Call Her Daddy - Zara Larsson: Pop Girls, Confidence, & Crushes

Episode Date: April 22, 2026

Join Alex in the studio for an interview with Zara Larsson. Zara talks about taking control of her music and artistry and surrounding herself with women. She also reveals the crazy stories behind some of her songs and opens up about her relationship. Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is up, Daddy Gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call Her Daddy. Zara Larson, welcome to Call her Daddy. Thanks. It is so nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. I have been really, really looking forward to this. Me too. Girl, you are having a moment.

I know. It's so crazy. How has this year felt for you? And how are you handling all the attention? No, it feels amazing. Honestly, I've been thinking a lot about it because internally, it's so crazy because I've been doing this forever and I think a lot of people might just discover me and find out about me and sometimes you know a lot of artists it seems like they just like pop out of nowhere but I've really been doing this for my whole entire life and yeah internally it just feels exactly the same I feel like nothing's really changed for me like in my day to day or how I feel when I wake up and like what I do I'm still on tour right now and I've been

been touring for like the past year. So everything feels really normal. I think the only difference or the biggest difference is like my interactions on like my posts look different and like the amounts of like likes and comments and shares and even things I say in interviews or like things I say today. I think earlier it might have been like like I just say something but then. Yeah, it's like a bigger microscope now. Yes. Yes. That is so interesting because it's like you're talking about how your life you feel it's like it's been the same. But then there's these big moments that, yes, you can pinpoint there. It's like, okay, more people are noticing me.

Then we have the Olympics. Alyssa Lou skated to stateside, which was everyone's talking about it. What did that mean to you? It was so amazing. And I knew she was going to do that because she mentioned it in an interview like the day before. Some interview asked her like, what are you going to do for this performance? And when I saw it, I just kept watching it.

I maybe watch it like five times with my friends. And we filmed the first time and like put it on TikTok. But then the more I watched it, like the more emotional I felt because I think it's also just seeing her looking so in it. Like she's so in her body and she's so free and she looks so joyful. Like that is my vibe. And the way she talks about her sport and why she doesn't and the fact that it just seems to come from this place of true passion and love and not that no one's forcing her to do it or that you know it just feels like on her terms and then she did it to to pink panthers and my song

it just felt like obviously I will give her all the credit for pushing it up to number one but being in that moment for me feels bigger than like the charts because I feel like that's like a cultural is like her story. Truly. It's the Olympics. It's like it's representing of countries in the world. No, she just, I'm so excited to like have been a part of that because that's, that's iconic. Did you get to talk to her at all?

Did you guys DM? I did. Yes. That's actually a very fun part about getting recognized and like having more followers and having this like celebrity situation. I feel like I can reach out to basically. like a lot of people. And I know I will probably get an answer.

Have you been sliding into people's DMs, Zara? Yeah, but I do it with like, with like love. Like queen. Like, hey queen. Have you gotten any like messages back for like I can't believe I'm even DMing with this person casually? I reach out to a lot of artists, like a lot of girls. Sometimes just to say like, hey, big fan.

Like love what you do. Like queen. And the fact you know that they're going to read it. Because you go right to the time. Have you got that blue check? You're like, hi, it's me. Yeah. Have a good Wednesday.

Yeah, it's amazing. But I just said, like, thank you so much. That was incredible. You're amazing. Like, please come to a show. She has to. I mean, I feel like this new album and era has been really transformative for you. It almost feels like a reintroduction in a way.

And not even just with your music. It's also your style and your image. Like, what inspiration did you pull to create this new. world um well a lot of people you know give credit to the dolphin trend on tic talk which girl girl we got to talk about it yes which honestly you know it's um i don't think they're wrong i think subconsciously when you move through life you just pick up a bunch of stuff i i can't i can't say with the hand on my heart like the dolphin was not on the mood board but you know it's like it was there. It was a big part of my 2024. Can you just quickly, just for anyone who lives under

a rock and maybe it's like, no, some people do. What are you guys talking about the dolphin? What dolphin? Can you explain the dolphin where they came from and how they essentially impacted your life? Yeah. Okay. Where did they come from? I don't know. I remember one time I was doing a festival. I was in Norway. And my friends, just this day particularly, I remember because they kept sending me these. videos on TikTok. It was just very colorful dolphins. They're jumping out of the water. It's rainbows. It's blue skies. It's like happiness in a picture. Vivid. And then that picture paired with the kind of explosive chorus of symphony with a very depressing quote of your life, you know. And I think it's that, what's the word? Juxtaposition.

Yes, yes, it is. It's like a big word. It's like something so, yeah, it's something so depressing in text. Yeah. To symphony in the background. It's like, happy. Yeah. And it's like so random.

And it makes you laugh every single time you see one. And that blew up. Insane. Because when they, when they sent me those videos, it was like maybe five to 10,000 likes per video. And I was like, whoa, like, why is this becoming a thing? And then from one day to another, it was just everywhere. but yeah i think like my style and everything from that the thing is i did feel like it spoke to me

just the image because i have always loved glitter i love glam i love the sparkle i love colors i love like woo like the you know i love that and i have always felt a little bit not embarrassed but like being from sweden which is very like minimalistic it's like clean lines it's a lot of new a lot of black, like in fashion. And I've always wanted to be like in fashion because I think music and fashion goes so hand in hand. I feel like I had to repress that side of me a little bit and like be fashion.

And then it just turned into like a really weird style. And I think this album just allowed me to fully do what I love. What you said to with the fashion element is so true to artists the way that they express themselves and the way that they also differentiate themselves from other artists is through fashion, not just the music.

And obviously, your fashion sense has really popped off. And I think people are obsessed with the way that you dress. And I can tell that so much of your creative vision is poured into your fashion. People have called you a mermaid Barbie. Does that resonate? I love that. You love it.

I love it. I love it. It's perfect. Like, that's my dream. Is that how you would describe your aesthetic? Yeah, maybe. Definitely colorful. You know, I love the long hair, especially when I'm on tour to just like throw it around,

have the wind, have the sparkles. Like, I love the showness of it. I love that it feels like it's not pedestrian, you know? It's like, no, we're putting on a show. And especially this time around, because I'm doing my U.S. run. and we have like maybe the budget is five dollars like you know what i mean it's like it's small like i was when we when we did these when we booked these venues like i didn't know that this was going to happen like i didn't know i was going to sit here and talk to you like year ago

i didn't know like what would be happening to me so we have these like amazing amazing women that i share the stage with in my band and my dancers and me and that's the show i mean we are the show so like the show has to be like the outfits you know the light and the hair. But that makes sense where it's like people forget that tours are booked

so far in advance and so like we try to upgrade and it's just it's booked out like so far in advance but I would be back though you will be back

and you know what maybe it's fun that it's like this is going to be the most intimate it will ever get because it's like your career is on the rise

I hope so okay you mentioned you're chronically online yeah which I remember seeing an interview you said that your screen time was like 16 hours a day

and I'm like perfect she doesn't sleep um no I don't What app are you using the most? TikTok. I figured. What is like taking over your fur you page? Like what is where if I was,

if I was on your phone, what am I seeing? No, it's me. Big. You're your own biggest fan. I'm obsessed. No, for real.

Like I try to engage also so much in like what people post and like what they say and I like always like and comment and like engage. So I feel like my algorithm's like, oh, you must like be a really big fan of Zarr Larson. So it's just like, I'm like, yes. like, like, repost. Repost. And then what else is it? But that's the, that's the, that's the crazy part of it all. You can spend like six hours

on that app. And then you lay down your phone and you're like, what have I just watched for six hours? And then you pick up because you're like, I need more and you're like, what do I even watch? The way you scroll and it's like, next video will be amazing. Next video will be amazing. It's that. I love how you're saying that and your videos are you. Maybe the next one's good. No, I feel some people's like would be like, whenever people would see themselves on an app, they'd be like, oh my God,

quickly scroll, whether they're like, I'm going to be cringe or whatever. You're like, I fucking love myself. Yes. But also, I think it's like,

that's funny you say that, actually, because I used to really be like that. I used to like not watch anything. I didn't want to watch any performances. I was like, oh, like,

get it away from me, you know? And now I think it's just so in my face a lot of the times. And it truly did come from me wanting to like engage with the people who are posting it um but i think also the older i get i've never actually been a very shameful person like everything that i do i think that's one of my best qualities is that i um i don't carry like a lot of shame and i think that just allows me

to have more fun and like not be so hard on myself and judgmental because i really used to be like every time I would step off stage it wasn't good enough it wasn't fun like I could have done better that was embarrassing oh I messed this up I did I was just like everything was like boo what do you think was that turning point

for you though was it age perhaps age I think it was also me really feeling like I because I've been doing this for like so long it wasn't until quite recently I felt like I am finally like a part of creating what I do because when I started out I didn't write my music I didn't like really

creatively make like my shows my video I feel like it was just kind of happening around me and it was happening with I was always like a part of the decision the overall like decision making and like I get I got to like no I want to do this song like I don't want to do this song but overall I think a sense of control that I have now where it's like it's coming from me That's when I feel like it represents me. And I feel like it's, I have to plant the seed. I can't just like tend to the garden that somebody else planted. I have to like, this is how I feel.

I have to make, like write my music, be a part of the show, be a part of designing like what I wear. And that just makes me feel like in control and it makes it so much more fun. Right. It's almost like I was thinking about it when you're saying that, you saying you don't scroll past yourself, it's because you're fully aware of what you're about to see because all of the creative you chose, all of your outfits, what you're singing you chose. So you're like, oh, I remember, oh, and I hit that dance move, but I like that moment. Where before you're probably like, oh, God, like, why did I do that? Why did I do that? I was already feeling icky about it before I went on

stage because I actually didn't even really know if I wanted to sing that song. Yeah. You sparked a lot of conversation when you said that you finally broke out of the Kia asylum. First of all, for anyone who does not know what that means, can you explain what the Kia Asylum is? I feel like it's a place that, okay, here we go. It's a place, I don't know how it was started. And it's this institution where I think it's mostly girls in there, honestly, like the pop girls that have big hits.

So they've been charting. like they maybe have billions of streams on their songs like i have really popular songs but they have little to know like cultural relevance i would say um or maybe like an identity so they have like the songs and people know can sing along with them but they might not necessarily know who is singing the song and i've always kind of struggled with this i'm like oh i've been so aware of it and i didn't know about like the key asylum or the kaya asylum before or, you know, like five, six, seven years ago. But I've always felt like, what is it that?

Because I feel like I have so much inside of me that people can connect with. Why can't I bridge that gap? Because I've had these amazing songs. But like, what the fuck is happening that makes me not, you know? Like, isn't clicking. Yeah. In your opinion, now looking back, what do you think was keeping you there? I think, I think it was.

being free in like sharing myself because I you know I've tried the whole like I'm going to be mysterious there's something very like sexy about that you know but I'm not a mysterious person and that's just genuinely not who I am so with this midnight sun because it felt so much like me I also felt like just sharing who I am

with people and my followers I think my like you know, hardcore fans have always kind of known me and like checked out on my interviews and like all of that. But I think I've also just shared more of myself with my followers and like online. And I think it's, again, I think it's all these small things coming together like the music, the fashion, the personality, just me being freer, but also more. Yeah, like myself. It's like you thought being in the music industry, you're like, maybe I'll just try to be mysterious. And look at when you just leaned into yourself, everyone's like, bitch, obsessed. But it's also hard.

I think like Instagram is like hard because it is so like aesthetic, you know? It's so hard. And I think that's why it's just so much easier to like, like connect because I don't have to think about. And even sometimes I do want to wear like a black leather jacket. And now I'm like, wait, can I do that? But it's like the duality of a woman. Like I still have it in me. I still have a leather jacket in me.

I love it. I love it. But it's hard. It's hard to like, I think that's also what it is. Actually, now when I think back at it, it's like staying a little bit disciplined. Because it is me and it is what I love. But it's also like if you want to create some sort of brand, you have to have the consistency and the discipline. You're so right.

You said in an interview that people used to call you a flop like 50. times a day. I was like, no, listen, girl, that's why I had to delete Twitter. I'm like, take care. You're like, goodbye.

But how did those type of comments affect you when you were reading them and consuming them? It's weird because it's this like game with my brain. I think reading it's so strange how I don't think we're meant to read a thousand opinions about ourselves a day. Even like over five. Like that's a lot. lot and I think what matters is like what the people around you are saying right so having having like

some sort of social media or platform where people would just kind of say everything and I have to be honest like yeah I searched for my name I did that I don't want to see the mention oh we know you want to talk about Wikipedia oh we know you're how don't we can we quickly talk about that really pivot sorry yes this Wikipedia beef that you have have we settled it have we squashed it is it they the page they did no one can no one can come in and edit it anymore and explain the photo to people who haven't seen it it was just an ugly photo of me and i was like i don't want that to be the photo i want to be a hot photo and then we try to change it and then they kept changing back and we emailed them like can can like we just keep this picture and they were like well it has to be by a

photographer who have to give up like the copyright and i'm like yeah but like i took the photo like my friend took the photo and they were like what camera and then we sent this camera and they were like send us a full resolution and we're like it's just like a small bad digital going back and forth with Wikipedia no like back and forth I think they didn't believe that I like owned the picture and I was like no like I had to send them a video like hey this is our Larson like I took this phone like my friend took this photo and they were like yeah so the cut girl it was the whole thing the length that you went to be like there will be no ugly photo of me get this shit out Zara I'm like that's the one I want. You're like, I want to serve face. Also, I love how of all the photos, you're like,

no one even looks at fucking Wikipedia these days, but you're like, my Wikipedia will slay to the gods. And don't you ever forget it? Honestly, I have a lot of respect for that. How many times did you go in and try to change it? Oh, like, 20? Yes. It was over a period of time. And then when I posted the video, I posted a video on TikTok, I was like, whoever's changing this, like, stop it. Like, because I will not give up. I will change it 21 times. I'm obsessed. Like every morning you're having your coffee, you're like, here we go. Refresh.

Yeah. Yes. Like, I will text my friend Vandala. Just be like, you'll have to change it again. Like, it's changed back. Okay. So you're searching yourself online constantly. You're as deep and as Wikipedia.

And I think it's, I think it's like, again, a sense of false control of like, what are people saying about me? What are they thinking about me? Because at the end of the day, I'm like an artist, right? Like, I have this ego that I have to sue. and I want people to love me and I want people to like what I do and when I have a bad day I almost go in and I search for like the good comments gives me a boost and like yay you know it's like woo but then I just kind of look for the bad comments to almost confirm what I feel

about myself that day and it's like I knew it what I knew it what are some of the negative things that you feel about yourself because I feel like people online would look and be like, oh, you want to know what I look up when I want to like get confidence? It's a Zarar Larson dancing video of you shaking your ass looking like the hottest goddess in the world. And then like, so I'm assuming people are like, wait, what do you mean? Like, what are those? No, I think it is. I think if I have a bad day. I mean, what the only, the only thing that affects me is, which I guess it's true for everyone, the things that affects you is the things that you believe, even a little bit, you know. So,

because I always like I always felt this disconnect with people or like fuck I'm in the key asylum like I'm really stuck in here you know or like maybe I am a flop or like what is it that doesn't connect like what am I missing and like all those things I think that affects me more because I've been like beefing with people online since I was like 14 and I had my blog and I would just you know but I used to write a lot about feminism I used to write a lot about like I would like I was like 14 and I had my blog and I would just you know but I used to write a lot about like I would out here hating men before it became a thing. Yes. No, truly. And when it comes to me personally, I think, yeah, like when I have a bad day, it just reinforces what I feel like I already felt. Right. Do you look back at that time when there was negativity and when it would get to you before you got yourself out of this asylum? Did it impact the way that you felt about releasing music? Yes. me about that well i think i just cared a lot about what people would think and what people would say and earlier on i also again i didn't like write my stuff so i felt like since it wasn't really like

coming from me like my words um i could kind of only lean on other people's like i could know that it's good i think it's good but also like it was very important for other people to also feel like it was good for me. Because I started, like, I got signed at 14. And at that point, you're so young and you're around all these grownups. And they just, you know, have been in the industry for a really long time. And they're very talented. So it's like, we're giving you this song.

And we're giving you this song. And it wasn't really like an option for me to, well, I didn't know like, when you don't know what it is, you don't know. You just don't even know where to start. And I've always kind of, I've loved writing. Like I said, I had my blog. I love to like, I love to like express myself. But I think also I try to be in some sessions. And I think there's just this sense of like, like when you're 14, 15, it's hard to truly

emotionally connect with someone who is like 40. And those are the type of people you're sitting in that room with. Yeah. You feel really small. And they're so amazing and incredible. So I just kind of felt like, what do I have to say? like you guys know better than I do when really it's not about that it's just about like it's not about who who is better it's like who can now I realize like who can get who can get me the most

comfortable so I can be the most myself but even Zara I'm thinking to you referenced you know you're a young girl at the time when you started your career when you would walk into rooms with label executives and producers you know you're a young girl at the time when you started your career you would walk into rooms with label executives and producers, you would be the youngest person there. Definitely. What did that make you feel like? It's just always been like that for me.

And now, when that's no longer the reality, I'm like, wow, I think I really, really would have benefited from being around people more like my age. But it's really hard to find like the next. big but the number one writer 15 year old like you know what I mean like you're not stacking your studio with 15 year old yeah yeah just like uh come hang after school who's paying for the studio none of us have jobs role 15 no I get it no so um it's just always been like that and the thing is I used to have my mom with me everywhere okay my mom was with me everywhere like in every session

in every studio like she would sit right there like she would sit right there like she would was just with me and um i think that is such a blessing for me and like thinking back at it i'm very thankful that she was just there you know and i've always felt like the people i started working with were also um because i got signed to an independent label in sweden called 10 and um starting out it was kind of this 360 deal where they were like managing and record label which kind of worked in the beginning because it was so small and it was just kind of in Sweden. But they were also with me and I felt like I could really trust them. They always wanted like what was best for me. I've been lucky to have been around good people. You go on tour with all these women. Yes. Since surrounding

yourself with women, what difference has that made for you in your career? I feel so confident. Yeah. I feel so free in expressing myself. I also feel like for a lot of women, like in whatever kind of work they're doing even like on tour because we're all women on stage but there's so much happening also a lot of women holding the mics you know performing being pop stars but the producers and the the people working backstage like nothing of this would work without people surrounding me or like the industry so I think um they they always just have to the classic, you know, work twice as hard to take or to get half the recognition that the men get. And it feels really, it feels really like they're just so accomplished. And I feel like

everyone is being taken seriously. And it does, you don't have to like prove all the time that you know what you're talking about or that you know what you want. It's so refreshing. And I'm curious, like since having this success, I, in your song, State Side, you say, I'm that girl, I've been it. Yes. What does it feel like now that you really have people finally recognizing that? Like, is it a little annoying? Like, are people coming out of the woodwork? I love it. I love it. And they just prove like, oh, I'm the shit. Like, I'm hot right now. Like, that's fun. It just, it says more about like what I'm doing than. And I think, I think, I think actually maybe the opposite for me. I think a lot of my friends, because I'm so bad at staying in contact with my friends,

when I travel just in general, like this has really been an issue for me and a lot of my friendships throughout the years because I'm away a lot. And like the only thing that exists for me, I'm very present. It's this, like whatever's in front of my nose. That exists. But I think almost the opposite that people might be scared of now, like, close friends that I had are a bit like scared of, calling me because maybe they don't want to think that I like that they're calling me because that

it's going well for me. I see. So it's almost like the opposite. Right, you're like, girl, call me. Yes. Let's go. Let's go get dinner. Yes. But also like, yeah, I've been, I feel like I am just doing what I do, you know, and that's what makes it so fun and easy. I think this whole era is just, I don't really have to think about like, oh, fuck, what's going to be the next thing? Like, oh, because I just do what I like and like I just do what feels right and that's just who I am at the moment and then I don't have to overthink what's next so much or what it is like it's just is and I'm just I'm just this like I'm very open what you see is what you get okay let's talk about tour yeah first of all the one note in your song midnight sun yeah it's like kind of long it's kind of long do you have to like

prep for it. Like, when you do it live, are you like, could you bust it out right now or do you have to like fully prep for that? I could bust it out right now. It's just loud. Would you do it for me? Wait.

Wait. Not me fan girling. Okay, me pushing my mic way too. Pretending. Okay, that I think that's the right key. So I do take a breath. That's what I do. Okay, take a breath.

And ever run me. And ever ride. I think that. that was the right key maybe it was i think it was lower if that wasn't the right key maybe it's up there yeah i just got tears in my eyes oh stop it we no no no i'm not even gassing you up every single woman in this room right now your voice oh thanks getting a little live performance right now i'm like i have full but you know i used to do that i think that was like when i used to go to to these like record labels to be signed, I will be like, and now I'm going to sing a cappella for you. Like old school shit.

And then they would just literally with their mouth open be like, oh shit. She doesn't need any auto tune. I used to sing, I would rather go blind. Stop. You like get up on the chair. You're like, are you all ready to be graced with greatness? Sit down. Yes. Zara. Yeah. You have an insane voice. Oh my God. You didn't even do a, do you do vocal warmups? You just hit it. I don't. I literally don't. I feel like the first song of the show, Midnight Sun, that is like my warm up. That'll do it. And then I just get like warm, warmed up throughout the show. I'm never going to get over that.

First of all, I've also never had someone sing that loud in the Colorado studio. And I am, whoa. Okay. You've been touring for like 10 years. Yeah. I'm assuming you have some wild stories, like things that have happened. But okay, you're like, no. No, I'm doing that face because I,

the craziest thing we do is like throw some candy wraps on the floor in the bus stop okay what's the craziest thing that's happened on stage oh malfunctions disasters people all the time all the time yeah but that's just like that showbiz baby you just got to suck it up and and move on we have something in common okay we both like edibles oh yeah I love that shit what is your favorite kind Oh. Like you don't even say... Or like strain or like brand? Or just like yeah.

Like are you more of a sativa girl? I'm like a hybrid. Hybrid. Because sometimes I get scared. Okay. Talk to me about your fears. No, but sometimes I get like paranoid. Yes.

Oh, yes. Like if I take one, it's like, oh, I'm scared. What time of day are you usually? Always like, always recreational, like no work. No work. Yeah. So my worst nightmare would be to like have an edible sit in this couch with you and like having to speak.

You know what? I am the same exact way. Like if we both were on edibles right now, I would be. We would just we wouldn't we were just. Knee slap, knee slap, knee slap. And we'd be too scared to like say anything. Because I'd be like, did I come off weird? Yeah, yeah.

Was that weird? And you'd be like, no, no, am I being weird? And I'm like, am I sitting weird? What's my posture like? And you'd be like, I don't know where I am. Yeah. Okay. So you're going to do it in private.

Um, I have done it like twice on tour. And it was so fun. What? Okay. So it went well. It went really well. But it was also like just an opening slot. It was for Tate.

And it was just 45 minutes. At that point, I was very comfortable in the set. But having done it, I'm like, yeah, I don't think I'm going to do it again. Because I think it's something, you know, It's, for me, it's like, giggle and chill with your friends or like, yeah, yeah, yeah. No, no, no. I, um, I don't understand people that just like smoke crazy and then they go and do a show. I'm the same.

I like to, I think I thrive my most when I'm alone and I have a little edible. Yeah. I'm not like walking around and going to meetings. No, no, no, no. Okay, speaking of Tate, you opened for Tate McCray. Yes. What was the most fun part of that tour? Wow.

I mean, the whole experience was really so incredible for me. And I knew it was going to be amazing before we went on. First of all, because she's incredible. Her fans are so fun. And I feel like it was just the perfect match. So I knew that this was going to be like one of the first stepping stones of what I was trying to do with Midnight Sun. I mean, it was right. I think my album released on the last day of the tour.

So it was like a perfect setup. because I really haven't toured that much in the U.S. or like America in general. And the most fun part, I mean, obviously, to do the show every night, which was still like a 45 minute. So I got to give them like a good chunk of what I do and who I am. And just the way it was received, I just could never have guessed, like, how much it was going to do for me.

they really felt like maybe it was just my for you page because that's all it is just me me me me you're like they were loving me Alex okay I was thriving on that tour me me but I saw so many videos from it and like people engaging with it and even though I don't have Twitter I have my friend vandalas she sometimes she sends me like the hit tweets of the week and and people were like really, really positive. And I think also the story of it all, I think the lore, like people love an underdog, and people love to root for someone who,

who they feel like is like on the come up a little bit. And I think because I've been doing it for such a long time, it's like there is so much history to it. And there is so much lore. It's like, this is not like an overnight thing. And people could be like, wow, like she's worked so hard. Like, she deserves this. And I think that, like,

adds to it. And having two women that are so good at dancing. Yeah. You're going to have a good time that night. Oh, for sure. And singing. Both of you are like insane dancers and singers. So you're like, but it was so incredible because I've been opening for other people before like Ed Sharon, Kygo. Um, yeah, love, love, love, love, love, love him. I love him. But I think that, that match was like way better. And I've never had. It was like, it was like a lot of people who came to see the opening, which I didn't feel what's the vibe for the other people that I've opened for. The girlies were out. The girlsies were out.

And they were like they came to see it. So that was so much fun. I know that you had written in an Instagram post, you kind of called out even though so many, like you're saying, the comments were so positive. The vibes were so positive. It was strange seeing people pit you and tape against each other, which is so sad because it's like kind of expected, which is like why do like, why do? Why is that even the case?

What was going on that you think was creating that dynamic? What was going on? I think, well, first of all, I've been doing this for longer. I'm older. And maybe some people felt like I deserve to be in the arena. And I'm like, well, buy the ticket then. That's not Tate's fault. You know what I mean?

I haven't toured. For me, this was an amazing opportunity. I think it's just like the nature of how people speak about girls in pop. Again, like coming back to the fucking Kia asylum, like no one's being put in there except for the pop girls. You know, is this culture around, which I sometimes think it's very interesting. It could be fun because people are very like engaged in pop girls. The girls of pop are kind of pop culture, at least in my world. But then I think we are similar in the sense that, you know, we both dance, although she's a way better dancer.

And I like, I do pop. She does pop. I think it's like, and I think, again, it's easier to root for someone who is like an underdog, you know? Because once you, and I kind of always said this, like, once you start getting haters, that's when you know, you're like that bitch. Yes. No, it is so true. It's like, I remember Taylor Swift's line. It's like they want to see you rise,

but they do not want to see you rain. No, no, no, at all. Totally. And then the minute you're there, they're like, what the fuck are you doing there? And obviously, Tate is like massive. She had this sold out arena tour.

Like, I'm on her tour, like opening for her. So she's this very successful girl. And I think it's just, we're both talented. But I think people are like, why is Zara opening for Tate? Well, it's not really about talent. It's about the me,

being put in front of a crowd where I haven't like been before so I think it's just it's it's like too easy for people to compare us even though we are we're similar but we're very different and um I don't think that was fun at all for her we haven't spoke about it much but I think as a human being you know like her being so hardworking and talented and just seeing this fucking random Swedish girl come on her tour and be like the fuck like you know what I mean but I did tell her that I was like I am on your tour like she is incredible and also being on that tour I personally have so much respect for the way she works and how hard she works and the fact that everyone was so lovely and I think that says a lot about the artist because I definitely do think it trickles down

Like if you have a good boss, she's the boss, she's the one employing all of these hundreds of people. If you have a good head, that makes the whole experience good. And it really was like down to the crew, the dancers, the drivers, like the truck drivers were incredible. And I think it's just a classic like also a little bit of misogyny or like it can't be two girls being good. You know? It's so crazy. Have you had the ability, and you don't need to name names, to talk to anyone in the industry about this, like, problem that all of the pop girlies have of just, like, comparison and

everyone pitting you guys against each other? Not really, because I don't really go out. But, like, in DMs and that, I think I could, definitely, because this is something that we're all aware of. Of course. We exist in the universe. You know, we see things that everyone else is seeing on their timeline. We're just people with phones at the end of the day.

And I think everyone can relate to it somehow. And, you know, who knows? In the future, maybe karma comes back around and I have a really great girl opening for me. And everyone's like, what the fuck? Like, she's, you know, boo, yay, boo. Like, it's just crazy. it is. And I think, um, I just know that I, but I love all the girls. I really do. And I think, I think most of the people do. I think it's such, it's like a cheap shot of, um, putting someone up

by putting someone else down. It's like you can actually just say, wow, that was incredible. You don't have to put someone else down because of it. Something I was thinking about with your album is the girl's girl's song. It's funny you say that because I have something to say about that too on the remix. Do you want to say it now? Yes. Okay. Let's do it.

You're like, Ann, shut up. I have a statement. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Because girls girl, I'm ready. It's funny because I did take that song and I turned it into what happens when a girl's girl, like, I want to be a girl's girl, but what happens when a girl's girl wants the spotlight because there's only room for one girl, apparently. So we all have to have this, like, be nice.

and friendly, which is the reality of it all. And this is at the end of the day, just a song. But just to like, okay, but I, it's that weirdness in the industry, but also like, that's how I choose to twist it to make it a little different and fun. Oh, I like that. It's going to be really fun. Because the original is it's about realizing you have feelings for your friend's boyfriend. And you said that this was inspired by real events at the time.

what is the story it was inspired it definitely wasn't like the truth and i think um i just love the song i love i love a little story like let's get messy in the story back to the blog days yes i used to be so messy as a teenager i really i really and now i'm a granny but as 16 um i just like oh girl um We were celebrating New Year's. And yeah, one of my best friend's boyfriend, he just like, he was flirting with me all night. And I was really interested in his friend. So we were at this party.

And by the end of the night, you know, I don't know what it's like for you guys, but in Europe at 16, that's like you've been drinking for about four years at this point. Okay. Not so much. Well, it depends on the U.S. where you grow up, but yeah.

Yeah. Okay. So I was like, ooh, I was picking out my jacket. Everyone was already downstairs. We were going somewhere else. And yeah, he just kind of like started kissing me. And I just kissed him back because I was messy like that. And I was 16 and really drunk.

And like, I, um, the fucked up thing about this, though, was that the girl who, who we had had the party at, she. filmed this and I didn't know. So before I got the chance to tell my friend what happened the next day, she had already got the video sent to her. Yeah. So that was like really messy. But then, but the truth is I wasn't really like in love with him or interested in him. It was this weird unforgivable mistake that happened. But obviously seeing it, it just, she just cut me off. And all my friends just cut me off and I was just like a floating piece of trash in the universe. Sarah!

No. Yes. A video? Yeah. What was her reaction? I don't know because she didn't speak to me for like four years. Like she cut me off. She meant that shit.

And I had like clothes, you know, she had clothes at my place. And my mom was like, I can come and pick it up. And she was like, her mom was like, no, we can mail it. like how far did you guys live from each other like 10 minutes like mail it like no no when did you guys ever finally talk yes yes yes and now it's okay and everyone's like on good terms and uh yeah it was one of it was one of my worst mistakes in life like it truly was at 16 i just um if i could take it back i i would so so so so bad but i also have to like forgive myself for it because again this is more than 10 years ago now.

And I was just really stupid and messy. And also I found out that I can't drink. Like, I just can't because I always do really, like my morals and my, my just sense of self. Like, it just goes out the window. And now I just stick to the edibles. I was going to say it. And then enter edibles. That's when you were like, we're going to stick to this.

Yes. How has your idea of Girls, Girl, evolved over the years? as you've become a woman. Hmm. I think Girls Girl is, well, I'm trying now when I'm like a boss. I feel like I can employ women, you know,

I can put like money in their pockets. And I can make sure to uplift and amplify like their voices. So again, in the studio, like I want to write with other women. I want to produce with other women. I want to create with other women. And I,

I, you know, just take women very seriously because I think we're so amazing and capable. There was an interesting article about you recently that I wanted to get your opinion on this quote. They said, there's nothing about Zara Larson's public persona that shows any interest in capturing the validation or attention of straight men.

I love that. Is this an accurate statement? I think the older I get, which I do think comes with age a little bit, I think I, because I, used to be heavy male centered even if I didn't want to like admit to it I think even in like having relationships or making sure that I felt like validated and loved by like a man and um it it didn't have to be like people outside of my relationship but even so that was still important to really

feel desired by men I think now maybe it's like you turn 25 and like your brain develop but like hitting status return like grow just growing up just literally your brain develops I think I focus so, so, so little on that right now. How have you, like, really managed to de-center men from your life? Can you give the girls listening, like, a little go-to guide? Ooh. No, I only want to impress, like, the mean 13-year-old girls. You know what I mean?

Like, that's who I want to impress. So real. Yeah. They're looking at your outfit. Yeah, exactly. It's cute. You're like, I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight. No, I think it's, um,

I used to crave that so much. I don't know if it's like a classic, you know, my, like my dad. But like my dad, like, and I love my dad and my dad loves me. But he was away a lot. Like, you know what I mean? Like, you're like, we got to go back to the origin story. It's always the dad. Right, right.

What's the relationship with the dad? I wanted my dad's attention. Yes. So I wanted other friends attention. Yes, exactly. But I think now also maybe I hate to say it. like in my relationship now, I think he has made me realize that I don't need like outside validation because it has to come from within.

And how do you find that within? You just, ew, I'm saying corny things on corny things. Like, I was going to say you have to love yourself. But it's true. The 13 year old are like, yeah, they're like, mixed. Yeah. And like, how do you love yourself? I think you have to like have a lot of grace for yourself.

You have to surround yourself with people who are like uplifting and non-judgmental. No, it's such a good point. It's like the amount of times and everyone's timeline is going to be different, but the amount of time you have to take at some point in your life to realize, like you're going to keep getting a zero to nothing result when you're looking for other people's approval and you're looking for people to validate you. And the minute that you are able to source that all within yourself. And there's still, it will always be there. Of course. But it can't be like the source of it. Ever present. No. Okay. Back to your album. I love it because

you write about like kind of taboo. No, totally. Topics. Yes. How have fans reacted to some of these topics? I think they're pretty chill, you know. I think, um, you know, at the end of the day, it's songs, but it is a very relatable thing, I think. And having a little crush on someone when you're in a relationship is like, uh, uh, bad, bad, bad. But I've had that. And I think it comes down to again, like just, it's not even really about that other person that I was interested in and just, it's just about me wanting to feel desired and wanting to feel

like, oh, you know, wow, I'm so hot. It wasn't even really about them because I've been reading through our text messages afterwards and I'm like, you're not even funny. Like, I'm the funny one. Like, if we look at it with sober eyes now, I'm like, why am I just like, you know what I mean? Right. Do you find that in your in the past? Because I know you're in a relationship of like over five years, which we're going to get to. But in the past, have you found that within yourself where you're like, still lightly looking for to feel desired the minute you're in a relationship

does it does the spark go no i think i've always just um it could come from anywhere it's not really about the relationship again because like right now and has been from the star my boyfriend is fantastic like i love him

and um i can't i i can't not be honest to him because he also like he will just see right through me. And he's so patient and he's so understanding. And I think having some sort of crush, like we obviously spoke about it. And he could tell like immediately.

He's like, so what's going on? You know what I mean? Like, what's up with you? How did you handle that? You just have to talk about it. It's actually not that. It doesn't have to be dramatic. And then you just say how you feel.

And he knows, he knows me better almost than I know myself because he also knows that we call actually saying I'm a woman but this person that craves this validation we call her the girl and sometimes the girl pops out and she wants to like roam around town but the girl is kind of gone now because you're a woman now Zara

yes yes we and so your boyfriend was like he was okay like I want to say okay I wouldn't say okay, but... You got through it. Yeah, like, it wasn't, like, very dramatic. It was just like, what I'm saying, that he wasn't okay. He wasn't like, it's fine by me, baby.

But he was just like, let's have an honest conversation because that's all you can have. Have you ever been cheated on? Yes, in previous relationships, like my first relationship was just... That was so weird. How did you find out? We were together for,

from like 14 to 18, 19. And we were together for three months. And then he told me like, I'm sorry I slept with someone at a party. And then our relationship was kind of just like that for the whole of my teenage years. Very traumatic. Like we were both just really bad for each other. But we didn't have any sort of reference point to like what love is supposed to be. And that like teenage fiery.

like hormones everywhere. So crazy that time of your life. You think it's like passion and really it's just trash like so bad. It's so crazy at 16 you're like, I'm in love. This is the love of my life. Yes. I'll ruin everything for this person. No, literally.

Babe, you're not okay in the head. Like I went through that same thing where you're like, what was I thinking? What was I thinking? What was I thinking? And how, what initially attracted you to your boyfriend? So we were friends for a really long time. before it was like a friends to lover situation. It was very cute.

It was very cute because I've never really had that. I'm a very like, yeah, we're fucking on the first date. Like, let's just get it over with. You know what I mean? And I couldn't really do that with him because it just gradually, I mean, he's always kind of been in my friend group, like my bigger friend group. And I've always been in a relationship. So when I broke up with my ex, we were just like out and about.

with this big friend group and then we started having like parties at my place and um yeah just like the later it got the more people dropped off and like every day every week it would just be like smaller smaller circle and we would just hang out and then all of a sudden it was just like us there and we were like and he was like oh no I missed the last train I'm like you can take an Uber but you know what I mean who made the first move it was so um in sync. Like he obviously was very interested and he made sure, you know, you just know. You just know.

But I've never looked at him in that way until I did. Like I've never, I was never in the relationship looking at him thinking like, hmm, he's always been beautiful. But he's very friendly and he's very, like, respectful. So I think when I got out of my relationship, it was started hanging out. It was just like one day, like, wait. Yeah, like wait a minute. And then he stayed over and he stayed over for like a week.

And we just got like closer and closer every night. And it's such a cute story because really we probably would have like gone down to business earlier. So you were really waiting. You're like we need to talk. I'm like let's wait. But really I just needed those like. I need a couple seconds. Yeah.

I need a second. Oh my God. So it was really cute. It just like made it really beautiful. And then when it happened, it's just been us since that day. And he's my person. Like he's my best friend. And we just have such a fun time.

And he's so smart. And he gets along really, really well with my friends. My sister loves him. My family. Like that's so important to me that my, my, especially my sister and like my friends get along with my, man because I didn't really have that before where it felt like you fit into my world and the opposite but I think it's so so so important and now I just know like now I feel since the girl is kind of gone I really do feel like it's just like that's my person for life like we're

locked in I feel so secure and even now when I'm traveling we don't have to speak every day all the time like that shit's lame like why would you have to like I know you're there and I feel so secure and he knows I'm here and feel so secure and I think it's because we've had just always really open and honest conversations and I think before him I didn't really have that even with myself like I will tell him like no it's not that I actually feel like this and it's like but is it really like that like what is it really about and it's like let's take it from the start so and then and then and then eventually eventually it's like well actually it's not like that and they like it's like you know so I think he taught me to be honest

with myself which is actually the hardest part it's so hard because you have to find that person that balances you just right yeah and I feel like also you guys have gone through a lot I know you posted on TikTok calling out some of the racist comments that people were making towards your boyfriend So he's like elevated. He's like he doesn't even live like in his mindset. He's so grounded but also at the same time it's like he don't care about anything like that. How do you handle that hate though towards someone you love online? Yeah, I think that's worse.

Because in a way when it's about me like I can kind of handle it. But he, of course it's never fun. But I think he just the way he. moves through life like he's so he's a very like interesting character and he just makes me realize too that even the even how many hours a day I spend online like at the end of the day this is real and like he grounds me a lot and I think um I have these really big dreams and aspirations and goals and not that he don't have that but his dream is to like have a family. He's like, my purpose is to be like a dad and be the best dad I can be

and to be like the best friend I can be and the best partner I can be. And everything else is just like cherry on top and like, but his purpose is not to go look for what I'm looking for. So we're very different and I think we balance each other a bit. Like he grounds me and like I inspire him with like ghosts and dreams because I'm like what the fuck do you mean like you have to like what do you mean you don't want to take over the world and he's like no I mean this this this is it like this is life for me like he would like live on a farm you know like grow his plans he's gonna keep you super grounded yeah yeah yeah yeah we're like let's go yeah we helicopter charge charge it uh like yeah um who's the funny one in the relationship um it's me I was gonna say

Yeah. I was like, I will never forget when you posted your foot in a condom, well, your leg actually in a condom. It's my whole leg. Yeah. What can, what happened there? I don't know. I feel like it wasn't that big of a deal. I feel like I've seen like so many people do the same thing. But they, because it was like the Tumblr days, right? And they could only fit like kind of the foot. And then that day, we had gone to the youth clinic with like my school as you do. I don't know. you guys do that here. No, but I love that. I feel like everyone should. More sexual education with the kids. And then we got a bag. Like I'm talking like a bag of condoms. And I was like, I'm not going to use all of this because I do it unprotected. No, I'm kidding. No, but

kidding. So I had to try it on and it reached all the way up to my knee. And I was like, that's incredible. Like that's fantastic. So I had to post a picture saying, like if you feel if you say it doesn't fit i don't know how big it is but it's not as big as my like let's just be honest dude it was up to your fucking mean and it just it really was and i find that quite impressive um but yeah and it just blew up it just blew up it just was so funny too because i was like oh my gosh has she ever had a guy be like i can't do that because like i'm too big and you're just like you have actually no that's a lie okay but like a lot of my girlfriends have had that yes because i've always been like in a relationship and condom or not

my mom as soon as I got in a relationship, she was like, I am putting you on birth control. Hello, if you're in a relationship at 15, whatever, like, you do what you want to do. I'm dead. So that was. Okay, so you're the funny one. You're the funny one.

I would say so. I love that. I don't think, yeah, he would agree. Okay. I know the song Blue Moon is about him. Yes. How did you first show that song to him? We were actually in Jamaica together, writing it.

And, or I was with my writing crew. And he was there. So he was just kind of in the studio as we were writing it. Have you written other songs about him? Yes. Yeah. I have. It's so fun, honestly.

Because I don't really write a lot about, I don't know if I, I don't make like a conscious decision about not writing specifically only about like romantic love. But I think a lot of my songs are about other things as well, you know, like crush or, girls to girl which is about love but like in a different perspective even midnight sun that's like a song about my my country house and i was just like i would need to write a song about what it feels like on a summer's day in the countryside but the love songs um yeah he's gotten a few of those and he'll get some more i feel like obviously your album was such a success it's been such a success and now we have the deluxe album coming out what

can you tell us about it? I'm so excited about this. I'm so excited. We are too. It's going to be a fantastic, fantastic. I mean, just for me, I'm just like, I can't believe this is happening because I've always said I wanted to do collabs with girls. And it's so many girls on this.

So many girls. And you give us any hints. Uh, hmm. What could be a hint? Uh, You get that? Yeah. I got that.

We'll zoom in. Don't worry. Perfect. Thank you. Internet do your thing. Can you tell us about any of the new songs? Yeah. I mean, they are just reproduced and like reworked.

A lot of them are really like amazing new songs. It's like a new way of listening to the album. And it's really fun. I was super inspired by Charlie XX, how she did her album. And I'm like, wait, that's so fun. Because I always think that there's so many ways. Even like when producing the original song that gets to be put out to the world, usually there's just so many versions of it before that never really gets to see the light of day.

Or there's so many ways you can take a production where like, like, I don't know, like, it's just so fun to give it another life. And I'm so, I'm just so excited. Like, some of these people on it, I just can't believe it. That's really where I felt like, wow, like, I'm a star. I'm like, wow, you wanted to be on my song? It's really incredible. I'm so happy for you.

Can you share what do you think is your favorite? It's one of my favorites is Blue Moon. It's so nice. It's so nice. I'm so excited for you and so happy for you. And just like getting to know you today was so lovely. I feel like we had such. I feel like I've gotten to know you from yes, that young girl that was hungry and wanted it. But then really I feel like this was about the evolution of you as a woman and coming into your own. And yes, you've popped off. And so many people are talking about you now. but like you've been working at this and it's so well deserved and you've put the work in you've put the time in and it seems in a beautiful way like you're still being so true to yourself and that to me is what is going to like make you continue to stand out to people because it feels really authentic it's the only way that could work yeah way like it's just what it's just what has to be it it it and it is and that's what it is and so I'm so excited for everyone to listen to this deluxe album. I'm so happy that we finally got to meet. Me too. This is really big for me.

Like this is like a really big deal for me. Well I'm so, thank you for having me. I am so happy we did this. Yes. Thank you for coming and call her daddy.