EMOTION: The Swedish Synth-Pop Architect

EMOTION is the primary musical alias of Swedish producer and songwriter Erik Mattiasson, a key architect of the modern synth-pop revival. Hailing from Gothenburg, Mattiasson achieved international recognition when his 2018 album Neon Dreams charted in over fifteen countries and was certified gold in his native Sweden.

Early career

Formed as a solo project in 2012, EMOTION began with Mattiasson uploading bedroom-produced tracks to online music platforms. His early sound, a blend of 80s-inspired synthscapes and contemporary pop hooks, quickly garnered a cult following. This led to his first official release, the Midnight Drive EP, through the independent label Cloudy Records in 2014.

Breakthrough

EMOTION's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Electric Heartbeat. The track became a streaming sensation, accumulating over 50 million plays and catching the attention of major labels. He subsequently signed with Cosmos Music and released his debut LP, Neon Dreams, in 2018, which peaked at number 12 on the Swedish Albums Chart.

Key tracks

Electric Heartbeat — This 2017 single defined the EMOTION sound and served as his commercial breakthrough track.

Midnight Cruiser — A standout from the debut album, it became a staple on European alternative radio stations.

Fading Signal (feat. LÉON) — This 2020 collaboration expanded his audience by blending his production with a prominent vocal feature.

Neon Dreams — The title track from his debut album is celebrated for its intricate production and nostalgic atmosphere.

Circuit Love — Released in 2021, this song showcased a harder, more dance-oriented evolution of his synth-pop style.

Following the success of Neon Dreams, EMOTION embarked on extensive touring and focused on collaborative work. His production credits expanded, including work for other Scandinavian pop acts. His sophomore album, Digital Horizon, arrived in 2022 and debuted within the top 20 in Sweden, maintaining his presence in the electronic pop scene.

Fans of EMOTION's brand of crisp, melodic synth-pop often appreciate the work of similar Scandinavian artists. Discover The Radio Dept. for their layered, dream-pop soundscapes. The driving electronic beats of Kavinsky share a similar retro-futurist aesthetic. For another Swedish act blending pop hooks with synthetic textures, try Robyn. The melancholic synth-wave of Timecop1983 also explores comparable 80s-inspired emotional territory.

The music of EMOTION maintains a strong rotation across various online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in electronic and alternative pop. His tracks are frequently featured on curated playlists dedicated to modern synth-wave and Scandinavian electronic music, ensuring his pulsating rhythms reach a global audience of dedicated listeners.

Listeners can discover the full catalog of EMOTION's music, from early EPs to his latest albums, by tuning into the synth-pop and alternative electronic radio stations available on onairium.com. Our platform provides continuous access to the sounds that define this influential Swedish producer.