Robyn Opens Up About IVF, Single Motherhood and Musical Comeback
In an exclusive interview, Swedish pop maverick Robyn has revealed the profound personal journey behind her first album in eight years, Sexistential. The 46-year-old artist, known for hits like Dancing on My Own, spoke candidly about pursuing motherhood alone via IVF, dating during fertility treatments, and reclaiming her artistic voice after a challenging hiatus.
A New Chapter: Motherhood and Music
Robyn, born Robin Carlsson, welcomed her three-year-old son, Tyko, through in vitro fertilisation after deciding to become a parent independently. "I thought it would happen much sooner," she admitted, reflecting on her initial fears of single motherhood. "But having children in the relationships I was in felt risky. Waiting was less scary." The process involved multiple rounds of egg harvesting during the pandemic, which she described as a "fucking rollercoaster" that forced existential questions about identity and parenthood.
Despite the physical and psychological challenges, Robyn emphasised the privilege of accessing IVF. "It's something that costs money, and a lot of people don't even have the option," she noted. Her experience inspired themes on Sexistential, an album blending synth-driven beats with lyrics exploring loneliness, sensuality, and abandonment.
Dating and Sexual Awakening During IVF
Robyn shared that dating while undergoing IVF led to a surprising sexual awakening. "When there isn't as much at stake, sex becomes more fun," she explained, recounting hook-ups without disclosing her pregnancy. However, juggling romance with fertility treatments had its absurdities. "Sometimes you can't have sex because you're super fertile, you have 20 eggs growing in your tubes," she said, describing her body as a machine during the process.
This juxtaposition of sex and existentialism is central to Sexistential, with tracks like Dopamine capturing the album's sad-happy tone. Robyn expressed excitement about returning to music as a parent. "I've never released an album as a parent, so it's really exciting to work," she said, highlighting the liberation of creative time amidst motherhood.
Legacy and Industry Reflections
Robyn's influence on modern pop is undeniable. Discovered at 14 and groomed as a teen idol, she broke away from major labels to establish her independent imprint, Konichiwa Records, paving the way for artists like Lorde and Charli XCX. Reflecting on her early career, she criticised the "disgusting" culture of the 1990s music industry, where she faced objectification and pressure to conform.
"There was an environment that was extremely brutal and intimidating," Robyn recalled, citing instances of men discussing her body in meetings. She credited therapy for helping process these experiences and expressed relief at escaping exploitative contracts with low royalties. Today, she champions diversity in pop but distances herself from commercial trends, preferring collaborations with Swedish peers like Frida Hyvönen.
Ageing, Touring and Future Plans
As a woman in midlife, Robyn dismissed age-related pressures in the industry. "I don't have this feeling that my age is defining me," she asserted, though she acknowledged a "man desert" for women over 40. She plans to tour Europe with Tyko, embracing a full-circle moment from her own childhood touring with her parents' theatre group.
Balancing motherhood and music requires improvisation, but Robyn feels more excited than ever. "I get to have both. It feels luxurious," she said. With Sexistential out now, she looks forward to live performances, aiming to blend rock'n'roll energy with emotional depth. "I'm still really tough, but I have a tear here," she quipped, pointing to her cheek.
