Hogleone’s ‘Unexpectedly’: A Bold, Symphonic Chapter in a Musician’s Epic Journey

Hogleone, the American musician born in Sweden as Jörgen Höglund, is no stranger to eclectic musical journeys - and his latest single, Unexpectedly, is nothing short of a musical milestone. A key track from his upcoming album Many Waters (Memoirs of a Traveling Wonderer), the song showcases not only his impressive experience and skill but also his deep commitment to authentic, human-made music in an increasingly digital world.

Before arriving at this triumphant point, Hogleone’s story reads like a musical odyssey. Early on, he performed with a range of bands such as Tres Coronas, Imperial Sounds, Jacarandas, and the delightfully quirky Gå Runt Show, collaborating with fellow Swedes Bernt Dahlbeck and Mia Adolfson. His first big leap came at just nineteen, when he was invited to play lead guitar for Little Gerhard and his Rocking G-men - not in Sweden, but in Mexico. A year of wild rhythms and cultural immersion followed, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong love of musical exploration.

Returning to Sweden, Hogleone continued touring with Little Gerhard under the banner of Little Gerhard & Sunny Girls, before forming the vibrant group Tequila with his Mexican friends Renato Lopez, Rafael Sida, Pepe Ballote, and Briton Sam Marsden. The band enjoyed four energetic years before Hogleone made the bold decision to emigrate to the United States. There, he recorded several albums before taking a long, contemplative break from the music industry.

Fast forward to the present, and “ancient history” has given way to a remarkable return. A few years ago, Hogleone re-entered the music world with renewed passion, this time taking the reins entirely into his own hands. Building a home studio, he composed, performed, recorded, arranged, mixed, and mastered a new collection of songs completely solo - no AI, no ghostwriters, just pure creative drive. The result is Many Waters, a forthcoming album set to release in September 2025, unveiled one single at a time.

Unexpectedly is arguably the crown jewel in this ambitious collection - a crucial cornerstone of Many Waters. The track is musically rich and deeply layered, featuring multiple interweaving themes that build into a grand, almost symphonic experience. From the intricate brass section to the commanding percussion and lush instrumentation, every note was played and recorded by Hogleone himself. The song exemplifies his intent to create something truly expansive, emotionally resonant, and meticulously crafted.

Prior releases from Many Waters include the hopeful “I Believe in Love” (Sept 6), the tender “Leaving It Up to You” (Oct 3), and the evocative “A Melody” (Nov 8). In a nod to his Swedish roots, Hogleone also released a Swedish-language single on 5 July 2024 titled Hoppas att du förstår. Each monthly release builds upon the last, painting a sonic picture of a seasoned artist still hungry to innovate.

Unexpectedly is more than just a single - it’s a statement. A declaration that, despite the passing of time and changing tides of the music industry, authentic musicianship and heartfelt composition still have a place, and perhaps now more than ever, they are deeply needed.

For listeners seeking something genuine, textured, and thoughtfully composed, Hogleone’s Unexpectedly - and indeed the entire Many Waters project - offers a compelling journey worth taking.