Robyn remains quiet, eyes shut, seemingly lost in thought for a lengthy moment. “Wow,” she finally expresses, breaking the silence. “This is profoundly moving.” It’s been eight years since the seasoned alt-pop artist last graced the music scene. Currently, she reflects on the transformative period of her life since her last album release. At 46, the Swedish singer’s life has seen significant changes: her earlier album, “Honey,” was completed during a reconciliatory phase with her then-fiancé, director Max Vitali. Presently, she’s single, parenting her three-year-old son, Tyko, birthed through IVF, and has come to terms with her challenging childhood experiences in the manipulative music industry.
A New Chapter
We convene in a lofty attic atop a London recording studio to discuss her latest album, “Sexistential.” The record is a tribute to embracing vulnerability and the depths of emotion. “I’m defending my right to be vulnerable, to truly be myself,” she states. Clad in biker boots and a mesh hoodie, with a bomber jacket, two stuffed handbags, and a black leather sailor hat neatly arranged around her on the sofa, she appears to create a comforting nest for herself. She’s visibly excited about her return, especially as this marks her first album release as a mother. “It’s thrilling to work in this new role,” she chuckles, revealing a chipped tooth. “The moments I get to myself are freeing and enjoyable.”
Robyn’s Enduring Influence
Imagining the modern pop landscape without Robyn’s influence is challenging. Born Robin Carlsson, she was signed at 14 and initially groomed to be a teenybopper R&B sensation, setting the stage for stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. However, she soon broke away from this prefab path, establishing her independent label and pioneering a new, autonomous approach to pop music. Artists like Gracie Abrams, Lorde, Charli XCX, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Harry Styles have all cited her as a major influence, not only for her redefinition of the industry but also for her impactful music. When I bring up her role in shaping these artists, she modestly deflects, emphasizing her focus rather than her influence.
Despite this, her powerful synth-laden, emotionally resonant tracks have become anthems for many, particularly millennials. Her music has notably featured in Lena Dunham’s “Girls,” bookending significant scenes and cementing its place in pop culture.
Generational Appeal
Robyn’s appeal spans generations. A recent performance with Charli XCX at the O2 Arena in London had Gen Z fans in a frenzy, something Robyn found both overwhelming and affirming. “Stepping onto that stage, I was greeted with a wall of screams; it was unbelievable,” she recounts with wide eyes.
Challenges and Reflections
Robyn’s journey back to music wasn’t straightforward. In 2020, eager to dive back into recording post-tour, she faced personal upheavals and the global shutdown caused by the pandemic. Sweden’s less restrictive approach to quarantine allowed some freedom, and she seized an opportunity to work in Max Martin’s studio. This period was also marked by personal ventures into dating and IVF, complicating her life further but also enriching her understanding of herself both as an individual and as a prospective mother.
Motherhood was a role Robyn always envisioned for herself, though the path there was fraught with challenges and introspection. She discusses the complexities of parenting, the fears of single motherhood, and the societal expectations tied to it. Her recent experiences have deeply influenced her new album, which explores themes of loneliness, sensuality, and existential reflection through a mix of vibrant synths and introspective lyrics.
Independence and Artistry
Robyn’s early career, marked by a rapid rise and challenging experiences in the industry, led to a decisive break from major labels. She recounts the pressures and inappropriate conditions she faced as a young female artist, which only strengthened her resolve to control her artistic path. This independence is evident in her latest works, where she holds significant creative control, something she cherishes deeply.
As our conversation draws to a close, Robyn reflects on her dual roles as a mother and artist, feeling fortunate to embrace both. She looks forward to touring, bringing her son along, ensuring he experiences the world she inhabits but within the comforting bounds of safety and familiarity she prioritizes for him.
The release of “Sexistential” marks not just another album drop but a reaffirmation of Robyn’s enduring impact on the music scene, her unyielding independence, and her ongoing evolution both as an artist and a person.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
