Galantis “Stay Alive” marks the beginning of a new chapter for Christian Karlsson, introducing a new label partnership, a new creative direction, and the launch of Galantis & The Devil’s Tax Return.
“Stay Alive” serves as the first glimpse into Galantis & The Devil’s Tax Return, a new era for Karlsson that reflects a more personal and creatively liberated approach to music making.
The release signals a significant moment for the Swedish dance music icon, who describes the project as a return to the sounds and inspirations that originally shaped his artistic journey.
Galantis Stay Alive Introduces A New Chapter
At the center of this new era is “Stay Alive,” a song that balances melancholy and hope while showcasing a different side of the Galantis project.
As the lyrics drift toward thoughts of another life and different possibilities, the production delivers a sense of optimism through detailed arrangements and emotional depth. The result is a record that feels both familiar and entirely new, highlighting Karlsson’s ability to evolve while remaining connected to the melodic sensibilities that helped make Galantis a global name in dance music.
The release also marks a new label relationship with Counter Records, a move Karlsson says carries special significance.
Speaking to Billboard, Karlsson shared his excitement about joining the Ninja Tune family.
“Signing with Ninja Tune imprint Counter Records feels incredibly special to me,” he said. “Ninja Tune is a label I’ve admired since the ’90s and to be part of that family with Galantis feels like coming home to music that shaped me.”
Freedom Inspires The Devil’s Tax Return Era
For Karlsson, the move represents more than just a new label partnership.
According to the producer, this is the first time in his career that he is not signed to a major label, a shift that has dramatically influenced his creative process.
“This is also the first time in my career that I’m not signed to a major label, and it’s completely changed the way I create music,” Karlsson explained. “I feel a freedom and inspiration I haven’t felt in a long time. It reminds me why I fell in love with making music in the first place.”
That newfound freedom serves as the foundation for Galantis & The Devil’s Tax Return, which Karlsson describes as an ode to the music that has inspired him throughout his life.
“It’s a new era for Galantis, and The Devil’s Tax Return marks the opening of this next chapter,” he said. “Honestly, I couldn’t be more fired up.”
Music Video Captures The Spirit Of Stay Alive
Alongside the release, Galantis has unveiled a music video for “Stay Alive.”
The visual follows Karlsson and his longtime companion Piiper during an after-hours adventure in a parking lot. What begins as a late-night shoot with an exhausted crew transforms into a nostalgic and dreamlike experience that mirrors the emotional themes found throughout the song.
The video serves as a fitting companion piece to the record, capturing the balance between youthful reflection and hopeful optimism that defines the release.
What’s Next For Galantis
In addition to new music, Galantis is preparing for a busy summer schedule.
Among the upcoming events is Midsommar, a new experience centered around friendship, new beginnings, and life in full bloom. The event is scheduled to take place in San Francisco and Chicago this summer.
Karlsson will also appear at major festivals including Electric Forest and Veld while making stops in Charleston, Philadelphia, Miami, Portland, and additional Midsommar dates that are expected to be announced in the future.
With “Stay Alive” officially released and a new creative chapter underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Galantis as the project embraces a fresh direction built around artistic freedom, personal expression, and a renewed sense of inspiration.