Prince of Sweden Connects with Us to Talk New Single "Role Playing Games" and What’s Next
- STAFF
- Sep 22
- 6 min read
By: Staff
"Role Playing Games” is a genre-defying masterpiece, blending bold innovation with raw, captivating energy.
Get ready for a musical journey that defies convention. Prince of Sweden’s latest single, “Role Playing Games,” is here, and it’s a revelation. The song’s mesmerizing saxophone bursts, unconventional percussion, and haunting vocal delivery pull you in from the very first note. It’s the kind of track that seems to carve its own path, fusing genres, defying expectations, and making you feel like you’ve just discovered a whole new world of sound. But what’s behind this electrifying blend? What fuels the raw energy and vivid storytelling that pulses throughout the track?
We spoke with Prince of Sweden to dive into the heart of this sonic experiment. As he reflects on his creative evolution, we learn that “Role Playing Games” is just a glimpse into the bigger picture. The track is more than just a song; it’s a window into the expansive vision behind his upcoming album The Start of Something Beautiful. We explore the creative process behind the scenes, from the quirky instruments used to the way recording on a rooftop studio in London shaped the sound. It’s clear that this project is not just about making music, it’s about telling a story, one that takes you on an emotional and physical journey.
What makes “Role Playing Games” stand apart? Is it the sax solos, the raw guitar hooks, or the heart of the lyrics? Prince of Sweden opens up about what it all means, sharing thoughts on the balance between humor, heart, and the absurd, and revealing what he hopes listeners take away from his latest work.
Want to know what’s next for him? You’ll find out as he gives us a glimpse into the future, sharing what lies ahead after The Start of Something Beautiful.
Read the full interview below.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Prince of Sweden, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. “Role Playing Games” surprised us in the best way. The unique beat pattern and the captivating dynamic horns were absolutely exhilarating. Then, when your vocals hit, it felt like a whole new genre of music and sound was created. The guitars and flow were incredible. After hearing this, we’re curious: How has your personal musical journey brought you to this point? Did your evolution into a professional career happen gradually, or was there a pivotal moment or event that set everything in motion?
A. It has been pretty gradual. I’ve been writing music since I was a teenager. It just took a while to realise that I could sort of do whatever I wanted. Not everything has to have an acoustic guitar on it.
Q. "Role Playing Games" has a vivid energy, almost like it has a life force of its own. Can you walk us through the heart and story behind this song? What’s the essence of what you’re trying to say?
A. It’s part of an overall arc of the album. Basically the protagonist is chasing someone to Paris, and here he’s on his way to the station, in the back of a cab, looking out the window at London going past.
Q. The title "Role Playing Games" is so intriguing. Why did you choose it, and what does it reveal about the deeper layers of the song’s narrative?
A. It’s about imagining how you’d deal with things if you were different, I guess. Creating an alter-ego that’s deals with difficult situations in the way you wish you could.
Q. What drew you to this storyline? Is it part of something you visualized, or is it something you’ve lived through and wanted to share?
A. It’s visualised. I think it’s a case of taking real feelings and creating a story around them. The emotion is often real, even if the events are not.
Q. The percussion on this album is wild, cowbells, tambourines, a fish guiro. Even saying them leaves an impression! How do these quirky instruments shape the vibe of the record? Do any of them carry a special meaning for you?
A. There’s no special meaning, it was more a case of, they were there, so let’s use them. And I like sonic choices that are unexpected.
Q. Recording on the roof of Zigzag studio must’ve been an experience in itself. How did that environment, up on the warehouse rooftop, affect the energy of the music? Did it spark anything unexpected?
A. I don’t know if it sparked anything, it was just a really nice place to be. We recorded it in the summer and there was a rooftop balcony outside and it all felt spacious and light, even though it was just one room.
Q. Your lyrics balance humor, heart, and the absurd. Is this particular musical style something you’ve always embraced from the beginning, or has it evolved over time due to other influences or genres you experimented with earlier?
A. I think those things have always been there, it’s just the balance shifts. They are all elements that I look for in lyricism. But having said that, getting into Tom Waits a decade or so ago probably helped.
Q. The character in the album seems to be on both a physical and emotional quest. What’s the core of the journey they’re on? What do you think their story says about the human experience?
A. It’s a very simple story. I guess what might be interesting is the perception of the things going on out of the window. The way the world looks is so heavily dependant on what’s going on inside.
Q. Growing up in the countryside, learning guitar from the guy across the street; this is almost a movie plot in itself! What role does that quiet, rural world play in the music you create now? Do you ever find yourself tapping into that space when writing or recording?
A. I don’t know. If it does have an influence, it’s far too far beneath the conscious for me to notice.
Q. The industry has already tagged your songwriting as “timeless.” Does your music's origin stem from painful memories, happy moments, or something else entirely?
A. I just like writing music, wherever it comes from. Most of it comes from just wanting to write another song and seeing what sticks. And a desire to try different things.
Q. Tom Baird and Ed played key roles in shaping the creative process. What was the chemistry like in the studio with them? Were there specific moments that stood out to you while working on this album?
A. I’ve worked with Tom a few times and he’s just a very easy person to be around. He chips in with ideas and is very good at keeping going until we get stuff right, when sometimes I would have stopped at ‘good enough’. And Ed is an old friend from school. We only had him for a day for the sax and made him play for about 6 hours straight. He was just happy to be there.
Q. This album is part of a concept, and the narrative feels clear. But did the story unfold in your mind first, or did the album’s themes evolve naturally as you crafted the music? Was there a pivotal moment when everything clicked?
A. I wrote what felt like the beginning of a story with the first couple of songs, then I wrote what felt like the end, and then I decided to roll with it and fill in the middle bit.
Q. Outside of music, who or what has had the greatest impact on your personal growth or artistic perspective?
A. Movies, books. I teach as well so that probably has an impact somewhere, although I couldn’t succinctly tell you what it was.
Q. If there’s one thing you want listeners to take away from The Start of Something Beautiful, what would it be?
A. Honestly, I think that’s up to them. I suppose I want to write music and lyrics that people can get more from the more they listen.
Q. Thank you, Prince of Sweden, we really appreciate you sharing these intimate details with us. With The Start of Something Beautiful set for release in 2025, this album feels like a significant milestone. Looking ahead, what kind of transformation do you hope it sparks, not just for you, but for your listeners as well? Also, can you give us a little inside scoop on what’s next for you after this album? What should your fans be most excited about in the near future?
A. I’m already thinking about the next album, so I’m currently in the process of forgetting that this one ever existed.
Prince of Sweden, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Prince of Sweden’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience this incredible work firsthand!
