Ismael returns with energetic single 'Smiley' and announces Sweden tour for autumn 2026

The Swedish indie landscape is getting a welcome splash of optimism as Ismael, the much-talked-about trio behind the critically acclaimed album Doggerland, now breaks several years of silence with new creative energy. After establishing themselves at the top of Sweden's indie scene, the band returns with renewed strength, willingness to collaborate, and a clear focus on connecting with their audience.

Over the past year, Ismael has once again stepped into the public eye, notably through collaboration with the legendary Anders F. Rönnblom. The group’s profile has also been enhanced after a noted performance at the large climate demonstration in Stockholm, where their music resonated with tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in support of the environment. With these milestones, the band presented their new album project Allt som vi kunde va, which was launched with a release concert at Stockholm's iconic Pet Sounds Bar earlier this spring – an evening that confirmed Ismael’s intent to reach both loyal fans and new audiences.

At the center of this fresh start is the single "Smiley" – a song that serves both as an anthem and a tribute to people with the ability to spread hope and joy. Vocalist David Berjlund describes Smiley as an uplifting and bright song, inspired by those who maintain a sense of purpose and togetherness in a world of both abundance and injustice. "Smiley" is dedicated to children and youth as well as adults and the elderly, those who carry and share positivity and closeness even in the midst of intense personal or global challenges. The single’s message is an expression of solidarity and reflects the band’s experience of the strong community created at the climate demonstration – where hope for the future and action went hand in hand with humor and warmth.

In connection with the release of "Smiley," Ismael announces an upcoming Sweden tour for autumn 2026. The tour will bring the band's new material to live stages across the country, with the following confirmed dates:

• 28 August 2026 – Röda Kvarn, Ljusdal
• 29 August 2026 – Kulturkapellet Söderfjärden, Nordanstig (with Markus Berjlund)
• 4 September 2026 – Musikhuset, Gävle (with Staffan Hellstrand)
• 12 September 2026 – Kulturnatten, Uppsala
• 24 October 2026 – Röckbacken, Falun (with Frida Franzén)

The band’s resurgence is reflected in both the members’ engagement and the partially renewed sound. "Smiley" is an expression of Ismael's conviction of the importance of independent thinking – and of the optimism that has already given the band a loyal audience and is now likely to attract even more listeners. The new era shows a band inspired and strengthened by collaboration, creative exploration, and social commitment.

With "Smiley" in their repertoire and a new tour on the horizon, Ismael positions itself as a continuing vital force – a band building further on hope and energy in a time when it’s needed more than ever. Audiences in autumn 2026 can look forward to concerts where both energy and empathy are given a place on stage.