“It just reminds me of home”: Zara Larsson's new album 'Midnight Sun' inspired by Scandinavian summers

Zara Larsson is preparing to release her next studio album, Midnight Sun, which she describes as her most personal work to date.

In her exclusive tell-all with HELLO!, the Swedish singer, 27, talked about the new record and how deeply it’s rooted in her own story.

"I would say it's, I mean I always say this, but I would say this is my most personal album yet. It's something I'm very proud of and I can't wait to come out and play it live on my tour."

The album is scheduled for release on September 26 and is now available for pre-order.

The title Midnight Sun draws directly from her upbringing in Sweden, particularly the extended daylight of Scandinavian summers.

"Yeah, my inspiration behind this album was actually all in all about like the Swedish summer. In summertime in Stockholm or up north, the sun never sets so it's just light all night and it's such a beautiful experience and like that's my childhood, that's how I grew up."

Zara Larsson added:

"It's just about like having no responsibilities, being off, enjoying life, enjoying friends, enjoying the nature — very existential and amazing."

Describing the upcoming project’s sound, Zara Larsson said it blends several influences.

"On that album you can expect a lot of fun, pop, dance music with a bit of carefreeness but also introspectiveness."

The album’s lead single of the same title is already out. She shared that it’s a concept she’s tried to write into a song several times over the years.

"I’ve probably written five songs called Midnight Sun. I’m like, ‘I like that title. I really want it. Because it just reminds me of home.’"

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Zara Larsson admits regret over long hiatus between albums: “One of my biggest mistakes”

In developing her sound for this project, Zara Larsson said she distances herself from current musical trends and other artists’ work.

“Honestly, I don’t really give a [expletive] what other people are doing. When I'm recording I usually go into podcast mode, like I listen to a lot of podcasts and a lot of ASMR and just kind of tune out from what everyone else is releasing and doing."

She believes stepping back from the industry during creative periods helps her stay grounded in her own direction.

"The trends of music go up and down. I’d rather just stay in my own lane."

Reflecting on the time between her albums, she acknowledged the gap from So Good (2017) to Poster Girl (2021) as a misstep.

"I think it’s probably one of my biggest mistakes to have had such a huge gap between my albums. I definitely had that because I felt so pressured of having to have this huge commercial follow-up."

That pressure led to multiple reworkings of a third album that never made it to release.

"I must have had five albums in those four years that I was just like, ‘No, no, no, not good enough. Let’s start over.’"

Meanwhile, Zara Larsson also spoke to Rolling Stone Music Now about her personal drive and the mental pressure that can come with it.

"When you’re super-ambitious, I think that’s the blessing and the curse. You can have so many amazing things happening to you, but nothing’s ever gonna be good enough for your soul."

She went on:

"It’s kind of annoying to live life that way, but I just want to be, like, the number one. Even just for a moment."

Despite this, she maintains a generally positive outlook, saying she’s “a very happy person in general.” She added:

“I love my life, but there is still that voice in my head that will always kind of be nagging on, like, ‘You can do more. You can do better.’"

With Midnight Sun, Zara Larsson isn’t just reflecting on home—she’s redefining it through music that feels both nostalgic and boldly new.