Why Zara Larsson Doesn't Want to Work With Max Martin

Zara Larsson is explaining why she doesn’t think a collaboration with Max Martin is right for her.

The 28-year-old Swedish pop star appeared on the latest episode of Las Culturistas with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, where she was asked if she would ever make a full album with the legendary Swedish producer.

“I don’t think so,” Zara said, while making it clear that she has a lot of respect for Max.

“That is someone to look up to for me…obviously he’s the best songwriter in the world and he just keeps getting number ones,” she added. “But I don’t know if that way of working is for me.”

Instead, she explained that she wants to keep working with the collaborators she has already built a close creative relationship with, including MNEK, Margo XS and Helena Gao. The three all worked with Zara on her Midnight Sun era.

“That’s where the magic comes from, not to try and look for it in Max Martin…I know he will affect me in a way which would make me be a little bit smaller,” Zara said.

She explained that her respect for Max might make it harder for her to push back creatively.

“I respect him so much,” Zara continued. “I know he has these huge songs and has so much knowledge that I would feel like whatever he says goes.”

Max has written and produced major hits for artists including Britney Spears, Robyn, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017.

Watch Zara Larsson explain her decision on Las Culturistas below.

If you missed it, Zara recently signed with a new record label after more than a decade with Epic Records.

Posted To:Bowen Yang Matt Rogers Max Martin Music Zara Larsson