On 18th October 2024, Venezuelan-Swedish singer and actor Omar Rudberg released his long-awaited debut EP Every Night Fantasy under the American record label Atlantic Records. Best known internationally for playing Simon in the popular Netflix queer coming-of-age drama Young Royals, Rudberg builds on his LGBTQ+ icon status and returns to his musical roots with an EP which fluctuates between playful and vulnerable explorations of love, desire and heartbreak. 

Every Night Fantasy begins with ‘Talk’, which establishes the teasing, flirtatious tone of the first phase of the EP. Rudberg invites his love interest to let their bodies ‘talk’ and give into a magnetic attraction. The upbeat, dance-pop production is paired with an infectious chorus and bridge which shows off Rudberg’s impressive higher vocal register. ‘Talk’ is a strong opening that sets up one of the narrative threads of the EP: a dream-like, sensual romantic connection. Following ‘Talk’ is ‘Girlfriend’, a track reminiscent of Troye Sivan’s ‘One of Your Girls’. In this song, Rudberg addresses a male lover confidently, declaring he can love him better than his girlfriend.

…an EP which fluctuates between playful and vulnerable explorations of love, desire and heartbreak.

Progressing into the middle of the EP, Rudberg transitions from tunes of infatuation and lust into the defiant, empowering anthem ‘Bye Bye’, bluntly dismissing a former lover who mistreated him. Originally released in a double feature with ‘Talk’, ‘Bye Bye’ demonstrates how ethereal, alluring connections can quickly unravel into bitterness and realism. The blending of the lead and backing vocals makes the repetition of ‘bye bye’ even more impactful and powerful in its rejection of past, toxic love. 

The lead single of the EP, ‘Red Light’, is accompanied by a Spanish-language version, ‘Luz Roja’, on the deluxe edition. This highlights Rudberg’s lasting pride in his Latin heritage and its enduring importance in his musical inspiration. 

Every Night Fantasy is an EP that moves between different musical genres and influences without feeling sporadic…

The final chapter of Every Night Fantasy opens with the soulful, heartfelt piano ballad ‘Wrong’, a personal favourite from the record. This track showcases Rudberg’s vocal range, hitting soaring high notes before smoothly returning to a lower, softer tone. My favourite lyric in the song is ‘If I ask for one drop of rain, I know you’ll bring an ocean’. It succinctly portrays the loving, intimate bond and trust between Rudberg and his romantic partner. 

The EP concludes with ‘Sabotage’, a fusion of pop and R&B elements that delves into the topic of a new love Rudberg hopes he will not lose. The belting sections on the song are guaranteed to be a sing-along fan favourite. ‘Sabotage’ ends Every Night Fantasy on a hopeful note tinged with uncertainty, tying up the EP’s thematic and artistic endeavours of a rumination on love, the longevity of romantic relationships and self-destructive behaviour. 

On this record, Omar Rudberg demonstrates his capability to compete with mainstream, chart-topping artists…

Every Night Fantasy is an EP that moves between different musical genres and influences without feeling sporadic or wandering because of its central, unifying idea: can love ever be more than a late-night fantasy? On this record, Omar Rudberg demonstrates his capability to compete with mainstream, chart-topping artists with crisp, catchy production, his rich, expressive voice and a tight, precise album concept. With Young Royals now concluded, Omar Rudberg is a singer with the potential to make big waves. I am excited to see what direction his music goes next. 

Omar Rudberg will be performing at the O2 Academy in Birmingham for the European leg of his Every Night Fantasy Tour on 6th February 2025.

---

Enjoyed this? You might also like:

Editors’ Picks: What to Watch and Play November 2024

Album Review: Camila Cabello – C,XOXO

Birmingham’s Rave Renaissance: Meet the Students Pioneering Birmingham’s Underground Scene