Robyn’s Resurgence and Reflection
Robyn sits in contemplative silence, her eyes shut for a moment. “Wow,” she remarks, “this is really deep.” It’s been eight years since the alt-pop icon last released music, a period in which her life has completely transformed. The 46-year-old Swedish artist reflects on her past relationship with director Max Vitali, with whom she had completed her previous album, Honey. Now single, she navigates motherhood with her three-year-old son, Tyko, conceived through IVF, while grappling with the emotional scars from her childhood in a demanding music industry.
A New Album: Sexistential
We meet in a sunny attic above a recording studio in London to discuss her latest album, Sexistential—a tribute to vulnerability and authenticity. Clad in biker boots and a mesh hoodie, Robyn playfully tucks away her belongings around her, creating a cozy environment. “I’ve never released an album as a parent, so it’s thrilling to work again,” she states with a grin. “When I finally find some time for myself, it feels liberating and enjoyable.”
Influence on Modern Pop
Robyn’s impact on contemporary pop is enormous; she was signed at just 14 and shaped into a teen R&B star, inspiring icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. However, she broke away from the industry’s constraints, launching her independent label to create music on her terms. This shift has inspired a generation of artists, from Gracie Abrams to Lorde, who revere her as a trailblazer. Despite her influence, Robyn remains humble, insisting she doesn’t take credit for the success of others.
Life During Hiatus
Robyn had not planned to take such a lengthy break from music. Following a demanding tour for Honey, she faced personal upheaval. “I wanted to work, but the pandemic forced me to pause,” she recalls. During this time, she had the opportunity to use a studio in Stockholm, reigniting her creativity while also dealing with the complexities of dating and IVF.
Motherhood and Personal Challenges
Motherhood was always a goal for Robyn, but the timing was complicated. She took precautions by freezing her eggs at 34, fearing her previous relationships weren’t suited for raising children. The journey to conceive Tyko came with its challenges, testing her identity as a woman and a parent. “Deciding to have a child alone felt risky, and I didn’t want to replicate my own childhood experiences of instability,” she admits, reflecting on her own upbringing.
Processing Past Experiences
Growing up touring with her family in an avant-garde theater group shaped her artistic vision. Robyn’s early signing led to a tumultuous rise in the industry, one marked by challenging experiences, particularly regarding how women were treated. She has since sought therapy to process the impact of her career’s initial trajectory. Now managing her own label, she is involved in every aspect of her music, making her performances genuine and fun.
A Bittersweet Return
Robyn expresses excitement for her upcoming tour, seeing it as an opportunity to blend her roles as an artist and a mother. “I didn’t want to be stressed while changing diapers,” she shares, explaining her two-year break to focus on Tyko. As she prepares to reenter the music scene, she is eager and enthusiastic, proving to be a sincere yet whimsically playful artist. Sexistential is not just an album; it’s a reflection of her journey through love, loss, and self-discovery and is out now on Young Records.
