Love Who You Love ft. Zara Larsson 51:47

It's Sophia Franklin. You are listening to Sophia with an F. And the F is for phenomenal. This podcast is rated F. I could sometimes be like, like he's so, he's so calm. Like he's like, there she goes again. Sometimes I would be, you know, just like, like, just like calm.

Like, come on, give me something. And he does not entertain it. Which is so great because you're not going to stop doing that. I'm sorry, but like, you're not. And he's just so unbothered. He's so unbothered. That is the type of man that I need to be with. Yeah.

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Oh my God. It's like, I know, but I need to stop. I'm going to like get on Nicara. You know what else I'm going to do? I'm going to start this podcast like an adult with this international bombshell I have sitting next to me, Zara Larson. Hi.

Hi. Thank you so much for coming and joining me. Zara's album Venus is dropping tomorrow, February 9th. And I'm so happy to have you here. I'm so happy to be here. Thank you. Good vibes. Yeah, great vibes. She's been interviewing me. Zara, I have...

So many questions for you. I'm excited. Your new single, You Love Who You Love. Yeah. Was there a certain relationship that that song is influenced by, would you say? Yes. One particular person. Because I know it came out during Pride. Have you talked about this particular person? No. Okay. And I wrote, actually wrote the song because I spoke to one of my good friends who,

And she is in this relationship where I just feel like, what are you doing? Like, you deserve someone so much better because you are beautiful. You are gorgeous. You are generous. You are talented. You are like all these amazing things. And you're with this guy who are just...

The complete opposite of that. And you don't see that. Like, you don't see that. Which is so common. So common. And I've definitely been in that position where I've had friends tell me the exact same thing. Of like, hello, you know. Wake up. You just keep going back to your ex. Back and forth, back and forth. They treat you like trash. And you're like, but I love him. Like, I just love him.

So the title was inspired by, yeah, it was Pride Week in Sweden, in Stockholm. And Kian, who was one of the guys in the producing duo Mother, who did the song, was kind of like, we should just make a song about, you know, like loving whoever you want to love. Me and Emanike also wrote it. We were like, oh. Did he take a Benadryl before he said that? Yeah.

We were like, that's cute. But maybe let's make a twist. Because, you know, everybody who I think, of course, you can love whoever you love. But it's more interesting to see it from a perspective of like, OK, you say you just love who you love, even though you shouldn't love that person. I don't know. That to me was just like a more fun story than like you could love whoever you love. Right.

So the story is like, and you can absolutely correct me, is intellectually knowing you're loving the wrong person and not doing anything about it. Is that basically, basically, are you saying it's just why do so many of us love who we should not? Yeah. And it's like, you know, like I said, when I've been in that situation and that position of being with someone who I know deep down is

is not really good for me, I still find myself like going back to that person. Why do you think you do that? I think it's some sort of, I think you're addicted to the feeling when you make up, you know, it's like really bad. And then you get over that hill and it's like,

Ecstasy. We made it. Like, we're perfect. You are perfect. This is amazing. It's bliss. And then with that toxic person, it's only fun for that very short amount of time. And then you need that drama again just so you can make up. That's such a good point. And that's not a good relationship. It's not. But you say, oh, I just love. Like, I just love. I don't know what to do. And really…

You do deserve someone a lot better. Right. And I think people mistake friction and drama and fighting with...

chemistry, romance, like real love. Definitely, definitely. For whatever reason. And it's like, no, that's just straight up toxic. Yeah. And I'm still pretty young. Like I haven't had that many relationships. I'm a very like long term relationship type of girl. But in my previous relationships, compared to the one I'm in now, like I remember when I first got together with my boyfriend that I'm with, we've been together for like four years now.

And I was just waiting, like, because it's so good when it's good in the beginning. And I was just waiting for it to, like, come crashing down, like, collapsing. Yeah, and for it just to be this crazy, super dramatic, toxic thing. And it just kind of never happened. So I was just like, like, like, when you're like, yummy. You're like, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Yeah, it felt so weird. And it took me a long time to realize that.

Oh, you're good to me. Yes. And that it was like, this is nice. Yes. Because at first, it was just a bit like… It's jarring. No, I've been in a healthy relationship. Not that I'm in a bad one now. But I remember my first healthy relationship…

being so confused and not used to it. Totally. And being like, there's something around the corner. Like, for sure. I'm just waving. Yeah, I know. It took me a long time to realize, oh...

This is just what it could be. Like, just, like, nice. That's amazing. I never knew. I know. And then, you know what? The great thing is you guys have been together for four years. So you looked at that and you thought, okay, this is healthy. I love this. It's amazing. Once you got over the hump of, like, bitch, what's going on? And then...

You're still with that person and you're not craving like the craziness. No, no. Now I really appreciate. No, actually, you're right. Like I do really appreciate the stability. And just knowing even when I could sometimes be like,

Like he's so He's so calm Like he's like There she goes again Like I'm not even Sometimes Sometimes I would be You know Just like Just Like Give me something And he is not giving me

He does not entertain it. Which is so great because you're not going to stop doing that. I'm sorry, but like you're not. And he's just so unbothered. He's so unbothered. That is the type of man that I need to be with. Yeah. You know? Yeah. And it just, it is what it is. Are you very public with him? I feel like you're not. Not really. I mean, everybody knows. No.

He's not a secret. My relationship isn't a secret. But I also feel like maybe it's a part of growing up. Or maybe it's a part of actually feeling really secure in my relationships. Because I feel like the people who post their partners all the time. I'm like, who are you trying to prove? You're posting what you're passionate about. Your music is going to be number one.

And all of these other things, you know. And I think there's just, I don't know. I find it to be a little bit weird too when I follow someone and it's like someone's trying to make a point that they are with this person over and over and over again. Yeah, but are you trying to convince yourself? Yes. Or Rubis? Yes.

You're doing great marketing campaign, but not really at all. The entire album, which I got a little sneak peek when I got that email that was like confidential, cannot be shared. I was like, should I leak this? I'm totally kidding.

I'm totally kidding. That's actually not funny. Has that ever happened to you? Yes, many times. Okay, I shouldn't have made a joke. But honestly, I am... No, it's fine. I am so calm with that. Mm-hmm.

I don't know. Are you? Yeah, some copyright person at Sony will take it down and then like it will be fine. Right. I don't care that much. I don't care about a lot of stuff. Okay. I love that shit. I take my music very seriously. But I also think, you know, I do everything I can to protect my music. But once it's out, it's like, oh, that sucks. Just take it down. You know, like you do what you can. One of my best qualities is that

I don't really dwell on a situation. It's just like, okay, this is what it is. How do we solve it? Okay, boom, boom, boom. Yeah. And just accepting things. If they're beyond your control and you can't do anything, it's kind of like, I cannot believe you're 26. I'm 31. I just learned how to like kind of do that like two months ago. You're like wise beyond your years. Oh, thanks. So the album. Yes.

I was listening to the album basically all day with Liz, my assistant. And there's like this overall theme of love. Yes. Whether that's love with yourself, with a partner, with your craft, like all the different variations of it. And I guess, I mean, I have a lot of questions about that. But has there ever been a point where you didn't believe in love?

No. Never. No. And I know, like, I'm super happy. And like you say, like, love can come in so many shapes and forms. But I know in myself, like, I love life. I really, truly do. I just see...

Just life from like very rose-colored lenses or how, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, rose-colored glasses. And I know that I have love from so many places. But romantically, it's like I'm super happy in my relationship now. But if for whatever reason it would end in the future, I know that both of us would find love.

love again and after that if we break up I would find love again and then I would find love again like that's huge yeah I'm so not worried like love will find me because I find love in so many things right

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That was... I just got... That's so... No, I swear to God, that was extremely profound. Yeah. Because people...

Me, I kind of walk around and I think my mom raised me with this mentality of like scarcity. Like there's not that many good men and not that many people you'll have chemistry with and blah, blah, blah. And you see it just so completely different. I would probably think like opposite. I do think generally like in people's cores, they're good. And then you don't have chemistry with everyone and that's fine. But I do think...

There is something in every person. And this doesn't have to be like romantic love, but just meeting people that you can find like a lot of things in common with other people. I just really like people. And I think you just see also what you focus on.

If you, you know, go around. I just saw this video where a guy was like, okay, look at everything that's green in this room. And then, like, close your eyes and imagine it. And then look at everything that's red in this room. And then, like, close your eyes and imagine it. Like, that is what you will see. And even when you're looking for that red, maybe you'll see, like, a shade of brown. Right. That could go for red. Or you would, like, try. You know what I'm saying? Yeah, yeah. It's confirmation bias. Totally. You will pick.

the things that like you believe or want to believe yeah and I just think life is so much more fun like living that way yes I do think so it absolutely is

Yeah. But then I have sad days too. You do? Yeah, like everyone, of course. But in general, yeah, I definitely believe in love. Yeah. Okay, well, you know what? That's like very reassuring. I believe in it. I think I just maybe have like a little bit of a wall up for whatever reason. But you seem very open. Have you always been just open like that? Like welcome to receiving it? Yeah, I think so. That's dope. Even when I've been, you know, really hurt.

And it was really hard to get over one relationship in my life. But then when you get to that point, I don't know what it was for me. But just one day, I just woke up and I looked at him and I was like, Ew. Really? Yeah. This? Like what? And then I was just able to move on and live my life again.

But sometimes it's hard. But in general, yeah, you just there's so much there's so much nice things out there. There is so much love out there. I feel it right now. Yeah. Yeah. You know.

Wow. Okay, well, I'm like ready to go. I'm ready to find my boyfriend. I'm ready. Like Zara, you got me feeling. Are you dating actively? Like are you on apps? Or are you like, how are you doing it? No, because I'm like shunned, banned, and was picked off kind of like the biggest one in the States. Why? So it's like, it's actually, it's not that long of a story. Basically, me and my best friend, John,

Said that if people went and subscribed to my show, we would give them like a free friend pass to this, to the app. Okay. Which is very exclusive, right? This dating app. You got a free, yes. Yeah. I love how I'm talking to you like you're an alien. You're like, um, me trying to not say the name so they let me back on though. We're going to please thought it out. Um, no, I'm not.

Have you met anyone who was like a fun date on that app? I, my ex. Okay. Of four years. Wow. Okay. But you know, it's funny. I didn't meet him on the app. My mom was swiping through. Well, she was, well, actually she is, which is insane. Hi. Like my mom really, but not me. And she's not even in like, she lives in Utah. She's not even in entertainment at all. Right.

Anyway, good for her. But good for her. She took my phone. Right. And it was like, you keep. She's cute. Yeah. She was like, you keep picking pieces of shit to date. So I'm going to go ahead and do this for you. And actually. She did a good job. She did a great job. Wow. Great job.

Maybe I should just like give her my phone and like get back on everything. How did you meet your man? We were friends, friends to lovers. Which is so cute because I'm usually like a on the first date type of girl. Okay. Okay. I'm like, let's just get to it. You know what I mean? Yes. Like no time to waste. Is that a European? Perhaps. Because I mean my mom, I mean my family, right? None of them are from the States. So I got...

A little taste of my dad's from New Zealand. Well, my stepdad. Long story there. And then my mom's from Argentina. And they're just...

New Zealand, I can't speak on. That's like a bunch of sheep. I don't know what they're doing there per se. But even Argentina, much more liberal and sexual. Yeah. It's just not really a big deal, I think. But then because we were in the same friend group for a long time, we weren't like close. But, you know, when we were hanging out, we were going out and it was like all our friends. And like it was just he was just always good vibes.

Did you think he was hot? I always thought he was beautiful. Okay. But never really thought more than that because I had a boyfriend and like he's very respectful. Like he's also a dancer and dancers are funny because they're so... They can be really physical with you without it being like weird. Okay. But I think sometimes...

You know, when I was single and we would go out and we'd be dancing and obviously he would like do all these like moves and I was like, chill, like calm down. And he would be like... And I would find it very like... Like I can't stand this close and just dance casually with you. Like I feel like it's like... To me, that's like a lot, you know? But I don't know how he felt. But dancers are just...

That's just what they do in their work, like, every day. I had an experience with that. Yeah? What the hell was his name? I have his number on my phone. He was a dancer. He did, like, Dancing with the Stars, Very Hot. Yeah. And he left, like, an impact on me just in the 10 minutes I met him. Yeah. So we were just friends. And then we started hanging out, like...

kind of in smaller, smaller groups. And then eventually it was just like me and him. You're like, wait, it's just you and I? Yeah. Should we date? And then we took it so slow though, which was very cute. Very different from what I have previously done in my life. Just because, you know, it's because

Because you're friends and you don't want it to get weird. So it was by choice to kind of take it slow. Yeah, I would say so. You're like, we don't want to ruin the friendship if something happens. I like that. But then, you know, it was just really easy. Everything was smooth and nice. And I think that's what it's supposed to be like. I agree. Yeah. I totally agree. I think if there's drama... Like in the beginning? Within the first...

two months that's a wrap yeah that's gotta go yeah you agree that's supposed to be like you're supposed to feel high yes that's a honeymoon phase yes well and then there's a whole love bombing which like we could get into i don't know so there's no drama i would fall for that so hard it's fucked up because i'll be like of course you're obsessed with me like that's what i'm saying yes

That's nothing weird about that. Thank you. Thank you. I understand love bombing is a thing. Okay, don't want people to come for me. From? From?

Where I'm sitting and what I've experienced, if a dude is not acting head over heels in love la la land, then it's like he's not into me, you know? Yeah. And that is actually something that I also, I think like about myself when I look for love. If a guy is not acting, if he's not acting interested, like playing hard to get or like, if he acts like he doesn't care, I'm like, oh, but you don't care. Yeah.

Thank you. Yes. Like, I'm not going to play this game. Totally. Women do a lot of, and I'm sure men do too, but I think women specifically, mental gymnastics, trying to justify like, okay, well, I mean, it took him three days to respond. He's busy. No, he's not. No, he's not. He saw that text. He could have responded to you. Just like you, you know, when you don't, when... Actually, when it comes to me though, no. I was busy. So you can't hold it against me.

The double standard. No, I'm kidding. No, it goes both ways. Yeah. I mean. Wait, here you go. Sometimes you don't, I don't actively like ignore people. But if there's something really, really important that I want to reply to, I'm going to reply to you. Yeah. You know, I probably have 500 unread text messages in my inbox like right now. But if there's someone I'm interested in and they text me.

They're going to hear from you. They're going to hear from you. I just get anxiety if someone texts me something. I put a lot of, like, care and effort into responding for some reason. You make it a really big deal. Yeah. I don't know why. And then—

It turns into an even bigger deal when you haven't responded like immediately. And then you overthink it even more. So then, and then you just don't want to. Then I'm like, we'll do a phone call. Right. We'll do a phone call eventually and just get this all, you know. That's why voice notes is my favorite. Yes. Because you could also just send it away really quick. And if you don't reply and you do reply in like three days, it's so much more like personal. And you're just like, oh my God, like I completely forgot to reply like one more time.

The amount of messages I've started with that one. I totally forgot to reply. So love, this theme of love. I want to just stay on it for a couple more minutes because you have so much to say about it. I like to do relatable music. I like it to be personal, but also relatable. I think, you know, us as human beings, we're not that unique.

We do feel... I like that. You know? We're really not. We're really not. We all feel the exact same feelings. Like every single one of us walking down the street is like... You can be in different situations in life. But the core emotions of like what you're going through, we've all felt them. So true. I think so. For sure. And then, you know, if someone listens to a song and they feel a certain way that I didn't feel when I wrote it or like sang it...

There's no right or wrong in that. That's interesting. Yeah, for sure. No. But yeah, definitely like love is a very relatable feeling. That's also why you want to when you're sad, sometimes you want to put on like a sad song. Right. Which is weird. It is weird. But it's also like

I'm not alone. Like, someone understands me. Yes. Yes. I've heard they did a study. When you're happy. Yeah? What did they say? If you're really sad or depressed, you put on kind of sad music. And that will be more comforting. Which kind of makes sense, right? It's like if you're watching a thriller and someone's, like, chopping someone's head off, but it's, like, playing, like, 80s pop music. Like, it makes it 100 times creepier. You know what I mean? So if you're, like, so sad in the shower, but you're...

It's like, it just doesn't add up. You're right. You're right. Yeah, that would be very weird. It would be. I can't even imagine. I've had panic attacks and have gone into full psychosis over one, just doing one episode. Right, right. One hour episode where I have to talk by myself. Okay. That's hard. Is it? I mean, I know it is. Like by yourself? Yeah.

Girl. That's very hard. And like make a joke and then just have to hear like you're like staring at the wall and you're like. That was funny, right? Anybody, anybody. But making the album.

How many times did you like fall in and out of love with the album? Or were you in love mode the whole time? No, it's hard because you just make so many songs. Like creating the album. But what I did this time was a little different from what I've done before.

Previously on my other albums like sometimes I've just go into the studio and I do a song and I'm like that was a great song and I put it on a song pile and I go and do the next session I'm like that was a great song and I put on a song pile and I just let it stack up this time I was a bit more intentional and was like ooh

I love that song that's going on the album. Okay, got it. You know what I mean? And just started to build that album instead of just throwing all the songs from the song pile and then after it, try to like pick it out and like what's going to come on the album, how am I going to...

Honestly, this time was also the most fun that I've had creating. I loved it. I feel so calm about it. I feel so confident in it. I can tell. It was just like a good time. And also Rick Knowles, who I did a lot with, he expected a lot from me. Like he… Usually I come in to a session and I'm like, what's up? Like, let's vibe. Yeah. Yeah.

Like, I don't really know what to do. Like, let's see what we got. And he was like, you're supposed to bring me titles or topics or like chords that you like. Or I did like, he wanted me to be prepared. It really did because he put a little pressure on me. But it also made me want to come in and feel prepared. And sometimes, you know, I could say something and we will start here and we will end up somewhere completely different. But it would be nice to just...

Feel like I'm going in here with like a purpose totally and I'm not just well it is very chill it is such like a

Right. Like fun thing to do. Like you go in and you like, you sing melodies and like put words on it. And then like creating a song is, is like magic. But, um. But just the creative process is. Yeah. But it was very fun. Yeah. Well, I love that for you. And it was also small rooms. Not like physically, but with people, you know. Like intimate, like there were a total of how many people? Yeah.

- I would say like three, like three, four. - Okay. - Yeah. And I've been in sessions before where it's like me and like nine dudes. - And like all the friends are like smoking weed, like drinking, right? Like watching you. - You know what I mean? And I'm like, yeah, I don't think I would like that at all. - No, it's the worst. It is the worst. I just cannot work like that. - Yeah.

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And I also feel like, what am I doing here? Like, what is, why am I? Is this a show? Yeah. No, it's so, it's the worst, honestly. And it was actually Rick who was like, yeah, no, I don't want any people in my studio. And I was like, maybe we should just be me, you, and maybe one other writer. Because also I feel like I wasn't,

that confident as a writer just starting out. Like I wasn't... When I started my career, I didn't see myself as a writer. I'm like a performer first. But now I feel like I could really just do it by myself and like with a producer. And let me take up that space because then when it's not like 10 voices in the room, I get to...

And just, you know, hear my thoughts. And then I realized that the worst thing that could happen is someone saying like, maybe not that, but that's hard. I can't. I know, I know. But you know what it is? I also figured out that you can say, yeah, maybe that. Right. Yeah, I like that. And then they'll be like, oh, but I don't. But I do. Yes. And that takes a lot of confidence. Yeah. And a lot of...

Just like confidence in your art. But I definitely found that in this process. And I don't think it would have been possible if I didn't feel like I walked into the room prepared. And if I had like so many other people's opinion in the room. And maybe it's like in the combination with growing up. Combination with...

just writing more. - Right. - You know? But I remember in school, like I never, you know, when we did essays and papers and the teacher would always be like,

Come to me when you are writing it and we can look at it before you turn it in before the actual date where it has to be finished and we can like develop a I would never ever ever do that. Like I would never want to show anyone an unfinished piece of work whatever it is. Totally. So when I started writing songs I'll be like in the corner and I would write like the whole song like in silence by myself while everyone else was writing a whole different song and I'll be like

Right. I have the verse. But I would, it would be weird because they were like writing a whole verse together and I'll be like, I have the verse. You're like, it will come together. And then when you listen or read it, can you just do it with your eyes closed and like earbuds and I don't want to be in the room because I don't want to see your reaction. Like I'm going to record it and you all have to step aside, like step outside and then you can hear it while I go outside. And then you can hear it.

And now I'm just kind of like, I've allowed myself to let people into that process where I'm actually not finished. It's just a thought floating in the air. Totally. And that's okay. I've had to learn that a lot. That's so scary though. Yeah. To let people in on that. Because it's at your most vulnerable. You're most vulnerable and you know...

When something is like fresh and raw, it's you don't really know. Like, is this a good idea? It's not. You have no idea. I don't know. You know, and then and I get scared that someone's going to criticize it, but it's actually a really good idea. So then I'm like, I don't even know if I want to let them in on the process at this point. But you have to. Yeah, you have to. You have to.

I feel like I should take a few pointers out of your book. But it sounds like Rick, what's his last name? Rick Knowles. Legend. Is he like, have you been working with him? No, first time. So first time. So he's really helped kind of get you like organized. Yeah, I would definitely say so. I would. Or just, he just helped me like take up my space in the room as a writer. Yes. And he's very stubborn.

And that's also one thing that I learned. Like, oh, you know, I could also be stubborn. Because I am. And like, I can stand up for myself. And like I said, even with things, or it would be the opposite. He would be like, I love this. And I'll be like, I don't. You know, he would be like, no, this is better. And I'll be like, it's not. So he'd be like, we're going to have this. And I'm like, it's my song. Thank you. But yeah, I'm like...

Right? I love that. You get the ultimate call. But it's, there are certain people that you will meet and work with who will change the trajectory of your career forever. Because this fourth album, I mean, I saw, I mean, I like seen it everywhere from people who have listened and like the people on my team all listened to the album and like,

Liz over there, my assistant, huge fan. She even said like, you can really tell in this fourth album, you're really coming into your own. I hope so. I feel like I'm kind of peeling the onion a bit. It

It's hard to do these different eras or whatever. I feel like for me, I'm maybe just... What does that mean, eras? But just picking a theme of this specific album cycle or where I am in life or aesthetically what I want to portray. It's hard to pick the vibe for the era. I think I'm just kind of like...

Maybe going in deeper and deeper into like, what do I like? Who am I? And just finding...

things finding out things about myself and how i like to work and how i like to write and just kind of yeah peel peel the onion a bit more try for every album to get closer to that essence of like what that is because i don't know i don't know if i'll ever find it and maybe i'll make like a super uh conceptual album next time or maybe i'll be like like super political or

Maybe I'll find something, but this time was really just... It almost felt like I was making my first album again. Okay. Yeah. That's how, like, different and deep and... It just felt like I was... I felt super free. I felt like I was having fun. And me and Rick did speak about it in the beginning. Like, where are we taking this? Should we do a... Should we do a concept album? Should it be about, like...

you know, one sound or... And that's just not me. Not right now, at least. What do you mean by that? Like, you didn't want to keep it to one thing? No. I wanted to just do whatever felt right right now. Yeah. Today. Like, what felt right tomorrow. What felt right, like, very current, very right now. And the red thread to be my voice. Yeah. And like...

What I was feeling and a lot is about love. Yes. Yeah. Which and I love that. Love, love. Love, love. Live, love. And then your next album will be, you know. We'll see. But what's so fun about releasing an album is that it's like I'm already working on the next one. I'm like, let's go. It's so nice to release something and to feel like you can start something new. Yeah. I think that that is how you would develop yourself.

was just like making stuff, release them, and then you would make your next thing to prove that the stuff that you just released was like, not that it wasn't good, but that it's like, oh, I can't wait to make something better and then make something better and then make something better. Right. Do you get super anxious? I usually do. When the album releases? Yeah. Do you go and read? Mm-hmm. You do? Mm-hmm. And the people that are like...

Obsessed. And the people who are like, you know, there's always going to be haters. Do you just like completely ignore that? It depends on what day I'm on, how I feel, you know. I've really tried to just stay away from like Twitter or comments in general because I think even if you are searching for, it's almost like a self-harm kind of thing.

attitude to yourself because you're looking for like the negative stuff yeah it's almost like you want to your mind is like see if you're having a bad day it's like I told you you fucking suck it's like the rose colored glasses yes you're going to see what you want to see and then if but if you look for that validation I don't think that's healthy either if you like want to look for like the like oh my god am I good enough am I good enough like give me the validation give me the validation so I just don't think whatever angle you're coming from that it's

Of course I care what my fans and the people who like me what they think. But it's hard to be like a confident person and then be super affected by what other people are saying. It's tricky. It's like...

There's also that human. I don't know like why would you do that? Do you do that? Of course, you know, I mean you can't just not so curious - yeah, very think it really comes in waves and definitely around like a release just like what's up guys? What's the temperature? I would love to have maybe I'll ask Vandala to do for me now, but I would love to have like, you know in succession a

I know every single one. Yeah. When he's like, what's the temperature? What are they like saying? What's the over? Whenever he goes, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whenever Kendall's like said something and he's like, what's the temperature online? Like, what are they saying? Oh my God, right. What is this?

And they're like, oh, it doesn't look very good. Or it's like, oh, it's actually really positive. Sometimes, yeah. Sometimes I do have to give someone my phone and just be like, just give me the overall. Right, right. But I think that's so smart what you said is...

If you're going there to get these like little hits of dopamine or serotonin. That's what it is. Yeah. This is amazing. Yeah. You're setting yourself up for not happy life because it's not going to always be that way. Yeah. You know? It is. It goes like this. It always does. It always does. Always. Okay. So we just got really deep. Yeah.

I don't think you know what deep is, but OK. I want to ask, are you friends with any of like the U.S. pop girlies? Not really. I don't go out. I don't like to go out. Like I do like people. I think I would have a good time. But certain...

It's so funny because I had a little like mini party when I was in LA. I had a lot of friends who were there at the same time. And I had a friend from LA and she came up to me and she was like, oh my gosh, your friends are so nice. Like they all came up to me and they like shook my hand. And they were like,

Fuck, the bar is in hell. Like, that's LA. They'll be like, they're so nice. Like, they were just like, nice to meet you. Like, how are you? And I was just shook. And I was like, wow, okay. That's the standard? I feel like your friend that went up to you. Yeah. Like, I'll be like, am I getting punked right now when I'm in LA and, like, people are being genuine and nice? Yeah, really? Yes. That's so funny. I remember going to, like, my first...

Kind of like Hollywood party. And where I'm from, Swedish people, they're a bit shy and reserved. But you will go and shake people's hands. Like when you step in a room, you would like, hello, nice to meet you. And people just don't really do that in L.A.,

And I would just go around like a crazy person like, hi, Zara, nice to meet you. Hello, hi, nice to meet you. It's like Ellie Manchin and people would be like, right, what, what is she doing? Um, okay, this girl hasn't been here before. Yeah. But, um, love the pop girl, at least though. You do? Yeah. Who would be like your dream collab?

I love... I love Ray. She's not like an L.A. pop girlie, but she's a good friend of mine. I love Ray. I love...

Me. You. And you're going to have me. Yeah. I'm actually transferring into music. That's why I have you here. I love that. I can't. I can't believe I have a voice coach and you don't. Yeah. Like, what? Like, that is fucking crazy. But are you coming to LA a lot? I'm going in two days. Oh, fine. Will you be there? No. I'll be there in March. Girl. Okay. March, April. I'm sure I'll be there. Hit me up. I'm sure. I will. Yeah.

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I'll be like, oh my God. Who would you like to collaborate with? Ooh, in terms of podcasting or just anyone? Just like, like if you were like doing the best pop song ever. Oh, best pop song. I do like Tate, McCray. I feel like we could do a mean choreo. You know? Um...

I would have to say, no, not Lana Del Rey. Lady Gaga. Love. I mean, icon. Yeah. Like I just. But that just popped. That was the first thing that came to mind. I'd have to think about it. But she'll always be a pop queen. Yeah. I'm going to ask you a just we're going to go rapid fire. Okay, boom. Question.

And this is the difference between America versus Europe, which we just talked about a little bit. You shaking everyone's hand in LA. Them being like, what drug is she on? Like, I don't get it. Imagine Argentina where they do the devil kiss. My mom would be running around doing that. They'd be like, this lady needs to get kicked out of the party. Security. Yeah, security. American versus European men.

That's a very general question. That's very general. In terms of hot? I would probably say European. Uh-huh. I agree. Yeah. I think they're hotter and I think they're more gentleman-like. I do think they might cheat more. But European, that's like... I don't know if I can generalize...

from like finland down to portugal like right it's a wide yeah it's a variety of men so we're not just like an american that's true american men i feel like there's a wide range of that as well that's very true what about um fashion european you like it better yes okay okay girl you can teach me um party scene europe okay why is that

I feel like people don't really... I mean, New York, where we're at right now, I feel like can get... They can get down. They can dance. They can. But in general... Or like if it's like... One time I was in Texas and I was doing that like line... Like...

Stop. You were? Yeah, that was amazing. Do they have anything similar to that in Sweden? No. Not really. But I like it when people dance. I like it when they're like, when they go out to party and not just be like stuck on the wall. Yes. When they go out to not just like, I'm going to go into like a K-hole and like do kind of mean and lay here. Hopefully I don't get a panic attack. You know?

Yeah, I want to see people like do other drugs that makes them dance. Right, right, right. Thank you. Benadryl for sure. Alcohol, like whatever. But it's like, it kind of seems, I don't really go out anymore either. No, but it's also that, I mean, obviously it's like Ibiza. There's like Mykonos. There's like, I don't know.

Like, there's so many, obviously, like, going out places in Europe. But in general, I would say people just dance a little bit more. They… Okay, yes. I would say so. I don't know why I was about to say they do. I mean, yeah, I've traveled and, like, gone to the party scenes and they actually will dance. Which I love. It's the same in South America, I would say. Yes. Very similar. Very similar. Okay, well…

Zara, this has been incredible. I feel like I could talk to you for another 40 hours. You're like, bye. I'm leaving. This is so nice. Thank you. Is there anything else about the album that you want to talk about? I just think there's like something for everyone on there. I agree. Give it a good listen.

Once or twice. Mm-hmm. Can't wait to go on tour. Why do you say once or twice? Yeah. Are you saying like just to give it a second chance or like to get a second stream? Yeah. Yeah.

Maybe like three or four or five times. Unsubscribe and unsubscribe to the show and then subscribe. That used to work. I'm not even joking. Oh, is it? No, it doesn't. Oh. Yeah. You will go in because usually when there's like a new podcast, like, oh, we're number one on like the pod. It's like, yeah, because it's a new podcast. So there's like an influx of people going. I don't even know how it works anymore. All I know is you used to be able to like subscribe, unsubscribe, which is crazy. Right. Well, yeah.

Yeah, just like turn it up. Turn it up and listen to the lyrics. And have a good time. Or not. And love. And love. You are very honest and just like blunt and real. And I fucking love it. It's like really refreshing. Has that ever gotten you in trouble?

Yeah. Being so outspoken because you and I are very similar in that way. But I don't. It's just who I am. Like, deal with it. Honestly. Yeah. Yeah. And I'm probably going to say some shit in the future as well that I'm going to be like, oh, should have thought about that a couple of extra seconds. But at the end of the day, I'm kind of I'm kind of happy that you are. Yeah.

Me. Yeah. You're happy that that's you. I'm not like a mysterious type of person. Sometimes I'm like, oh, how sexy. Like Alexa Demi or like... Like nobody knows what I think. Like who I am. It's just so not me. I love that. You're like, this is what it is. Yeah. Yeah. I'm very much like that too. And sometimes I'm like, ooh, like I want to post so much on TikTok and I want to say what I think about things. And I'm like, ugh, but what about like...

I want to be like a pop star and not just like a TikTok influencer. And I'm scared if I start, if I start yapping. Yep. You're going to blow up. We already know. You're going to blow up on TikTok. We already know. But then it's like, hello, I do music. Yes. 150%. Yeah. We'll see. Maybe. Do you think it's the same for men too? Because I feel like it's for women. Who's like a big yapper? Who's a man? Who does music? Yeah.

Who does music? I thought we were going to say on TikTok. I'm like, please? I don't know. You know. I feel like all of them. Really? Maybe not. I have no idea. Jack Harlow. Just kidding. I'm probably saying that because he left me on read. Love that. By the way, it was to get you on Spieth and F not to suck your dick. So don't think you're that cool. Yeah.

But I do feel like... He doesn't talk. No, he doesn't actually. As was demonstrated by the message. But I do think women are... People really try to put us in like boxes. True, true. But I see what you're saying. I want to be everything. You're right. I want to be everything. And you can. Because also when you have a lot to say, like, it needs to be said. Yeah. Have you had record labels be like...

Zip it. I'm sure. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Sometimes they're like, take that shit down. It's not so much a zip it. It's more of a, they give me like a cease and desist. And it's like, we will fucking sue you. Absolutely not. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Very much that. But I like how unapologetic you are. But they also love it. They do. They do. Yeah, because it's like, it's who I am. And they know that. Mm-hmm.

Yeah. It's like the same way dudes love the crazy. Like guys love a girl who's a little bit woo-woo. Yeah. You know? They'll say they don't, but they do. Okay, Zara, you are incredible, incredible. Album Venus dropping tomorrow. Tomorrow. Everyone go check it out. I'm obviously going to link it everywhere so you guys can go listen ASAP. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Sleuths, bye.