Sound Of The Week: Graham Lake


There is always new territory to explore, and Graham Lake, a talented singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist born in Stockholm, is on a relentless mission to defy expectations. Since bursting onto the music scene in 2021, the 22-year-old prodigy has made an undeniable impact on the industry. His tracks, including the electrifying debut “Focus,” have garnered over 21 million streams, received extensive airplay worldwide, and have been prominently featured in major productions like FIFA23, MTV’s Siesta Key, and the Netflix global chart-topper Young Royals. Collaborations with renowned artists such as Avelino (UK), Dro Kenji (US), and Bankrol Hayden (US) have further solidified his standing as a rising star.

“The ‘Elisabeth’ EP is my first complete body of work, and it serves as a tribute to my late grandmother, an influential figure in my life. The album includes music I composed both when she was still alive and after her passing. Some of these songs were performed countless times for her in my kitchen, and they hold an incredibly deep connection to my memories of her. She was my biggest fan during her time on Earth and continues to support me from above. I created this EP for anyone out there facing hardships in life, whether it be the loss of loved ones, career setbacks, or simply going through a rough patch,” Lake explains.


The EP consists of seven tracks meticulously curated to encompass the profound relationship between Lake and Elisabeth – from the valuable lessons she imparted to the cherished memories they shared. As Graham aptly describes it, the EP caters to uplifting moments and somber occasions alike. Amongst the seven tracks is the lead single “This ain’t love,” featuring American rapper Bankrol Hayden.

Graham elaborates, “I’ve always had an affinity for listening to old music, and nowadays, I thoroughly enjoy incorporating it into my work. I believe ‘This ain’t love’ provides a broader glimpse into who I am musically. While I have previously released several full-fledged pop songs, I am excited to continue experimenting and show my audience where my heart truly lies. I created this song to provide people with three minutes of pure feel-good vibes – a moment to feel confident, stress-free, and worry-free, simply embracing the present. I want to demonstrate that my music is for everyone.”

In the past year alone, Graham has graced prestigious stages at festivals like By:Larm in Norway, Tallin Music Week in Estonia, Sweden Makes Music in the United States, and Brännbollsyran in Sweden. Furthermore, in 2024, he has already been confirmed to captivate audiences at the illustrious Eurosonic festival in the Netherlands. However, Graham’s journey doesn’t culminate there. In 2023, he reached a new pinnacle by earning a coveted spot in the Apple Music ‘Up Next Nordics’ program, solidifying his exceptional potential.

This multifaceted talent continuously pushes boundaries as he explores the outer realms of pop, crafting an unpredictable and irresistible signature style characterized by guitar-driven production, dancefloor-ready beats, and unshakable vocals.

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Elisabeth is out now, accompanied by a visually captivating extended production created by CANVAS Studio. Stream/download it here: https://grahamlake.lnk.to/Elisabeth