Artist Spotlight: Ulf Ahlberg
Ulf Ahlberg is a passionate artist blending retro and modern sounds to create music with heart and authenticity. Inspired by icons like Prince, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd, he writes and produces from his own studio, crafting songs that reflect love, life, and emotion. With multiple singles already released this year and more on the way, he’s preparing a full album and eyeing future tours while staying closely connected to his fans.
Upcoming 100: What inspired you to start making music, and what keeps you passionate about it?
Ulf Ahlberg: Well, from the beginning, it was The Beatles. Then I started writing songs almost before I could play the guitar. I decided to become a film director after playing music. I became a director and a producer. However, I found out much later that my expression was stronger in music. I think that the power of music is stronger than in films. Music brings people together, and that is strong enough to keep up the passion.
Upcoming 100: Can you tell us about your latest project or album? What was the creative process like for this one?
Ulf Ahlberg: I have already released six songs this year as singles, and there are five more in the mixing and mastering process that I’m working on as we speak. After that, I’ll compile the single releases into an album. I’m very productive, so for each song, there are at least three recorded ideas from which I publish one. I’m involved in recording, mixing, and publishing regularly. Usually, I do beats and chord progressions in my head, and then I go and play them. Lyrics always come last, but they are essential to me. For me, it is 50% of the song.
Upcoming 100: How do you balance your creative vision with the demands of the music industry?
Ulf Ahlberg: I have my own studio and label. I do what I like. Creative vision comes first.
Upcoming 100: Who are some of your biggest influences, and how do they impact your music?
Ulf Ahlberg: Prince, because he was revolutionary.
Pink Floyd, because their lyrics and beautiful songs.
David Bowie, because of his great songs and going his own way
Lady Gaga, because she can do anything.
I listen to a lot of new music (too many to mention here) and try to combine retro with modern styles.
Upcoming 100: What's the most important message or theme you want your music to convey to your audience?
Ulf Ahlberg: That they can see themselves in all my songs. That includes love, happiness, awareness, sorrows and sometimes day-to-day life.
Upcoming 100: Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get started?
Ulf Ahlberg: I think I already answered this. Most of the time I don’t need to play a guitar or piano. I make it up in my head. Sometimes I listen to sample melodies to get inspired.
Upcoming 100: How do you approach collaborations or working with other artists? What do you look for in a collaborator?
Ulf Ahlberg: I have worked with other artists before and written songs for them. Of course, I want my music to be played by different artists. A collaborator should fill in my gaps, which could be another angle of the song or an arrangement that makes it better.
Upcoming 100: What do you think sets your music apart from others in your genre?
Ulf Ahlberg: I have my own sound, which is a tricky thing for me to understand. I find it funny when my wife says that I have my own genre. A key aspect of modern music is the combination of past and present elements. That’s what I do and try to make it better as I go.
Upcoming 100: How has your music evolved over time, and what do you think are some of the most significant changes you've made?
Ulf Ahlberg: It’s reflected in the previous question. My music has evolved the last four years.
Upcoming 100: What's been your favorite experience or moment in your career so far?
Ulf Ahlberg: There are moments with a 100-person audience in a small bar. It is a full house, and they are standing just a couple of feet in front of you, with a connection of 100%. Those moments are the best. I have played for more than 10,000 people, and it is just different, but not in a bad way. It is just different. And then I met ACDC before they became famous. I was just a boy, and they blew my head. After the performance, I spoke to them. Unforgettable.
Upcoming 100: How do you stay connected with your fans and build a sense of community around your music?
Ulf Ahlberg: I always answer emails and messages on social media and of course telling them about new releases.
Upcoming 100: What's next for you – are there any new projects or tours on the horizon?
Ulf Ahlberg: I will release my new songs and complete the album compilation I mentioned earlier. I’m in the International Songwriting competition with five songs, which I’m sure you’re aware of. Touring is up for discussion next year.
