We’re sad, yet happy: Swedish Mafia House on split

Say soon-to-split EDM giants Swedish House Mafia as they come to India for the first and last time for their final tour

When Swedish House Mafia (SHM) announced in June that they’d be parting ways, the news shocked fans around the globe. In the four years that the progressive-house trio have been together, their tracks such as Greyhound and One have steadily climbed up international charts, even earning the outfit the moniker of super group. SHM (comprising Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso) will be performing their first and last gigs in Mumbai and Delhi on November 17 and 18 respectively, as part of their final tour titled, One Last Tour. Axwell shares his plans for the India visit.

Your website mentions that the reason behind the impending split is because you don't know what the next move would be. As solo artistes, what are you guys planning to do next?

Yes, we don’t know what the next move is because in these past four years, SHM has become so big. In fact, we are still enjoying the ride. It’s our last tour, so we’re sad yet happy. If we weren’t together, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. As far as my plans are concerned, I have a record label, so I will be producing music.



What are your expectations from the India tour?

I have been to Indian many times. I performed a solo set at Sunburn, Goa, last year. But this is our first time here as SHM. India is different from Sweden in terms of the weather and energy of the crowd at the gigs. Plus, it’s a crazy feeling to be performing at a concert of that size.

We’ve heard that you will be visiting the Taj Mahal and Red Fort and shooting a documentary on your India visit?
Yes, it is always good to document one’s memories. Also, I am looking forward to just hanging out with people from India, that’s going to be my main cultural experience. Unlike our visits to Europe, where not many people speak English, touring in India is different. Because of the country’s colonial heritage, almost everyone here in fluent in English and establishing connect becomes easy and enjoyable too.

What gives you more creative satisfaction: being in the studio and producing music or playing them at live gigs?
For me, the best feeling is when we just finish a song and play it for our audience for the first time — to see if they too like it as much as we do.

It was also reported that Amitabh Bachchan and his family will be hosting a dinner for you?
I have heard something about it, but don’t know the exact details. But it sounds like a lot of fun.

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Swede shows
Ahead of their final tour, the outfit gave fans clues about their upcoming tour locations by inviting them to spot a logo comprising three dots. The dots were even spotted on the Sydeny Opera House. One Last Tour will begin in Dubai and travel to India, Russia and South Africa before reaching North America. SHM released their last studio album, Until Now, last year. Their setlist for the India tour will be made up of its tracks.