Zara Larsson says she would feel ‘smaller’ working with Max Martin

Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has played down the possibility of making a full album with Swedish producer and songwriter Max Martin, saying his influence could make her feel “a little bit smaller” as an artist.

Swedish pop star Zara Larsson has played down the possibility of making a full album with Swedish producer and songwriter Max Martin, saying his influence could make her feel “a little bit smaller” as an artist.

Larsson discussed Martin during an appearance on the podcast Las Culturistas with hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers.

“I don’t think so,” Larsson said when asked about working with Martin on a full album.

Martin has worked with artists including Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and The Weeknd.

“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,” Larsson said. “But I don’t know if that way of working is for me.”

Martin has written or co-written 31 songs that have topped the Billboard Hot 100, including “I Kissed a Girl,” “Shake It Off,” “I Want It That Way” and “…Baby One More Time.”

Larsson said she prefers collaborating with artists such as MNEK, Margo XS and Helena Gao, with whom she developed creative relationships while working on her 2025 album Midnight Sun.

“That’s where the magic comes from, not to try and look for it in Max Martin… I think me and Max could make an amazing song or album, but I know he will affect me in a way which would make me be a little bit smaller,” she said.

Larsson said her admiration for Martin could make it difficult for her to challenge his creative decisions.

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