With the release of “Sweat Lodge” on October 2, 2026, Axel Ruby, or Axel Öberg as he is offstage, begins a new phase in his artistic career. The single, featuring Malmö-based rapper and artist Knut€ (Stella Knutagård), represents the first taste of an upcoming EP to be released early 2027 via Random Bastards. The project combines strong nostalgia, existential musings, and daydreams from childhood with a distinct rhythmic and dance-oriented focus.
In the spring of 2026, Axel Ruby was in the spotlight: he was nominated for Newcomer of the Year at the Manifest Gala, for Future Artist at P3 Guld, released the acclaimed EP “Höjdsjuka” and performed on stages such as Slaktkyrkan, Natura, and Storsjöyran. Where “Höjdsjuka” dealt with the pressure to always strive higher and feelings of inadequacy, Axel now takes a step towards a down-to-earth theme about childhood, mortality, and nature’s mysteries, conveyed through a genre he himself describes as “big beat-indie” – a playful mixture of indie, hip hop, and pulsating big beat.
Much of “Sweat Lodge” is rooted in personal memories from growing up in Örebro. The lyrics unfold, over eight verses, parties and youthful experiences, and the process accelerated when Axel, together with producer Alexander Juneblad and Hannes Hasselberg, experimented at an out-of-tune piano. This unconventional approach quickly led Axel to write out the narrative in full verses. When he heard a sound reminiscent of Knut€, he invited her, which gave the song an additional dimension of warmth and energy marked by quirky touches.
Knut€, known for her debut album “BLONDIE” in spring 2026 and previous EP “Airpods på klubben”, is recognized for moving between hip hop, pop, and indie. Her humor and intimacy complement Axel Ruby’s vision, and her characteristic blend of playfulness and melancholy becomes a strong addition to the collaboration.
The production, led by Alexander Juneblad, is characterized by an organic rhythmic quality and a physically present soundscape that sets it apart from Axel Ruby’s earlier releases. The new sound is also reflected in the visual expression: the music video for “Sweat Lodge” was filmed outside Kristianstad and was colored by unexpected events such as power outages and engine problems. Fishing trips, mosquitoes, and a sense of seclusion contributed to a “cult-like” community, which set a clear mark on the tone and storytelling of the video.
A particular aspect of Axel Ruby’s artistry is the use of a blond wig – a separating and liberating symbol between his life as a doctor and father of two, and his creative self that dares to be absurd, playful, and free. In creating the new material, Axel has also drawn inspiration from the dreamlike states following a bicycle accident several years ago; he describes how, in the transition to sleep, he often floats into a psychedelic dream world among stars and planets – a place that has become fertile ground for both melodies and lyrics.
In summary, “Sweat Lodge” shows how Axel Ruby continues to evolve: rooted in personal memories and existential themes, but with a soundscape aimed at the dance floor. The single points towards an EP that, in early 2027, will further explore this colorful, boundary-crossing musical terrain.
