Axel Fagerberg
Axel Fagerberg is a Stockholm-based percussionist and instrument designer, born in 1991 and active full-time since 2016. Trained in Western classical music at Musikkonservatoriet Falun, jazz at Bollnäs Folkhögskola, and hand percussion at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, he combines his favorite elements from every percussion tradition he’s studied.
A modern multi-percussionist equally at home playing congas in arenas, four-mallet vibraphone solos in jazz clubs, Ableton-drenched electroacoustic textures behind hip hop artists, and cheeky xylophone runs in orchestral projects.
He has performed with artists like Benjamin Ingrosso, Ledisi, Seinabo Sey, Steve Angello, and the Swedish Radio Jazz Group. Show highlights include the Eurovision Song Contest intermission act, a sold-out headline show at Stockholm Stadium, and the Nobel Prize Banquet house band.
His recordings appear on the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection, Benjamin Ingrosso (#1 album Pink Velvet Theatre), Carola (Komma hem till julen), Tunna Blå Linjen (TV series), as well as numerous anime series.
He has created factory and artist patches for the Nord Drum 2 and 3, been sampled for Soundtrap and Klevgrand, and recorded backing tracks for Swedish Idol and Allsång på Skansen.
In 2023, he founded WTF Percussion — a design company combining the playability of acoustic instruments with the ability to connect them to almost anything. His instruments are used by Chaka Khan, Fred Again, Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, Burna Boy, Glenn Kotche, Joey Waronker, Toby Dammit, Gil Sharone, and others.
Associated acts
Benjamin Ingrosso, Radiojazzgruppen
Gear
