The imagery often associated with a “Euro Summer” conjures up vivid scenes of plump Italian tomatoes, iconic blue-domed buildings of Greece, and vibrant bustier dresses covered in fruits and gingham prints. However, for Zara Larsson, this idea transforms into a fantasy where ’90s Malibu Barbie summers in Sweden; where golden sunlight lingers on the horizon in an acid-bright, Lisa Frank-inspired dreamscape. This vibrant aesthetic serves as the backdrop for her latest opus, Midnight Sun.
At just 27, Larsson is over a decade into her musical journey, yet she finds herself blossoming into the prominent figure of pop music we’ve all been waiting for. In collaboration with her long-time friend and producer MNEK, known for their breakout hit “Never Forget You,” Larsson gathered a dynamic team including rising producer Margo XS and lyricist Helena Gao. Their creative synergy birthed the electrifying anthem “Midnight Sun,” which soared to incredible heights upon its release.
Comprising a thrilling array of 10 tracks, Midnight Sun sees Larsson embracing the exhilarating spirit of Swedish pop while also propelling it into new territory. The album exudes a vibrant blend of trance, Brazilian funk, and spirited dance vibes captured perfectly in tracks like the vogue-inspired “Hot & Sexy” and playful “Puss Puss.” One standout moment is the ethereal and introspective “Saturn’s Return,” where Larsson reflects on her personal growth amidst the changing pressures she faces. “It feels so good to know I don’t know what I’m doing. I know I’m free in my naivety,” she shares, while in contrast, “The Ambition” reveals her unabashed aspirations with shades of Charli XCX’s *Brat*.
As we chat, Larsson is in Austin, on a transformative tour experience for two key reasons: Firstly, despite being the supporting act for Tate McRae, audiences fiercely treat her performance as the main event. A quick scroll through TikTok reveals her captivating performances, complete with soaring vocal runs and energized crowds that break the pre-9 p.m. mold typical of arena shows. Secondly, Larsson is consciously choosing to embrace the joys of touring—venturing out solo to explore new locales rather than retreating to her hotel room.
“I loved Florida—it’s such a wild place with intriguing people! I even saw alligators. As I grow older, I find myself yearning to connect more with nature,” she tells me over Zoom, adorned with long, glossy acrylic nails that exude classic Scandinavian style.
Larsson’s all-women tour team has also reshaped her touring experience. With her solo tour kicking off in October, she emphasizes, “It’s not a political statement, but rather an energy I’ve naturally cultivated. It will be special.”
In an exclusive interview with Vogue, Larsson opened up about her latest album, drawing inspiration from online culture, and creating music that reflects her true self.
Vogue: Before jumping into “Pretty Ugly,” you have an entertaining interlude with MNEK, where you express a desire to keep things “messy.” How did you navigate exploring those messier experiences for the album?
Zara Larsson: We begin with vibrant and whimsical tracks like “Midnight Sun,” evoking groundedness, connection to nature, and appreciation for life. Then we delve into the chaos—being a little obnoxious and self-assured in “Pretty Ugly,” or navigating complicated feelings in “Girl’s Girl,” which touches on feelings for a friend’s partner. “Girl’s Girl” channels a bolder version of my previous song “Ain’t My Fault.” I’m addressing topics I wouldn’t have felt comfortable discussing even a year ago. At 27, I embrace every facet of who I am without feeling pressured to conform to expectations.
I think “Girl’s Girl” deserves a remix in the spirit of “Girl, So Confusing.”
I love that idea! When I heard Charli’s song, it inspired me tremendously. Pop can serve as a space for raw, unfiltered honesty.
Your album features deeply vulnerable tracks like “The Ambition” and “Saturn’s Return,” navigating the competitive nature of pop and the surrender of control. How do you make these vulnerable themes feel authentically pop?
I wanted to illustrate my journey toward understanding the uncertainty of my path, and that’s perfectly okay. Even if I haven’t reached the heights I desire, I recognize my growth. As a young woman in pop—having started at a very young age—dreaming big often clashed with the competitive atmosphere. I used to seek validation from social media platforms like Twitter; at times, it was like a drug. The comparison culture was consuming. We adore our craft as pop artists, but there’s also the desire for recognition—playing the grand stages, grabbing awards, and being celebrated. While ambition can fuel us, navigating this industry means constantly grappling with the subjective nature of our work, where fortunes can shift in an instant.
How has your perspective changed with age? Is the competitive nature of pop inherent?
Experiencing early success set high expectations, but I didn’t pause to savor those victories. After every stage performance, I would think, “What’s next? I should aim for 40 or 50 thousand!” Instead of celebrating, I felt I never did enough. This obsession took the joy out of performing. I’ve reached a point where I maintain my drive while cherishing life’s natural rhythm. I draw inspiration from those around me to grow as an artist, rather than constantly competing. Sometimes I daydream about living a simpler life in the countryside, but deep down, I know the pull of creation is everlasting.
Photo: Charlotte Rutherford
How has collaborating with friends and peers influenced your music process?
That’s a new experience for me. I’ve always been the youngest in the studio, which often made it difficult to forge the connections needed for meaningful songwriting. While working with experienced legends was an honor, it sometimes felt isolating. Now, collaborating with women and peers who share my cultural references fosters honest discussions that translate into beautiful music. This supportive environment enabled us to write three tracks a day, and for the first time, I feel deeply invested in my sound.
How connected do you feel to the legacy of Swedish pop?
As I approach 28, I find myself getting nostalgic! Stockholm remains my home, and I cherish the summers that have influenced my artistry. The stark winters enhance the value of fleeting summer moments, serving as a powerful metaphor for appreciating life. Swedish folklore has inspired me greatly while crafting this album—imagery of mythical figures gazing into clear lakes blended with personal aesthetics like vibrant colors and glittering fashion. I constantly draw from Swedish pop’s polished yet emotionally resonant essence, often reflecting melancholy even on the dance floor.
My digital presence was notably impacted by the viral “Symphony” meme featuring dolphins. It sparked my creativity—how can I weave that into my artistic narrative?
Well, you’ve become a beloved internet muse.
I won’t disclose my screen time! But in truth, it has decreased. I’m now surrounded by a supportive group of people I love. The moments they retire for the night are when I indulge in scrolling, fascinated by internet psychology. I know when a video will resonate based on engagement—it’s all part of the fun, and I genuinely want to connect.
Do you feel this is a new era in your relationship with your audience?
Absolutely. People are beginning to see my newfound confidence. Starting my career at such a young age meant navigating many expectations while figuring out my identity. Now, for the first time, all facets of who I am and my artistry feel unified. My connection with fans feels more authentic now. I’ve planted seeds in my musical journey, and they’re blossoming beautifully. I cherish my past successes, yet seek to cultivate a deeply rooted artistic perspective. I refuse to remain just a performer; I aspire to be a true artist.
What are you currently enjoying in your leisure time?
I love reading. I recently finished Trust by Hernan Diaz. Overall, I’m in a reflective phase, awakening to new realities. I’m realizing my ambitions and taking on more responsibilities—including steering my own record label. I’ve even embraced journaling, and yes, I admit I sometimes use ChatGPT to articulate my thoughts. Sometimes, I merely need an intelligent sounding board!
Where do you stand with your competitive drive now?
I feel remarkably prepared for this moment. I have an unwavering belief that I can achieve great things—even if it’s just fleeting. I am truly ready!
Midnight Sun is available now.
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
