Most producers will tell you they want their tracks to move people. Fred Rydén, the Stockholm artist behind FREDRYD, means it a bit more literally. He’s not just chasing the perfect drop or the catchiest hook. He wants his music to actually change how people relate to each other.
It’s an unconventional starting point for an electronic music career, but FREDRYD didn’t come up the usual way. He spent years curating Spotify playlists before realizing he wanted to create rather than just collect. “I wanted to be an artist who could make life better and even socially bring better understanding between people,” he says. That philosophy pushed him into production, where he’s carved out a space blending EDM, house, progressive house, and pop.
His influences tell the story. Avicii gave him the electronic foundation. Zara Larsson brought the feminist perspective and unapologetic positivity. Ed Sheeran contributed songwriting enthusiasm. Juliander added introspection. Phil Collins, his childhood idol, taught him to trust what’s in your heart. It’s an eclectic mix that comes through in his work.
His latest single “I See You Shining” dropped September 26th and clocks in at just over three minutes. It’s high-energy and optimistic, built on layered synths and strong bass work. The kind of track that works for your morning routine or an evening with friends. But there’s intent behind the production. FREDRYD wants people to walk away from his music feeling better, not just entertained.
That intention shows up clearly in his projects. His album “The Way To The Good Life” centers on social acceptance and reconnection. His two “GIRL & WOMAN POWER” EPs tackle feminism, the #MeToo movement, and gender equality head-on. Tracks like “Against All Odds (We Can Make It Together)” and “Can We Stop Be Estranged To Each Other?” wear their themes openly. He describes himself as a feminist, idealist, and optimist, and he’s not shy about letting those values shape his sound.
Beyond music production, FREDRYD is also a dancer, adding another layer to how he thinks about performance and expression. He’s prolific, consistently releasing material while planning ahead. He’s got singles scheduled for October and November, with three more lined up for 2026 between March and May.
When asked what he wants from his career, FREDRYD is direct. He wants to be recognized as a productive artist willing to push boundaries. But more than that, he wants people to understand that dance music can do something beyond filling a club or soundtrack. It can ask questions. It can advocate. It can remind people they’re not as disconnected as they think.
You can find FREDRYD on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Instagram.
