COMMENTARY | Today, Swedish House Mafia shocked the music world and the band’s numerous fans by announcing that the current tour is the last tour for the band.
The reason this is especially shocking is that it appears that this Swedish trio of DJs and producers is at the top. In the past eight months, Swedish House Mafia has made a full-scale conquest of the United States. Late last fall, Swedish House Mafia was the first electronic dance music band to sell out Madison Square Garden. To top it off, SHM sold out the entire show in just minutes! Just a couple of months ago, Swedish House Mafia was a fan favorite at The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. The hype around the band was so intense that Sir Paul McCartney famously checked out the band’s Coachella set.
Ironically, on Friday night, I watched the only documentary on the band, “Take One: A Documentary Film about Swedish House Mafia.” This documentary was fabulous in the way that it captured the power of each show, with spectacular lights and pyro. It is pure magic how this intense music is perfectly married to each element. The documentary also showed the creative process of each of the SHM members. Emotion was the thread that ran through each song. There was a lot of thought in the process and in every detail of the music as the band recorded each song. Combined with visual theatrics, including stunning LCD lights, the three members, each bring an individual, feeling, that works well together. What was very revealing was that although each band member obviously enjoyed hosting the SHM musical party, there were quite a few reflective moments and talk about missing home. Each member of the band has a family. Being on the road for long periods of time was obviously difficult and emotional for the members of the band.
Also, when not performing live, Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso are often not even in the same city. Although each man considers Stockholm as at least a part-time home, the individual members are scattered around the world and often live and work in the U.S. Each member has had successful side projects. This would include collaborations, writing and producing on works by such artists as Usher, Robyn and Kylie Minogue.
What will each of these talented men do next? My guess is more writing, producing and collaborating. Right now, there is a lot of buzz. All three men are in demand. By working in the studio, there is a chance that Axwell, Steve and Seb can each work creatively, while enjoying a happy home life.
Swedish House Mafia may have surprised everyone by making this announcement now. Yet, at a closer look, the band may have intentionally planned this sort of exit. Swedish House Mafia are ending this chapter on a high note. I predict these three guys will take this experience and create even more incredible music.
