(Credit: Samantha Rapp)
“Robyn” feels like a debut, but really, the woman behind it has been making music for 17 years; she first made a splash on these shores with a ‘90s teen-pop anthem called “Show Me Love.” Her new(ish) collection, which she released on her own label, is a stunning assemblage of hard underground beats, sweetly impeccable melodies and the singer’s own streetwise lyrical delivery and futuristic fashion sense. From the electro buzz of “Konichiwa Bitches” to the epic sweetness of “Dream On,” the album still sounds just as fresh as it did in ’05. Time will reveal if America en masse will answer her clarion call and put Robyn in her rightful place alongside the likes of Gwen Stefani, or if she’ll remain the go-to girl for a smaller circle of pop fetishists and music critics.
Before her latest U.S. tour, we chatted with Robyn about Prince, Perez Hilton and why Sweden makes the best pop music in the world.
What was it like coming to America for the first time and getting such a hero’s welcome?
It was the best feeling ever! Since they were my first shows in the States, it was even more amazing. I was totally blown away to see entire audiences singing the words to songs that hadn’t even been officially released over here.
This must be such a different experience than when you first came over in the ‘90s behind the hit single “Show Me Love.”
Yes, absolutely. That was such a crazy time. I learned so much about the business back then. Now I feel so much more prepared to handle it. I was still a teenager when all of that happened.
Perez Hilton has been a major champion of yours.
Yes, Perez is such a wonderful friend. He’s shown me so much love and support, and I appreciate it immensely.
With the record being almost three years old, are you still excited by the songs?
Even though the record isn’t brand new, I’m still so happy with how things have turned out. I feel like I’m right where I want to be. I would like to get into the studio soon and do something new, but for now, I’m good.
How gratifying is it for all of this success to come after you left the major labels behind and went fully independent?
Extremely. When you’ve done everything yourself, it makes things so much sweeter. But I wasn’t even thinking about that stuff when I was making the record. I made it because I wanted to and it was fun to do. This whole album comes from a very free place. There was no pressure or expectation.
One of the highlights of your live show is a cover of an early Prince track, “Jack U Off.”
Yes, I’m a major Prince fan. He’s such an incredible artist. I would recommend that everyone listen to his albums “Dirty Mind” and “Controversy.” “Dirty Mind” is my favorite album in the whole world today.
Through the years, Sweden has produced such great pop artists and writers as ABBA, Max Martin [who wrote “Show Me Love” and also Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time”] and yourself. What is about your homeland that produces such stellar pop music?
[Laughs] That’s an interesting question. I’ve never really though about it like that before. But we do love a good melody. That’s something I think a lot of Swedish acts have in common. I’m not sure where it comes from, but it’s definitely there. Maybe there’s something in the water!
