Swedish House Mafia releases new single with Max Martin and Lykke Li
The electronic trio's latest release leverages top-tier Swedish pop producers and a global festival tour to maintain its grip on the lucrative summer dance market.
Swedish House Mafia has released "Happiness Is So Sad", a new single featuring vocalist Lykke Li. Distributed through the DANSA label, the track marks the first 2026 release for the trio, comprising Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso, following their single "Wait So Long" last summer.
The production credits highlight a strategic consolidation of Sweden’s music export power. Alongside the group, the track features production work from Oscar Holter and Max Martin, the latter being one of the most commercially successful pop songwriters in history. The trio has referred to this specific collaboration as a "Swedish Avengers crew".
Before its commercial release, the single was tested in front of massive crowds to gauge market reaction. The track was previewed during the group’s residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza, a cornerstone of the Balearic island's summer club economy. It was subsequently played live at the Tomorrowland Mainstage in Belgium, where Ingrosso was joined by Angello.
The release coincides with an aggressive global touring schedule designed to maximize revenue across major electronic music markets. Earlier this year, the group hosted a main stage takeover at Ultra Miami. That Saturday night slot featured supporting sets from Afrojack, Boys Noize, and Kelly Lee Owens, alongside a reunion with Eric Prydz.
Beyond recorded music and live performances, the group is expanding its retail footprint to capitalize on global sporting events. Last month, the trio launched a merchandise collection themed around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blending electronic music branding with international football culture.
This new commercial push follows their second studio album, "Paradise Again", which was released in 2022. That record featured high-profile collaborations with The Weeknd, Sting, and A$AP Rocky, establishing a template for blending mainstream pop and hip-hop audiences with electronic dance music.
Musically, the new single departs from pure club beats, relying instead on melancholic piano chords and atmospheric electronic textures. These elements serve as a backdrop for the emotive vocals provided by Lykke Li, aiming for crossover radio play rather than just dancefloor utility.
