Zara Larsson: Pop Girls, Confidence, & Crushes

[swoosh] [music] What is up Daddy Gang? It is your founding father Alex Cooper with Call Her Daddy. [music] Zara Larsen, welcome to Florida. Hi 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 Zia 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 for ever. 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 touring for like the past year. So everything feels really normal. I think the only difference of the biggest difference is like my interactions on like my posts look different. Like the amounts of likes and comments and shares and even things I say in interviews or like things I say to the today. I think earlier it might have been like I just say something but then. Yeah, it's like a bigger microscope. 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 that it's like okay more people are noticing me. Like then we have the Olympics, a list of those 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 I 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 the 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 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 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? Yeah, but I do with like with like love like queen like hey queen. Have you gone 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. I think you know that we're going to read it because you've all right to the top. You got that blue check. Yes. Hi, it's me. Yeah. Have a good Wednesday. Yeah. That'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? Well a lot of people you know give credit to the dolphin trend on take talk. Girl girl we got to talk about it. Yes. Which honestly you know it's I don't think they're wrong. I think subconsciously when you move through life you just pick up a bunch of stuff. 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 you take care. It was a big part of my 2024. Can you just quickly just for anyone who is 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 take talk. 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 course of symphony with a very depressing quote of your life you know. And I think it's that what's the word juxtaposition? Yes. It's like something so yeah it's something so depressing in text. Yeah. To symphony in the background. Yeah. And it's like so random. And it makes you laugh every single time you see one. And that blue. Because when they when they sent me those videos it was like maybe five to ten thousand 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 whoo like this 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, a lot of neutrals, a lot of black like in fashion. And I've always wanted to be like in fashion because I think music in 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 too 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. It's 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 US 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 wasn't 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 a 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. So but I'll 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 right. 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. No, I know what app are you using the most? Take talk. 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. Because you're your own biggest fan. I'm obsessed. For real. Like I try to engage also so much. And like what people post and like what they say and I like always like and comment and like engage. So I feel like my algorithms like, oh, you must like be a really big fan of Zara Larsen. I'm like, yes. - It is like, like, like, like, - We pose, we pose. - We pose. - And then what else is it? But 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 like, 'cause you're like, I need more and you're like, what have you been watching? - The way you scroll and it's like, next video will be amazing. Next video will be amazing. It's that, don't worry. - I love what you're saying that and your videos are you. - Wait, 'cause maybe the next one's good. - No, I know some people's are 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 gonna 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 engage with the people who are posting it. 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 don't carry a lot of shame. And I think that just allows me to have more fun and not be so hard on myself and judgmental, because I really used to be like, every time I was step off stage, it wasn't good enough. I, 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 these for like, so long. It wasn't until quite recently, I felt like I am finally like a part of creating what I do, 'cause 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 got to like, no, I wanna do this song. Like, I don't wanna 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 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, be a part, and that just makes me feel like in control and it makes this 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 'cause 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 and I like that moment. - That's actually so true. - We're before, you're probably like, oh God. - Why did I do that? - Why did I do that? I was already feeling icky about it before I went on stage 'cause 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 no like cultural relevance, I would say, or maybe like an identity. So they have 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, ooh, I've been so aware of it. And I didn't know about the Kia asylum or the Kia asylum before 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? Wait, wait, wait, wait, isn't clicking. In your opinion now looking back, what do you think was keeping you there? I think it was being free and like sharing myself, because I, you know, I've tried the whole like, I don't want 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 in 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 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, what's that? - 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 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. - No, listen girl, that's what I had to delete Twitter. I'm like, take care. - I feel 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 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 today, even like over five. Like that's a lot. And I think what matters is like what the people around you are saying, right? So having 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? (laughing) Oh, we know. How do we, can we quickly talk about that really pivot? Sorry. This Wikipedia beef that you have, have we settled it? Have we scratched it? - They locked 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 we just keep this picture? And they were like, well, it has to be by a photographer who have to give up the copyright. And I'm like, yeah, but 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 owned the picture. And I was like, no, like, I had to send them a video. Like, hey, this is our Larsen. Like, I took this photo. Like, my friend took this photo of, and they were like, yeah, so the cut, no, 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. - Yes. - 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, they's like, stop it. Like, 'cause 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. - Yes! - Yes, like, I will text my friend Vendela, just be like, you 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, and 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 [BLANK_AUDIO] 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 whoo, 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 Zara 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 well? 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 Kia's Island like I'm really stuck in here You know, or like maybe I am a flop or like what is it that doesn't kind of like what am I missing and like all those things I think that affects me more because I've been like Beeping 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 was out here hating man 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 oh Reinforces what I feel like I already felt right do you look back at the time when there was negativity and it 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, talk to 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 Says 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 grown-ups 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 what I didn't know like I 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 tried 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 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 too 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 would be the youngest person there. Definitely. What did that make you feel like? um 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 by the number one writer 15-year-old Stacking your studio 15-year-old. Yeah. Yeah, just like uh come hang after school Who's paying for the studio? Job 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 and every studio like she would sit right there like she was just with me and 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 Because I got signed to an independent label in Sweden called ten and Starting out it was kind of this 360 deal where they were like managing and recolabel 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 Um, 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 and expressing myself. I also feel like for a lot of women like what and whatever Kind of um work they're doing even like on tour because we're all women on stage, but there's so much happening um 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 um or to get half the recognition that the men get and it feels really Um, it feels really like They're just so accomplished and I feel like everyone has been 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 stateside you say I'm not 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 is says more about like what I'm doing then um 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 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 clothes 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 is going well for me. I see so it's almost like the Really girl call me. Yes, let's go. Yeah, 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 this 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've 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 son 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 alive or you like 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 Okay, that I think it's best the right key So I do take a breath that's what I do okay take a breath And never ending midnight son I think 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. I'll stop it. We 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 like - But you know, I used to do that. I think that was like, when I used to go to these like, record labels to be signed, I would be like, and now I'm gonna 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. - And all the thing, I used to sing, I would rather go blind. - Stop. - You like get up on the chair. You're like, are you all ready? You'd be graced with greatness. Sit down. - Yes. - Zara. - You have an insane voice. - No, thanks. - Oh my god, you didn't even do a, do vocal warm-ups? You just hit it. - I don't. - I literally don't. I feel like the first song of the show, midnight's on, that is like my warm-up. (laughs) - That'll do it. - And then I just get like, warm, warmed up throughout the show. - I'm never gonna get over that. I, first of all, I've also never had someone sing that loud in the Colorado studio. And I am, whoa. (laughs) - Okay, you've been touring for like 10 years. - Yeah. - I'm assuming you have some wild stories like things that have happened. - Yeah. - Okay, I don't know. - No, I'm doing that face because the craziest thing we do is like, throw some candy wraps on the floor and the bus. - Stop. - Okay, what's the craziest thing that's happened on stage? - Ooh. - Malfunction, disasters, people. - Oh, all the time, all the time. Yeah, but that's just like, that show is baby. - You just gotta suck it up and move on. - We have something in common. - Okay. - We both like edibles. - Oh yeah. (laughs) - I love that shit. - What is your favorite kind? - Ooh. - Like, you don't want to be like strained or like brand? - Or just like, yeah, like, are you more of a sativa girlie? - I'm like a hybrid. - A hybrid. - Because sometimes I get scared. - Okay, you know what I'm talking about, your fears? - No, but sometimes I get like paranoid. - Yeah, oh. - 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. - No, we would just, we wouldn't, we would just, uh, and we would slap knees, slap knees, slap. - And we'd be too scared to like say anything. 'Cause I'd be like, was did I come off weird? - Yeah, yeah, exactly. - We would be like, no, no, am I being weird? And I'm like, am I sitting weird? What's my posture like? - Yes. - And you'd be like, I don't know where I am. - Yeah. - Okay, so you're recreational with friends. 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 tape. 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 gonna do it again. - Right. - 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. - No, no, no, I, 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. - Couldn't do it. - Okay, speaking of tape, you opened for Tape McRae. 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 gonna 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 gonna 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 set up because I really haven't toured that much in the US or like American 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 a good chunk of what I do and who I am. And just the way it was received, I just could never have guessed how much it was gonna do for me, because they really felt like, maybe it was just my for you, Paige, because that's all it is. Just me, me, me. - You're like, they were loving me out, like, okay. I was thriving on that tour, me, me, me, me, 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 Vandalashik. Sometimes she sends me like the hit tweets of the week. 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 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, like, you're gonna have a good time that night. - Oh, for singing, both of you are like, insane dancers and singers. So you're like, I'm gonna go. - But it was so incredible, because I've been opening for other people before, like Ed Sheeran, Kai Goe, yeah, 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 was the vibe for the other people that I've opened for. - The girlies were out. - The girlies were out, 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 take against each other, which is so sad, 'cause it's like kind of expected, which is like, 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 this ticket then. That's not Tate's fault, you know what I mean? I haven't told. For me, this was an amazing opportunity. I think it's just like the nature of how people speak about girls and pop. Again, like coming back to the fucking Kia's Island, 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, and it could be fun, because people are very 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 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? 'Cause once you, and I kind of always said, it's 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 reign. - No, no. - It's like they love the come up. - 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 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 like too easy for people to compare us, even though we are, we're similar, but we're very different. And 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, 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, 'cause 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 true. just a classic like, also a little bit of misogyny. You're 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 hitting you guys against each other? - Hmm, 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, it's just crazy the way it is, and I think I just know that I, but I love all the girls, I really do, and I think most of the people do. I think it's like a cheap shot of 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 song. - It's funny you say that, 'cause 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, and shut up, I have the statement. - No, be back, relax and enjoy. - Dude, my girl's girl, 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 to 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 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. - Mm-hmm, it's gonna be really fun. - Because the original is, it's about realizing you have feelings for your friend, some of my friend. 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, I just love the song. I love a little story. Like, let's get messy in the song. - Back to the vlog days. - Yes, I used to be so messy as a teenager. I really, I really, and now I'm a granny. But as 16, I just like, ooh girl, and we were celebrating new years. And yeah, one of my best friends, boyfriend, he just like, he was flirting with me all night. And I was really interested in his friend. So we're at this party and by the end of the night, 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. So. (laughs) - Not so much. - It depends on the US where you grow up, but yeah. - Yeah, okay. - So I was like, ooh, I was picking on my jacket. Everyone was already downstairs. We were going somewhere else. And yeah, he just kinda 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, the fucked up thing about this though was that the girl 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 the truth is, I wasn't really 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. - Sorry. - Yeah. - No, 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 bitch. - Yeah. - When did you guys ever finally talk? - Yes, yes, yes, yes. And now it's okay. And everyone's like on good terms. And yeah, it was one of my worst mistakes in life. Like it truly was at 16. I just, if I could take it back, I would 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 drink. Like I just can't. Because I always do really like my morals and my just sense of self. Like it just goes out the window. And now I just stick to the edibles. - I was gonna say, and then enter edibles, that's when you were like, we're gonna stick to that. - Yes, truly. - How has your idea of girls girl evolved over the years as you've become a woman? - Hmm, I think girls girl is what 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. Or again, in the studio, like I want to ride 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. 'Cause 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, 'cause I used to be heavy male centered. Even if I didn't wanna 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 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, I focus so, so, so little on that right now. How have you 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 wanna impress like the mean 13 year old girls. You know what I mean? Like that's who I wanna impress. - So real, they're looking at your outfit. - Yeah, exactly. - It's cute. - You're like, I'm not gonna sleep today. - No, I think it's, I used to crave that so much. I don't know if it's like a classic, you know, my, like my dad for like my dad, like knock, and my, 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 gotta go back to the origin story. - It's always the dad. - I'm bad, right. - What's the relationship with the dad? I want my dad's attention. - Yes. - So I want it other men's attention. - Yes, exactly. But I think now also, maybe I hate to say it, but 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 gonna say, you have to love yourself. (laughs) - But it's 13-year-old to like, - Yeah, they're like, mm, yikes. - Yeah. (laughs) - But it's true. - 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 gonna 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 your cell, it will always be there. - Of course. - But it can't be like this source of present. - No. - Okay, back to your album. I love it 'cause you write about like kind of taboo. - No, totally. - Topics? How have fans reacted to some of these? topics. I think they're pretty chill. You know, I think, 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, 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, well, 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? Do you find that in your in the past? Because I know you're in a relationship over five years, which we're gonna 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 it has been from the start, my boyfriend is fantastic. Like, I love him. And I can't, 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? 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, Tara. Yes, yes. We enter your boyfriend was like, he was okay. Like he was like, I want to say okay. I want to say okay. But you got through it. Yeah. Like it wasn't, it wasn't like very dramatic. It was just like, what I'm saying, like 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. We were together for, from my 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, 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. You think it's like passion and really it's just trash. Yes. Like so bad. It's so crazy. At 16, you're like, I'm in love. Yes. This is the love of my life. Yes. Yes. 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 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 day. Like let's just get it over with. 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 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 a new bird, 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. Yeah. 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 and we 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, and we probably would have like gone down to business earlier. So you're 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 of seconds. Yeah. I need a second. Oh my god. So, um, it was really cute. It just like made it really beautiful. And then when it happened, um, it's just been us since that day. And, uh, 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 fam, 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, um, 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, stash it'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 feels 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 bad. 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 we'll talk. And then eventually, eventually, it's like, well, actually, it's not like that. And they're 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. 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 today I spend online, like at the end of the day, this is real. And like, he grounds me a lot. And I think, 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 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 goals 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 will like live on a farm, you know, like, grow his plans. Like, that super ground. Yeah. And we'd be like, let's go. Yeah. Yeah. We helicopter tried the funny one in the relationship. Um, it's me. I was going to say, yeah, I was like, I I will never forget when you posted your foot in a condom. Well, you're leg actually in a condom. - It's my whole leg. - Yeah. - What happened there? - I don't know. I feel like it wasn't that big of a deal. I feel like it's seen like so many people do the same thing, but they, 'cause 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 if you guys do that here. - No, but I love that. - But we did. I feel like everyone should. More sexual education with the kids. And then we got a bag. I'm talking like a bag of condoms. And I was like, I'm not gonna use all of this because I knew it unprotected, I'm kidding. (laughing) 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 leg. Like, let's just be honest. - Dude, it was up to your butt. - And it just, it really was. And I find that quite impressive. But yeah, and it just blew up. It just blew up. - It just was so funny too, 'cause I was like, oh my gosh, she ever had a guy be like, I can't do that. 'Cause like, I'm too big. And you're just like. - Yes. - And you have? - Actually, no, that's a lie. But like, a lot of my girlfriends have had that. - Yes. - Because I've always been like in a relationship and condom are not my mom, as soon as I got into 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, 'cause that was-- - Okay, so you're the funny one. You're the funny one. - I would say so. - I love that. - 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, it's so fun, honestly, 'cause 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 Girl, which is about love, but like in a different perspective, even midnight sun, that's like a song about 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, 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 gonna 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. - Can you give us any hints? - Ah, hmm, what could be a hint? - Ah, ah. (laughing) - You get that? - You got that, 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 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 XCX, how she did her album and I'm like, "Wait, that's so fun." 'Cause I always think that there's so many way, 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, 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? - Ooh. 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, 'cause it feels really authentic. - It's the only way that could work in a way, like it's just what has to be it. - It has to be 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 me finally got to meet. - Me too. - And this is really big for me. Like this is like a really big deal for me. - Well, I'm so-- - So thank you for having me. - I am so happy we did this. - Yeah. - Woo! (laughing) - Thank you for coming on Caller Daddy! (upbeat music)