Outside the luxury hotel's window, Stockholm is shrouded in gloom, but Zara Larsson is still riding the warm summer winds from "Midnight sun". The album has been out for a month now and she is proud - most of all that this is the first time she has been involved in writing lyrics.
I love to write. I have always done it. I love to express myself with words in all possible forms, she says.
Therefore, the songs are her most personal to date, she thinks, with a self-reflection that she has never expressed in music before.
I have not even given myself the chance before. But it's probably a self-confidence thing. Now I want to write my entire album and be involved in everything, direct my videos, draw my clothes, film my content.
Wants to deliver a megashow
A couple of the songs reflect on what she has been longing for almost her entire life - the elusive, redeeming breakthrough and becoming a pop star of the highest caliber.
She has been close for several years now, and Zara Larsson has never made a secret of her ambitions. Already as a child, she dreamed of becoming bigger than Elvis.
I want to deliver a megashow, an incredible live show. And to be a part of the culture. To have a cultural presence and be a part of how pop music sounded in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
"Trying to enjoy"
Of course, she has had hits in her career, but she does not think that listeners have connected the songs to any particular person before.
I want people to know me as an artist, not just my songs. I want to connect on a personal level with my listeners. I want them to know what I think, what I feel, who I am, she says.
In the winter, she will go on her first solo tour in the USA. This after she earlier this year toured as a warm-up act for the 22-year-old star Tate McRae and stole the show, at least if one is to believe the reactions on social media.
There is something quite lovely about being an underdog. Then there are a lot of people who cheer you on. Because it's so easy to love someone you think deserves more. Damn, it's quite nice. I'm trying to enjoy it as long as it lasts.
Born in 1997 and grew up in Tallkrogen in southern Stockholm.
Has been an artist since childhood. Won "Talang" in 2008 and appeared the following year in TV4's documentary series "I'm going to be a star".
Released her first single, "Uncover", in 2012. In 2014, her debut album "1" was released. Then followed "So good" in 2017, "Poster girl" in 2021, and "Venus" in 2024. "Midnight sun" was released in September this year.
Made her debut as an actress last year in the Netflix movie "A part of you" directed by Sigge Eklund.
Current with the album "Midnight sun", the documentary "Up close" on Amazon Prime, tour in Europe and North America, as well as the newly started underwear brand Main Rose.
