Sebastian Rydgren – how i wanna die (2026)
Known for his magnetic, confident stage presence, his modern pop sound, and his rich, emotional vocals, singer-songwriter Sebastian Rydgren rose to fame as a fan-favourite on Swedish Idol 2022, but his maturity, elegance and overall sophistication have blossomed since then. Previously releasing music under the moniker San Sebastian, the Sweden-based Rydgren finds himself taking a more personal, refined route, sharing a sound that is “…more him”. The first two songs, ‘Imaginary Lover’ and ‘In My Dreams’, were released at the end of 2025, and he enters 2026 with ‘how i wanna die’.
Joined by several handpicked collaborators, Rydgren showcases the significance of working with others to compose and create moving, emotive music; it’s as significant as working as a DIY artist. In ‘how i wanna die’, he joins Simon Karlsson, who co-penned and produced the track.
While ‘In My Dreams’ adopted a high-paced, synth-heavy electronic-pop tone, ‘how i wanna die’ brings the tempo down a little, leaning further toward a solid contemporary pop sound. Instead of a frenzied burst of synths and beats, the new single subdues the tone yet keeps the rhythmic synths dancing along a pumping beat. A song about finding yourself in a specific time and contentment, the melody seems to act like a person: breathing, smiling, and living with a pulsating heartbeat and swift turns of wistful charm and grace.
In his previous material, Rydgren focuses on facing reality – typically relationships – and the complexities of wanting the fantastical, enjoyable side of things to remain; ‘how i wanna die’ solidifies this theme. He explains:
“The song, ‘how I wanna die’… is about being in a phase of life where everything feels perfect. There’s nothing more you wish for or want to achieve. The track is about feeling content with yourself, your relationships, and the life you’re living. It captures a moment and a feeling you wish you could stay in forever. If the worst were to happen, at least you would die happy…”
With an EP on the horizon and singles on their way, I am eager to hear more pop music from Sebastian Rydgren. This genre is particularly susceptible to stagnation, but I find this artist clings to the traditional while adding a breath of fresh air to our playlists. Highly recommended!
Find out more about San Sebastian on his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more pop music on The Other Side Reviews Pop playlist:
