Zara Larsson Aims to Complete Her Pop Star Journey with ‘Midnight Sun’

Zara Larsson Shares Hopes for "Midnight Sun"

Zara’s Journey in Music

NEW YORK — Zara Larsson is renowned for energizing dance floors with her extensive catalog, featuring numerous tracks that have surpassed a billion streams. Yet, even with the essential elements for a supernova career, she feels that her musical puzzle still lacks a critical piece.

“I feel like it’s been a disconnect between what I’ve released and who I am,” explained the 27-year-old artist. “Finally, I believe that people are starting to connect the dots.”

The New Album: "Midnight Sun"

Larsson is optimistic that her upcoming album, “Midnight Sun,” will crystallize her artistic identity. This album, set to release on Friday, serves as a heartfelt tribute to her homeland of Sweden, where summer days can last until midnight. It houses 10 tracks and follows her previous album, “Venus,” released in 2024.

Having stepped into the entertainment spotlight at just 10 years old, Larsson has always aspired to be the biggest pop star globally. However, her journey has taught her to moderate those expectations.

“Maybe my perspective on life has evolved as I’ve grown older. Now, I find myself contemplating starting a family, which feels more significant to me than just shining in front of strangers,” said Larsson. The success of her 2017 collaboration with Clean Bandit on “Symphony,” which garnered immense popularity on platforms like TikTok, underscores her influence in the industry.

Growing as an Artist

The “Lush Life” singer will start her tour next month in Europe before heading to North America in February. During a conversation with The Associated Press, Zara discussed “Midnight Sun,” the pressure to produce additional hits, and her pursuit of self-improvement.

LARSSON: “I just want what I create to resonate with my true self. I’ve had numerous successful projects, but it hits differently when it reflects my own words.”

LARSSON: “Creating this album was liberating. I didn’t feel pressured, which reminded me of when I first started writing music. We had fun experimenting back then.”

She recounted feeling overwhelmed following her debut album, “So Good,” where the drive to maintain consistent mainstream success hindered her creativity for four years.

Embracing Life’s Journey

LARSSON: “I’ve had to actively reshape how I see myself and my life. While I still strive for excellence, I’ve realized that life’s about the journey. I genuinely feel like I’m just beginning my path.”

Reflecting on early success, she expressed a bittersweet sentiment: “I wish I could have savored my achievements more instead of constantly seeking validation.”

LARSSON: “The concept of ‘Saturn’s return,’ where Saturn returns to its natal position after roughly 27 years, signifies a time of real adulthood. I truly feel that transition. My irresponsible, reckless decisions seem distant now. I’ve developed empathy and believe I’m a better person than I was before—hopefully, a sign of growth.”

As Zara Larsson steps into this exciting new chapter with "Midnight Sun," how do you feel about her journey in pop music?