Brightening the Charts: Zara Larsson’s Journey to Artistic Authenticity

“I get to be associated with dolphins. That’s sick,” Zara Larsson chuckles during our Friday morning Zoom chat. It’s a playful remark that reflects the Swedish pop star’s newfound relationship with her fans and her artistic evolution. The connection comes after a viral TikTok trend thrust her 2017 hit, “Symphony,” back into the limelight, showcasing her sparkling vocals alongside whimsical images of glittered dolphins. As users shared their own dark secrets and more serious thoughts, Larsson’s music became an unexpected backdrop to the human experience, blending joy with melancholy.

Fast forward to September, and Zara’s fifth studio album, Midnight Sun, has fully embraced this vibrant, shiny aesthetic. She mentions that while the viral moment didn’t make it onto her mood board, it likely influenced her subconscious in ways she didn’t anticipate. After years of feeling pressure to fit a certain mold as an artist, Larsson finally feels free to lean into the glitz that resonates with her.

A New Chapter with “Midnight Sun”

Midnight Sun isn’t just another collection of catchy tracks; it’s a reflection of Larsson’s personal growth. This album marks a significant shift in her artistry, pushing her to present the most authentic version of herself. The engaging title track has even landed her a Grammy nomination for best pop dance recording.

“It’s surreal,” she admits, reflecting on this milestone. “But it’s also rewarding to see how far I’ve come as an artist.” Indeed, this nomination isn’t simply a recognition of her work—it’s her leap into creating music that’s entirely her own.

When Zara first started her career at just 14, she was primarily a performer. Writing came later, and it transformed her in meaningful ways. “I never wrote anything. I just knew I wanted to sing,” she shares. As she continued her journey, she discovered that being part of the songwriting process is crucial.

“I want to be an artist,” she says with conviction, emphasizing her desire to be involved in every aspect of her music. And she’s done just that, co-writing all 10 tracks on this album alongside a close-knit group of collaborators. “I feel like I really stepped into that on Midnight Sun,” she adds.

Capturing Childhood Memories

For Larsson, this project represents more than just music; it embodies her essence. “It was meant to be Midnight Sun because this is me,” she explains. “This project is the first I’ve been 100% involved in creating. The song is my favorite of all time and represents me perfectly.”

As we chat, she recalls her Swedish roots, noting that the title “Midnight Sun” has been a long-standing ambition of hers. Arrested by nostalgia, the singer reflects on her upbringing, especially the vibrant summers in Sweden. “The summers are so bright and special—people come alive after the long, dark winters,” she reminisces. This appreciation of her homeland inspired her to create the uplifting sounds of “Midnight Sun.”

The Essence of Summer in Music

Despite its September release, “Midnight Sun” captures the essence of summer, resonating with listeners yearning for those sun-kissed memories. Larsson vividly recalls the process of writing the song, describing how she brought up the idea for the fifth time in a songwriting session. “It just clicked,” she says, her voice filled with excitement. “It felt like the song wrote itself.”

With its captivating production and clever lyrics, Larsson’s music transports listeners to sunny days—in her words, it’s like painting a picture. “I was in a flow state,” she describes the creative process, highlighting how her surroundings influence her work.

Recognition and Personal Fulfillment

For Zara, the acknowledgment from industry peers is meaningful, but it’s the song—and her artistic journey—that she cherishes most. “It’s incredible to write something and feel like this is exactly what I want to create,” she reflects, a sense of pride visible in her demeanor.

Every note of “Midnight Sun” brings her closer to her childhood memories, creating a powerful sense of nostalgia. “It feels personal, even though it’s a big pop song. [‘Midnight Sun’] is a real experience I look forward to every summer,” she muses, sharing her passion and pride for her work. “That’s my baby. It made me feel like an artist.”

Why Her Story Matters

So, what does this mean for everyday listeners and aspiring artists? Zara Larsson’s journey underscores the importance of authenticity in art. She tackled the pressures of the industry head-on, shattering expectations and embracing her truth. The message is simple yet powerful: when you stay true to yourself, extraordinary things happen.

As I listen to her music and follow her evolution, I can’t help but reflect on a similar experience in my life when I chose to embrace my own creative passions, despite external pressures. It’s inspiring to see someone like Larsson break barriers and define what it means to be an artist in this age of complexity and expectation.

Zara’s story serves as a reminder that authenticity resonates universally. By embracing her whimsical side and honoring her roots, she’s not just found success—she’s inspired countless others to do the same. So next time you hear “Midnight Sun,” remember it’s not just a song; it’s a celebration of self-discovery and the magic of summer, reminding us all to find our own joy amid the chaos.