Bringing cinematic soul to Scandinavia, Josef Love / Open Wide

Josef Love steps onto our Scandinavian Soul radar for the first time, even though he has already shared several singles. Open Wide is the track that finally reached us, and it delighted us immediately. The Swedish singer brings an original sound that feels increasingly blossoming here in Sweden. First heard with the band Sunnan, we call it ‘cinematic soul’. There is space. There is movement. There is a sense of a horizon you can almost see.

Open Wide carries an earthy touch that hints at country influences without leaning fully into them. It feels lived in. It felt natural. Instead of falling into melancholy, Josef produced a song with scale. The warmth running through glows right from the opening moments. The verses build with such care that you find yourself lost in them before the chorus even arrives. It lands beautifully, not as a dramatic punch but as an invitation. The whole song circles around openness in love, and the music supports that feeling at every note.

Josef describes his music as neither retro nor polished. He chooses presence over perfection, and that decision pays off. His vocals sit close to the mic, giving the performance a tactile quality. The background harmonies gently lift the track, adding depth without overcrowding the space. It all feels intentional and very human.

Open Wide has a freeing quality, almost like stepping outside after being indoors during the long, dark winters. It all feels so refreshing and new. Open Wide works at home with headphones, and it is easy to imagine it filling a stage with ease.

As first introductions go, this is a strong one.

Follow Josef Love, explore the rest of his catalogue on platforms that value artists, and keep an eye on his releases. We already want more.