Christian Karlsson, a stalwart of the music industry, has carved a remarkable niche with his versatile talent. Known under various monikers, including Galantis, Miike Snow, and Bloodshy, Karlsson’s illustrious career spans back to the early 2000s. His journey was punctuated by a standout moment – the production of the iconic gay anthem “Toxic” by Britney Spears, catapulting him into the limelight.
“Britney respected my crazy ideas the most. She stuck by me, and that’s why I was on every record because she gave me the most freedom and was still excited about the next one,” Karlsson reminisces about his collaboration with the pop sensation. “I got to see Britney over the years, and I really enjoyed all the different colors.”
Legendary Collaborations
Karlsson’s portfolio boasts collaborations with an array of LGBTQ icons, including Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Little Mix, Kylie Minogue, and Madonna. Reflecting on his experiences, he shares, “I feel blessed that I got to actually be in the studio writing songs with so many amazing and talented people. Madonna is not just an amazing artist and songwriter; she’s also the creative flow in the studio. I was so blown away and inspired by her.”
Yet, amid these luminaries, there was one LGBTQ icon Karlsson had fervently hoped to collaborate with. “I was really close to going into the studio with George Michael, and I would have absolutely loved that, but I missed that. That would have been amazing,” he laments.
A Decade of Galantis
Next year marks Karlsson’s ten-year anniversary as Galantis. He introduced Galantis at Coachella in 2014, unleashing a string of EDM tracks that have amassed millions of streams. Hits like “Runaway (U & I),” “No Money,” and “Love on Me” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. “That actually means a lot to me,” Karlsson muses. “I feel like this journey just started for me. It doesn’t feel like ten years, but I’m really proud of everything I’ve done with Galantis. I needed Galantis to feel better, and I still do.”
“Dreamteam” with Tyler Glenn
Today, Karlsson has dropped his latest single as part of Galantis, titled “Dreamteam,” featuring the out and proud singer Tyler Glenn and his band Neon Trees. “I love that genre of electronic indie music, so to me, this was a collab I couldn’t be happier about. I was just thrilled they were down to do it. Tyler came on and just took it to another level. He hit it out of the park.”
Christian Karlsson’s journey through the music industry continues to be a testament to creativity, resilience, and collaboration, leaving an indelible mark on the LGBTQ music scene.