Perhaps an overnight success is how some would describe her, although a major label deal, and singles with streams in the multi-millions hasn’t seen her become anywhere near complacent.
“I was always ambitious and passionate about it,” confesses Robinson. “I remember asking my mum for at least a year to move to America with me. I always thought you know – that’s what you’re meant to do.”
Her latest single, ‘Medicine’, is a reflective track, exploring the idea of making poor decisions, and the effects that those decisions may have. She says that the thought process behind the song was actually quite simple.
“I seem to have this track record of writing my favourite track right at the end of session,” she muses. “We got to the end of our session, sat and talked for like four hours, we went to get lunch, bought a guitar, and then the song just came to life.
“We started writing and it all fell into place. We worked on the production side first, and then we were just writing lyrics and melodies, and it just happened really fast. I think sometimes that’s just the way – when it really clicks, it happens so quickly.”
The uplifting song has been met with praise worldwide, and the pressure that comes with that isn’t easy.
“I think there are natural feelings of anxiety and you do get your down-periods when you’re obviously on these incredible tours. You’re having so much fun, or you’re writing in the studio, but then you go home and that high goes away.”
“I don’t think that you can ever imagine what it’s gonna be like when you release a song, and to think that so many people can hear that thing you made, is just surreal,” says Robinson of the post-release hype.
“I still have these moments where I’m like ‘wait a minute – that many people have heard the song? That’s absolutely crazy.’ So, I think it’s just a process of thinking ‘wow, that’s surreal’ and trying to pinch yourself back into reality.”
Having said that, she tries not to pay too much attention to everything that goes on around her.
“You release a song, and obviously your management keep you updated with what’s happening but I don’t try to get trapped in that world – it can become quite negative. You’ve just got to focus on the songs you’re writing and the next thing.”
She adds, “I think the most important thing is just surrounding yourself with people that understand, and having people that you can talk to. There’s a roller coaster of emotions being in the music industry, so it’s important to have that foundation of people around you.”
But finding this foundation of people can be tricky sometimes, particularly when there’s a lack of women working in the music industry.
“I think it’s something that I’d like to try and change – aiming to get more women in music, even just mixing and mastering songs. I’d love to be working with as many women as I can – I think it’s just crucial.”
Robinson has plenty to look forward to, with the lauded pop singer’s next year looking strong.
“I’m doing a tour here, I’m doing a big festival in Bali, playing Rhythm and Vines in New Zealand. Hopefully we’ll be heading back to Europe soon for another tour, and then maybe a couple of singles.”
