It’s been eight years since Robyn released new music, yet somehow, she has only become more relevant during her absence. Now, with the release of her new album Sexistential and a full suite of performances, press obligations and, soon, a world tour, it feels as if she never left. But life didn’t stop for the Swedish pop icon, who became a mum whilst working on the record. She sits down with Vogue Scandinavia to discuss her return to music, her “unorthodox” motherhood and why she’s still comfortable dancing on her own
It’s one of those indescribably beautiful Stockholm winter days you’ve only heard rumours about as Robyn fills my doorframe, snowflakes gently falling around her figure, rays of sunshine providing perfect backlighting. “I really love winter when it’s winter, not the in-between," she says as she begins to take off her big boots and mandatory layers – a wool sweater or two, a puffer vest – before we sit down at my kitchen table over croissants and orange juice. I begin to pour coffee into Moomin mugs, apologising for forgetting the milk. But in true Swedish fashion, Robyn takes her coffee black.
As flakes of pastry begin to fly, I remind Robyn that we need to switch from our native Swedish to English for the interview. “We have spoken English before,” she says, laughing. Initially it’s awkward, like the first readthrough of a play, but soon there is too much to talk about. So much so that I am certain this conversation could’ve happened in any language or even telepathically.
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Robyn in her native Stockholm. After an eight-year break from the public eye, the pop icon is back with her new album, Sexistential. Velvet gown, €13,000. Gucci. Photo: Aidan Zamiri