Zara Larsson, the Swedish pop sensation known for her chart-topping hits, recently revealed her music preferences and strong stance against artists with abusive pasts in an interview featured in the latest episode of Cosmopolitan’s series, Cheap Shots. The interview aired on Tuesday, 24th February, and showcased Larsson’s candid views on the music industry and her personal listening habits.
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During the discussion, Larsson was asked to name an artist whose songs would never appear on her playlists. Without hesitation, she mentioned the numerous artists she has blocked on Spotify, stating, “All of them are, like, abusers.” This pointed remark highlights her commitment to supporting artists who align with her values.
One particularly notable artist she cannot endorse is Chris Brown. Larsson explicitly stated, “You certainly wouldn’t find a Chris Brown song,” referring to Brown’s well-documented history of violence and legal troubles, particularly relating to his past relationship with Rihanna. His 2009 felony assault case and subsequent legal issues further tarnish his public image, leading many, including Larsson, to distance themselves from his music.
This isn’t the first instance where Larsson has voiced her disapproval of Brown’s work. In a previous interview back in 2016, she participated in a game reminiscent of Tinder, where she had to swipe left on songs. She stated she would pass on Brown’s collaboration on “Hotel” with Kid Ink, saying, “I don’t like him… I do like his music, to be honest. I think he’s a really talented person. He can really dance and sing. But he’s not a nice person.” This nuanced view underscores the struggle many fans face when separating an artist’s talent from their personal conduct.
In addition to her remarks on certain artists, Larsson also shared her philosophy regarding music genres. Reflecting on her listening habits, she declared, “If you only listen to one music genre, then I don’t think you’re very smart.” This viewpoint illustrates her belief in the merits of musical diversity and the importance of embracing various styles and influences. As an artist herself, Larsson’s eclectic tastes resonate with her commitment to pushing boundaries in her own music.
As she prepares to embark on the U.S. leg of her Midnight Sun Tour, which kicks off on 28th February in Portland and continues until 12th April in Houston, Larsson seems to be riding a wave of considerable success. Currently, she is enjoying the spotlight with three songs simultaneously charting on the Billboard Hot 100: “Lush Life,” “Stateside” featuring PinkPantheress, and her latest single “Midnight Sun.”
Larsson’s growing popularity is a testament to her talent and the connection she has forged with her audience. Her ability to openly discuss heavy topics such as artist conduct and music appreciation adds depth to her public persona, marking her as not just a performer, but also a figure of social awareness within the music industry.
As she continues to navigate her career, Larsson’s strong principles regarding music consumption and artist accountability will likely resonate with a generation of fans who share similar values. Through her platform, she encourages thoughtful engagement with music while remaining mindful of the voices behind it.