When I first heard Robinson’s hit single, “Nothing to Regret”, I was immediately engaged, not only by the catchy chorus but by the total relatability of the song’s overall lyrical content.
In a world where many pop stars are singing about their riches and bottles and clubs, this track stood out as something for everyone else: those of us who just want the simplicity of a fun night in, where we can dance with our friends and drink and not worry about the rest. The theme is eerily reminiscent of what was so captivating about Lorde when she first appeared on the scene with “Royals”. We don’t need it all to be happy, we just need each other, and maybe some vodka.
But all of Robinson’s tracks are this way, and as an artist, she is both confident and self-aware and has the unique ability to hit on those unavoidable human feelings.
As her momentum continues to build, she’s taking the big leap and moving to London. We sat down with Robinson to talk about her career thus far and what’s coming next.
When did you officially begin your music career, and what initially drew you to music?
I’ve been doing music a very long time, long before officially starting my music career. I always knew I wanted to write songs and perform them like this innate desire that always felt present. Everything in my whole life has revolved around music. It gives me a huge sense of belonging and purpose and I just completely threw every fibre of my being into listening to it, practising it, wanting to pursue it. I’d say this was my foundation and then when I was 18 and out of high school, my plan was to stay in my hometown to write lots of music to form an EP and put it on Soundcloud. I was then approached by my manager, Ashley Page, and did a lot of writing, we then started releasing it.
How did you feel when “Nothing to Regret” took off so quickly? Did it at all alter your outlook on your career moving forward?
I think it was an indescribable feeling seeing such a positive result after working so hard and dreaming so big. It kind of put into perspective how quickly things can change and how you can’t really anticipate what’s going to happen, you just have to keep speaking your truth, and keep the passion alive even when you doubt yourself because you never know what’s around the corner. I don’t think it altered my outlook necessarily but it did make me realise you don’t have control over the numbers and stats, once the songs out it’s up to so many things to go right in the universe and I’m very lucky they did but I think the key for me is never losing the love of creating, and always keeping the passion and drive alive… creativity is a process and one I always want to stay true to.
What has your journey been like so far, and what does your current day-to-day look like?
My journey so far has been amazing. I’ve seen so many incredible places thanks to music. I knew I always wanted to travel the world but actually reflecting and thinking about the places I’ve seen in the last 3 years is insane! I feel so lucky, so unbelievably lucky to be doing what I love and I feel so much gratitude to the people who have made it possible for me to do that. My current day to day changes all the time, it’s been like this for the last 2 years and I really love it. I guess I love not having everything so planned out, perhaps that’ll change when I’m older? I’m doing a lot of writing, experiencing life, writing some more, and prepping for live shows which I’m very excited for!
What inspired you to make the move to London? How will this be a game-changer for your career?
I feel like I had a strong connection with London when I first came here. Something about this city really inspires me. It’s very similar but also very different to home and I like that challenge. I came here on a couple of trips for a month at a time and loved catching the tube, watching people rushing to work, going to pubs… all of it! I think this will be a game-changer for my career because I’m experiencing new things, I’m living on my own on the other side of the world… I think it’s a new and exciting experience and one essential to my character. I think London feels like the place to be for my music, I just feel closer to it all and I love the artistic culture here and working with all the great producers and writers! I feel like the opportunities for touring through Europe are so cool too!
What would you say are the highs and lows of being an artist in today’s industry?
I’d say music takes me the highest but also brings me the lowest. I think this is because of how much emphasis I’ve always put on it making me happy. If you think about it like this; everyone has a bad day at work but for some reason I felt like one bad day in music meant it was all over or that I wasn’t good enough. I think being creative, you put so much of yourself on the line all the time, and it can be a scary thing opening up to strangers or not giving into social pressures… some days are just bad days but I’ve learnt we ALL have them but it’s been the passion and drive that has overcome my self doubt every single time. The highs however are immense, they truly are… it’s when you write a song you’re proud of, when you play to an audience and their energy is extraordinary, when you listen to a song and it connects with you like nothing else, when you wake up in a city you’ve never been to before, when someone says how much your song has helped them through a rough time… these are some of the most beautiful feelings and I’m willing to accept the fact I’ll have a few off days every now and then but that it’s ok. We’re human, we all do.
Talk us through your single, “Don’t Say”. What were the experiences that inspired it?
“Don’t Say” is a song I wrote in LA with Fred Gibson. It started off as mumbling melodies as Fred played some chords and the words then fell into place afterwards. It was inspired by a relationship that ended after many months of falling apart, but those feelings of familiarity remaining and sometimes just wanting to go back to that place despite the fact it wasn’t right because of it taking away the loneliness that can come with feeling alone. It’s kind of like when people say the best way to get over someone is to experience the bitterness so you know it’s right, if it was warm and lovely and “I still love you” etc sometimes it can be harder to let go. “Dont Say” is saying “dont say you still love me” because hearing those words can make us forget the reasons why it needs to end.
What part of playing live do you love the most?
Playing live is an unbelievable feeling and one I feel so lucky to be able to do! I love connecting with other people and seeing the way music can effect people in the most beautiful way. I love locking eyes with someone in the crowd, seeing them feel an emotion. I feel like my live performance has come such a long way over the past 2 years. I used to get so nervous and was unsure of how to move onstage but have really come into my own and found a huge confidence in letting loose on stage! Nothing feels better.
Are you excited to be joining Little Mix on the road?
I’m so incredibly excited to be joining Little Mix on the road! I think the shows are going to be so much fun and I can’t wait to play all the new songs live! I’m honestly daydreaming about it!