From sneaking around backstage as a kid to owning the stage in front of millions, Benjamin Ingrosso was practically born for this. With music running through his veins (and Swedish pop perfection in his DNA), he’s gone from family jam sessions to Melodifestivalen glory, Eurovision stardom, and dream collaborations with legends like Nile Rodgers. His latest album, Pink Velvet Theatre, is a larger-than-life spectacle, and now, he’s gearing up to charm North American audiences for the first time. In this interview, Benjamin dishes on his musical roots, rookie mistakes, and why he’s ready to leave self-doubt behind—one electrifying performance at a time.

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Growing up in a family full of entertainers, how did your upbringing influence your career in music and performance?

Benjamin: The whole context inspired me a lot, running around backstage as a kid dreaming about standing there on my own. Also, growing up surrounded by music of course had a big impact on me, it’s like my second language. But this nepo baby thing also puts you in a strange position. I made all my rookie mistakes in the middle of the spotlight, I think that has affected my self esteem a lot. I’m working on that!

As a self-taught pianist and guitarist, what drew you to those instruments, and how have they influenced your songwriting process?

Benjamin: My dad is a classically trained pianist, so he was the one who introduced it to me. I love playing the piano, it comes very naturally for me and always gets my creativity flowing. I usually play a few of my songs stripped down with just the piano, when performing live. I love the contrast between the full band sound and the intimacy I can create with the piano.

Winning Melodifestivalen 2018 and representing Sweden in Eurovision must have been pivotal moments in your career. What did you take away from those experiences?

Benjamin: Yeah, that was insane! I really did my own thing with that performance and was so proud to represent Sweden in Eurovision. It was very special to return to the contest six years later last year to do the medley, it’s a competition filled with a lot of wonderful people.

Your collaborations include artists like Nile Rodgers and Purple Disco Machine. How have these partnerships influenced your music?

Benjamin: Well, the Nile Rodgers collaboration was a dream come true, I still have to pinch myself. It made me realize that there are some real people out there, who’re really in it for the music. Purple Disco Machine was the perfect piece to finish the puzzle for that song, you can’t stand still to his beats right?

Pink Velvet Theatre has been described as theatrical and larger-than-life. What inspired the album, and how do you translate its essence into your live performances?

Benjamin: I was inspired by old-school musicals and the timeless sounds of legends like the Bee Gees, Queen, and Elton John but also artists like Sade and Franz Ferdinand. I wanted the album to feel like walking into a universe of its own, with emotional characters that you can connect with. We tried to create that feeling on stage too, I even gave all of my band members stage names. I love getting into character!

With your first North American tour coming up, what excites you most about performing for a new audience?

Benjamin: Gaah it’s like I’m going on my first dates with the US- and Canadian music fans, I really hope we hit it off. For me, performing is really about communicating with the crowd. Listening to the feeling in the room, raising the energy together with the audience and feeling that true connection.

You’ve spoken about your love for Swedish pop. What elements of Swedish pop culture or music are most important to you, and how do you incorporate them into your work?

Benjamin: If you take ABBA as an example, they were masters when it comes to creating great melodies. Maybe that is what the Swedish pop sensation is all about? I can see that legacy in more contemporary Swedish artists too.

What message or experience do you hope fans take away from your music and live shows, particularly as you introduce yourself to North American audiences?

Benjamin: I hope I can fill them with energy, believing that life has a magical layer to it. And also, to let go of your self-doubt, I’ve been putting too many hours into that feeling myself. Let’s leave that behind and lose ourselves in the music together.

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