Swedish pop stars chat in Stockholm

Robyn and Zara Larsson discuss their careers and how they navigate fame while sitting at Soho House Stockholm.

Robyn's early career

Robyn released her debut album Robyn Is Here in 1995 when she was 16, featuring production from Max Martin on her single Show Me Love.

Zara Larsson's breakthrough

Zara Larsson released her first hits Lush Life and Never Forget You in 2015 when she was 17, followed by her fifth studio album Midnight Sun in 2025.

Flamsig meaning

Robyn asks Zara about the Swedish word flamsig, which Zara says means silly or having the giggles.

“It's like "silly."”

Banana radio

Robyn explains banana radio as a flams state where she and her collaborator Klas elevate themselves above daily life to be themselves.

Zara's political views

Zara Larsson has spoken up on abortion rights, losing a $3 million brand deal after supporting abortion rights.

“I lost a $3 million brand deal after speaking up in support of abortion rights.”

Robyn's early struggles

Robyn faced hate from fans in Sweden when she was young, including being thrown eggs and tomatoes at shows.

“I did shows where people threw eggs on me, and tomatoes.”

Zara's internet culture

Zara Larsson started a blog at age 13 or 14, reading news and fighting with people online about injustices.

Zara's creative process

Zara Larsson says she wants to be able to laugh and find joy in life, even when things are serious.

“That's my philosophy, that whatever this is, in life, I always want to know that I can laugh, and nothing is that serious.”

Robyn's career shift

Robyn released an album that included IVF and having a baby while dating, which she didn't plan to be about.

“It was never a statement.”

Zara's current work

Zara Larsson is currently recording a documentary about her U.S. tour, starting with a small theater tour.

Robyn's creative process

Robyn says she writes songs about connecting with her dad, which she describes as abstract love songs.

“The song is really just about me wanting to connect with my dad.”

Zara's music impact

Zara Larsson's music has reached eight- and nine-year-olds who discover her songs like Lush Life.

“I have young girls at my shows, and they're maybe eight or nine.”

Robyn's creative freedom

Robyn says she focuses on what feels fun and what sounds good on stage, not on future career plans.

“When I make an album, I think about what it's gonna sound like onstage.”

Zara's current challenges

Zara Larsson says she feels pressure to be authentic but also wants to be free from the need to do the right thing.

“It feels like you're free from that pressure and you can still voice your opinion.”

What happens next

Robyn and Zara Larsson continue their conversation about how they navigate fame and internet culture in the music industry.