Here’s hoping that what Erik Hassle has done to make his music more available to his fans will soon become the norm for artists worldwide.

Responding to the confusion caused by some releases being available in certain countries but not others, the Swedish pop singer says, “I don’t want [my music] to be restricted by area codes and nationality.” To that end, now much of Hassle’s recent discography can be downloaded directly via his website, no matter where you might live. Yay!

Hassle’s welcome announcement was timed with the arrival of the Mariefred Sessions EP, which finds him collaborating with Jocke Berg and Martin Sköld of Kent, his favorite Swedish band. First single “Are You Leaving” is “about growing up and then leaving a small town,” says Hassle, who marries his emotional trip down memory lane to a pulsating disco beat. Keeping with the song’s theme, Hassle filmed the music video for “Are You Leaving” in his hometown of Katrineholm.

Note: If you’re sensitive to flickering images, the “Are You Leaving” video makes judicious use of them.

Purchase Erik Hassle – “Are You Leaving” (from the highly recommended Mariefred Sessions EP) via his website.