwards?
Sebastian Rydgren:
It taught me to believe in myself, my goals, and my abilities. Participating in a national TV show like Swedish Idol can be incredibly challenging. You want to progress in the competition by connecting with the audience and meeting the production team’s expectations, while at the same time staying true to yourself and the music and artistry you represent.
Shortly after Swedish Idol, I signed with a record label. Over time, I realized that to truly develop as an artist and songwriter, I needed to take ownership of my own journey. That’s why I chose to leave the label and continue as an independent artist.
Oliver:
You have previously released music under the names NORR and San Sebastian. What was behind those different artistic identities, and what helped you realize that it was time to establish Sebastian Rydgren as the name and identity you wanted to build around?
Sebastian Rydgren:
As a young artist, I started a project called NORR, a name inspired by my mother’s family name. When I entered Swedish Idol, I chose to use my birth name rather than the name of my artist project.
Shortly after Swedish Idol, I signed with a record label and began releasing music under the moniker San Sebastian. The name came out of discussions with the label, with the aim of finding an artist name that would be easy to remember.
When I eventually decided to leave the label and had come further in developing a clearer sense of my sound and the lyrics that truly represented me as an artist, it felt like the right time to return to my birth name, Sebastian Rydgren, and continue building my artistic identity.
Oliver:
You studied singer-songwriter at Rytmus before continuing your development through the Global Songwriting Program at Musikmakarna. How have those experiences shaped the way you approach songwriting, and what have you learned about finding your own voice through working with other creative people?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Studying at Rytmus, the Global Songwriting Program at Musikmakarna, and now Musikmakarna’s Flex program has helped me develop my craft, especially my strengths as a songwriter. It has taught me to write music in any genre, both on my own and in sessions with other songwriters, producers, and artists.
These experiences have definitely been an important part of my own journey, helping me find my sound and build an amazing network of songwriters and producers to work with.
Oliver:
Your work brings together modern pop, personal storytelling and a contemporary sound. When you begin developing a song, what usually comes first for you: a lyrical idea, a melody, a particular emotion, or a sound you want to explore?
Sebastian Rydgren:
It differs. I keep a list of song titles I like, short lines of text I want to use, single cover images that inspire me, and sound references that I like. When I go into the studio, I often start with a particular feeling or situation, using elements from my list as inspiration for a new song.
Oliver:
“momentary” centres on the frustration of wanting something genuine and lasting with someone who only wants a temporary connection. What was the initial experience, thought, or emotion that inspired you to explore this particular situation in a song?
Sebastian Rydgren:
The song explores how, in today’s increasingly global and connected world, we have more interactions and connections than ever before. Yet many of these connections are momentary, even though the search for a meaningful, long-term relationship remains
Oliver:
There is a difficult emotional contrast in “momentary”: holding on to hope while gradually recognizing that the other person does not want the same future. How did you approach expressing both sides of that feeling without losing the honesty of the story?
Sebastian Rydgren:
When writing the song, I wanted to be honest and draw on both my past experiences and what I was going through at the time. The song explores the idea that hope isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes, holding on to hope can keep you stuck in a situation and prevent you from moving forward and embracing new possibilities.
Oliver:
The title “momentary” suggests something brief, but the emotions explored in the song are much more complicated. Why did you feel this was the right title, and what does the word represent to you beyond its literal meaning?
Sebastian Rydgren:
The title, momentary, captures the realization that you’re holding on to something that was never meant to last. The relationship keeps drawing you back in, giving you just enough to believe there could be something more, only to leave you hoping for something that never materializes. But deep down, you know it will always be temporary and will never develop into the lasting relationship or the safe, solid foundation you keep hoping for.
Oliver:
When writing the lyrics, how did you balance the personal nature of the subject with the need to make the story relatable to listeners who may have experienced a similar situation?
Sebastian Rydgren:
By being honest and drawing on my own experiences, I hoped to create something my audience could relate to, both in the lyrics and in the message behind the song.
Oliver:
You co-wrote “momentary” with Peter Berglund and Joselin Fogelberg, with Peter also handling the production, mixing and recording engineering. How did the three of you work together, and what did each collaborator bring to the song that helped shape its final form?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Writing the song together in live sessions allowed us to explore the message and emotions we wanted to convey. We could discuss how we wanted the audience to connect with the story and feel its message, and shape the lyrics, melody and production to bring that vision to life.
Oliver:
Peter Berglund’s involvement across several stages of the recording gave the song a consistent creative direction. How closely did you work with him on the production, and were there any particular sounds, arrangements or vocal details that were especially important to get the track, right?
Sebastian Rydgren:
We worked closely throughout the entire process, from the initial songwriting sessions to shaping the final production. As we developed the production, we also explored music by other artists for inspiration and reference, helping us define the sound and direction we wanted to achieve. One of our key references was “we can’t be friends (wait your love)” by Ariana Grande.
Oliver:
Your lead and backing vocals are central to communicating the emotional tension in “momentary”. How do you prepare vocally for a song that deals with such personal feelings, and do you approach studio recording differently from performing the same material live?
Sebastian Rydgren:
When recording a song in the studio, I prepare by connecting with the emotions behind the lyrics and getting into the right mindset to convey them authentically.
When preparing for a live performance, I adapt my approach to the audience, the venue and the setlist, making sure the performance feels right for each particular occasion.
Oliver:
In June 2026, you released your debut EP, “Midnight Confessions Pt. 1”, which introduced an important new chapter in your artistry. What did completing that project reveal about the kind of artist you wanted to become, and how has that experience influenced the music you are making now?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Midnight Confessions Pt. 1 was my first release as an independent artist. It gave me greater confidence as a songwriter and encouraged me to explore a wider range of themes and stories in my writing. More than that, it marked the beginning of my journey as Sebastian Rydgren, allowing me to develop my own sound, artistic identity, and creative direction.
Oliver:
“glitter in my eyes” arrived in September as the first single from your upcoming EP, “Contemporary Pt. 2”, followed by “momentary”. What connects these two releases, and what do they reveal about the musical and emotional direction of the forthcoming project?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Both songs are rooted in the same emotions and feelings, exploring the same underlying story, even though they differ in energy and production style.
Oliver:
You have described your current work as a move away from interpreting other people’s visions towards shaping your own musical world. What does having greater ownership of your artistic identity mean to you, and how do you recognize when a song genuinely represents you?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Having greater ownership over my artistic identity allows me to choose which songs I want to write and share with my audience. It gives me the freedom to explore different styles while staying true to who I am as an artist and ensuring that my music always reflects my identity.
Oliver:
Alongside your own music, you also write songs for other artists and work as a content administrator at a global music label. How do these different sides of the music industry influence your understanding of the business, and do they ever change the way you approach your own creative work?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Writing music for other artists allows me to explore ideas and creative directions that may not necessarily reflect my own artistic identity, while still creating great music. Working at a global music label also gives me valuable insight into the music industry and how the business works, knowledge that I can draw on when planning and developing my own releases.
Oliver:
You currently balance your studies at Musikmakarna with travelling between Stockholm and Örnsköldsvik. How do you manage the demands of education, work and developing your music, and has this busy routine influenced the subjects or emotions you find yourself writing about?
Sebastian Rydgren:
Being part of all three worlds actually fuels my energy and creativity, giving me new inspiration and perspectives when writing and releasing my own music.
Oliver:
Your journey has included television exposure, songwriting education, collaborations and the gradual development of your own sound. What has been the most challenging part of moving from being recognized as a contestant on Swedish Idol to establishing yourself as an independent artist with a distinct musical identity?
Sebastian Rydgren:
The biggest challenge has been learning to accept that finding my sound and defining the kind of artist I want to be takes time, experimentation and several rounds of refinement. It is an ongoing journey, one that will continue to evolve as I grow both as an artist and as a songwriter.
Oliver:
Looking ahead to the release of “Contemporary Pt. 2” in early 2027, what would you like listeners to understand about you after hearing the complete project, and what are you most excited to explore in the next stage of your career?
Sebastian Rydgren:
I want listeners to feel that they’re part of my journey as an artist and songwriter, finding pieces of their own stories in my music. I hope they can connect with the situations, thoughts, and emotions I share through my lyrics, and recognize that they’re not alone in what they’re going through.
More than anything, I want my music to carry a sense of hope, to remind people that no matter how hurt, lost or alone they may feel, there is always a way forward. We all have the power to shape what comes next, and ultimately, we each own our own tomorrow.
Contemporary Pt. 2 is my second EP, following Midnight Confessions Pt. 1. Together, these two EPs mark the beginning of a bigger artistic journey, one that continues to evolve with every new experience, song, and release.
And this is only the beginning. There’s much more music to come in 2027 and I hope my audience will continue to support me and be part of my journey as an artist.
“Sometimes the most difficult part of finding your way forward is accepting that the future you imagined with someone else may never exist. Through ‘momentary’, Sebastian Rydgren turns that uncomfortable realization into a personal story, while reminding listeners that letting go can also create room for something new.”
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
What makes Sebastian’s artistic development particularly interesting is his growing confidence in taking control of his creative direction. In “momentary”, the understated instrumental arrangement, carefully layered vocals and contemporary pop production leave room for the songwriting to communicate its message. His conversation also reveals an artist who understands that creative identity takes time to establish. With “Contemporary Pt. 2” approaching, Sebastian’s willingness to explore personal experiences while remaining open to new musical possibilities makes his next chapter worth following.
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
A special thank you to Sebastian Rydgren for taking the time to speak with DULAXI and sharing the experiences, creative decisions and personal reflections behind his musical journey. From his early introduction to a national audience through Swedish Idol to his decision to pursue an independent artistic direction, his story highlights the importance of patience, creative freedom and discovering what genuinely represents you.
His latest single, “momentary”, offers listeners an opportunity to connect with the complicated feelings that can accompany relationships built on different expectations. We encourage you to spend some time with the release and explore his earlier work, including “glitter in my eyes” and his debut EP, “Midnight Confessions Pt. 1”. With “Contemporary Pt. 2” expected in early 2027, there is more to look forward to as Sebastian continues developing his sound and sharing new stories through his music.
Thank you to everyone who has spent time with us here at DULAXI. We appreciate your continued interest in the artists, musicians and creative voices we feature. I’ve been your host, Oliver, and we look forward to bringing you more conversations, fresh perspectives and inspiring musical stories in our upcoming interviews.