Agnes unleashes the third single 'Ego'

Sunday 21st September 2025

Release date: Out now Label: Universal

Following the critically acclaimed Magic Still Exists and her latest singles “BALENCIAGA COVERED EYES” and "MILK" – Swedish pop icon Agnes is set to release her third single "EGO" on September 5th taken from her upcoming album. ”EGO” is written by Agnes together with Vincent Pontare (Madonna, Avicii, Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta, Katy Perry), Hannah Wilson (Tove Lo, The Chainsmokers, Lost Frequencies, Galantis), Kerstin Ljungström and Frans Bryngel (The Weeknd, Salvatore Ganacci, Sebastian Ingrosso) 

In the disco-synth-tinged poptrack “EGO” Agnes is singing about putting the ego aside and letting something new take its place, both in relationships and within oneself.

– “EGO” is inspired by conversations about self-discovery and Eckhart Tolle’s lyrics about the ego. I wanted to capture the feeling that it is only when we dare to let go of control that life can surprise us.

This time around, Agnes let the lyrics lead the way. Instead of starting with melodies, she allowed the words – sometimes playful rhymes, sometimes sudden insights – to shape the music. The result is an album where each track carries a raw nerve, a distinct personality, and a pursuit of something authentic.

– Letting the lyrics take the lead opened up new worlds and allowed new types of songs to emerge. I've really enjoyed digging into the words, and it has also enabled me to experiment even more with my voice than ever before.

Agnes also drew inspiration from unexpected sources: from Róisín Murphy's uncompromising pop universe to the quiet power of Mark Rothko's art. Works that say much with little, where the raw essence carries the deepest emotion.

– This time, I wanted everything to be more naked and direct. Instead of building layer upon layer in the production, I wanted to let each element have its space – it should feel rawer and less polished.

To shape her new album, Agnes gathered some of Sweden's most inspiring songwriters and producers: Kerstin Ljungström, Vincent Pontare, Salem Al Fakir, Magnus Lidehäll, and Hanna Wilson – and began collaborations with house producer Frans Bryngel. The team has previously worked with artists such as Avicii, Madonna, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Swedish House Mafia, Salvatore Ganacci and Sia among others. Together, they crafted a creative environment where the goal was to preserve the original feeling – to let the music retain the nerve from its very first, raw form.

– After my last album, I found some gems – people I really wanted to continue working with. I wanted to keep it to a small group to maintain that intimate feeling this time too. It allowed me to push both myself and others even further. We pushed boundaries and dared to experiment.

The album is about embracing contradictions, showing both strength and vulnerability, and letting go of the pursuit of perfection. Already in the first single BALENCIAGA COVERED EYES, we encounter the tension between external glamour and inner fragility – all accompanied by a sneaking beat and house piano.

– It all started with an image I saw in my mind: a person in the midst of chaos of luxury, parties, mess, and gazes. Someone who appears confident and glittery on the surface, but where something else is happening inside – behind those 'Balenciaga covered eyes.' But the song was also born from a feeling that I wanted to write something I myself want to hear when I go out on a weekend.

Posted by Craig Jones