Back when Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys ruled radio, blond teenage RCA artist Robyn Carlsson hit big with her Top 10 singles 'Show Me Love' and 'Do You Know (What It Takes).' With Christina Aguilera still competing in talent shows and Britney Spears but a twinkle in Max Martin's eye, the 18-year-old Swede was on the cusp of becoming the teen pop star the world was waiting for. But at the height of her burgeoning popularity, Robyn bowed out, giving up a plum opening slot on the Backstreet Boys' 1997 tour.
Though her next two albums were moderately successful in Sweden, they weren't given North American releases, leaving most of North America to consider her a flash in the pan. It wasn't until Robyn ditched her major label in 2005 to form her own indie imprint, Konichiwa Records, that she began her journey of reinvention. Her first independent release, the electro-pop classic 'Robyn,' became her first number one album in Sweden and spawned the UK number one, 'With Every Heartbeat.' Now, having released two albums in 2010 ('Body Talk Part 1' and the recently-released 'Body Talk Part 2'') with one more on the way by year's end, Robyn's gaining critical acclaim for booty-shaking music that is dripping with pop hooks, yet also emotionally charged and on the cutting-edge of the electronic/dance music scene.
Robyn spoke with Spinner about giving the middle finger to the music industry, reinventing her career, and why nightclubs are important.
You're a huge pop star in Sweden, yet in North America, you're considered an artist for tastemakers and music-heads. Is it fun to live in both those worlds?
