A Serendipitous Encounter: Axel Willner’s Musical Resurgence
When Axel Willner, the mastermind behind The Field and renowned for his looping minimal techno masterpieces, visited Stockholm’s Funky Chicken food truck last February, he anticipated a simple dinner. However, a chance encounter transformed that ordinary burger run into a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. While waiting in line, he noticed another Axel behind him. Axel Boman, a fellow pioneer in Scandi club music and co-founder of the vibrant dance label Studio Barnhus, quickly became the center of Willner’s attention.
A Chance Conversation
Their conversation unfolded against the backdrop of the food truck, swelling with anticipation. Willner, who had been quiet for years musically, was asked by Boman about his recent work. This question led to an invitation to send over some tracks, a connection that would lead to a new label deal and, ultimately, Willner’s first record in five years: Now You Exist. The unexpected nature of their meeting served as a stark reminder of how serendipity often plays a pivotal role in creative endeavors.
From Musical Silence to Culinary Creations
Willner’s hiatus from music was not a mere pause but a conscious decision rooted in self-realization. After touring endlessly to promote his last album, Infinite Moment, he found himself retreating from the spotlight. “It’s maybe not the best thing for me,” he reflects, pointing to his inherently shy nature. With this newfound clarity, Willner ventured into the culinary scene, becoming a chef at a kindergarten. Cooking dishes for children—like tofu masala and frittata—offered him a much-needed breather from the demanding life of a touring artist.
Navigating Lockdowns and Self-Doubt
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic intensified Willner’s introspection. While many artists found inspiration in the dystopian climate, he turned his focus inward, prioritizing family life and even homeschooling his son. Yet, this period of reflection also brought about acute self-doubt. “It felt like the music had left me a bit,” he admits, leading to an identity crisis that made him question his existence as a musician. The brutal lockdowns kept him away from family, adding layers of frustration and challenge during what was already a tumultuous time.
Rediscovering the Creative Spark
Despite the weight of self-doubt, Willner’s creative journey began anew, though not without its obstacles. The home studio, once a sanctuary for musical creativity, became a space charged with anxiety: “Why do I come in here?” he pondered. His distinctive style, which had previously been a source of pride, started to feel like a straitjacket, stifling his creativity. The breakthrough came when he acquired an MPC synthesizer, offering fresh inspiration alongside the encouragement he received from Boman. This supportive environment ignited the spark that would lead to Now You Exist.
The Birth of Now You Exist
The five-track EP represents a significant milestone in Willner’s career. Its title encapsulates his journey—an expression of relief and affirmation of identity. The music he created during this period is a tapestry of emotions—some tracks exuding comfort and others reflecting deeper complexities. Willner notes, “It’s a feeling that is uncomfortable but also comforting in a way.” Collaborating with Boman allowed him to break new ground, introducing vocal lines for the first time in his work, a feat made possible by legally cleared samples.
A Visual and Sonic Rebirth
The artwork accompanying Now You Exist marks a departure from Willner’s previous uniform aesthetic. Instead of solid colors and simple titles, the cover features a vibrant, distorted bloom, symbolizing renewal and fresh beginnings. It’s a visual representation of Willner’s emotional landscape as he navigated his creative rebirth. With tracks like “Hey Baby” and “Another Day,” Willner tapped into both nostalgia and innovation, exploring the intricacies of his artistic evolution.
Returning Home
The completion of Now You Exist not only hints at Willner’s growth as an artist but also signifies a return to his roots in Swedish music, now under the Studio Barnhus banner. He finds comfort in this return, likening it to a homecoming. As he weighs options for future touring, Willner remains grounded in his culinary duties, allowing him to set boundaries that protect his well-being—a skill he’s learning after years of saying “yes” to every opportunity.
Embracing Change and Future Potential
As Willner observes his son delve into music, reliving those formative moments of discovery, he is reminded of the importance of passion in life. This generational fluidity serves as a motivating force, pushing him forward while he balances artistic pursuits and chef responsibilities. With his latest EP now a reality, Willner exemplifies how unexpected encounters and personal evolution can redefine an artist’s journey, reminding us that creativity often flourishes in the most unlikely spaces.
