Sigrid Embraces Vulnerability and Queer Inspiration in Bold New Era

With her signature candor and wit, Sigrid has returned with “There’s Always More That I Could Say,” an album that signals a striking evolution for the Norwegian singer-songwriter. In a revealing interview with PinkNews, Sigrid discusses how the current state of pop music—one that is increasingly open to “messy” emotions and contradictions—has emboldened her to be more vulnerable and experimental than ever before .

“There are no rules anymore for what is pop,” Sigrid tells PinkNews. She credits a new generation of pop stars—many of whom are LGBTQ+—for making it acceptable to showcase the full spectrum of human emotion. Artists like Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Troye Sivan have, in Sigrid’s view, helped “throw out the rule book,” creating space for more open, funny, and satirical work .

After years of near-constant touring and the release of her 2022 album “How To Let Go,” Sigrid found herself in a creative rut. She describes feeling like “a machine”—caught in a cycle of performances, with little time to process her own experiences . Recognizing the need for change, she took her first summer holiday in nine years, traveling solo to northern Norway. The break gave her space to reflect and recharge, ultimately reigniting her songwriting spark.

Upon returning, Sigrid collaborated with longtime friend and producer Askjell Solstrand. Their writing sessions spanned Bergen, London, Tokyo, and even Solstrand’s shed. But it was a writing camp, intended originally for penning songs for others, that helped Sigrid break through her creative block. There, she co-wrote “Hush Baby, Hurry Slowly,” an electro-pop track inspired by the euphoric sound of Troye Sivan’s 2023 album “Something to Give Each Other”—a record celebrated in queer circles for its honesty and emotional resonance .

Sigrid’s admiration for LGBTQ+ artists and fans is a recurring theme throughout the interview. When asked about the queer appeal of her music, she beams: “Everyone knows the gays rule the pop world.” For Sigrid, the kinship with LGBTQ+ audiences is rooted in a shared appreciation for soaring, cathartic pop moments and the courage to express vulnerability . She cites artists like Robyn and Troye Sivan as inspirations, highlighting the impact of their openness on her own artistic process.

The current pop landscape, Sigrid observes, is more inclusive and boundary-breaking than ever. She points to the success of artists who are unafraid to showcase their identities and emotions, noting that this visibility empowers both fans and fellow musicians. Sigrid’s own work reflects this influence: her new album is described as “angsty” and “bold,” with lyrics that wear her heart on her sleeve while also establishing clear boundaries—a balance she says is essential to her well-being as both an artist and a person .

Sigrid’s journey to her third album was marked by self-doubt and a tendency to overthink. Questions like “Does this fit into my discography?” and “Do I think it’s cool enough?” loomed large during the creative process. But through collaboration and a willingness to experiment, she learned to “let whatever happens, happen.” This acceptance of uncertainty is reflected in the album’s title and ethos: “You have to be OK that the plan can change. You never know what’s going to happen around the next corner,” Sigrid reflects .

Her openness to change also led to new opportunities. Earlier this year, after performing with Ed Sheeran in Oslo, Sigrid asked to support him on his US tour—a spontaneous request that Sheeran quickly agreed to. “That’s how the industry is. It can change so quickly,” Sigrid notes, underscoring the unpredictability and excitement of her career .

Nearly ten years after her breakthrough—winning the BBC Music Sound of 2018 poll—Sigrid is more comfortable than ever with the ebb and flow of her artistry. She continues to tour extensively, describing her career as a whirlwind of festivals and performances. Yet, she now prioritizes self-care and creative satisfaction, recognizing the importance of breaks and personal boundaries .

Sigrid’s approach resonates far beyond her own fanbase. Her willingness to embrace vulnerability, celebrate LGBTQ+ influence, and challenge the conventions of pop music positions her as a key figure in a new era of authenticity. As she tells The Eras Podcast, “If you want people to respect your boundaries, you have to let people know your boundaries” . It’s a message that echoes throughout her latest work, inviting listeners to find strength in openness and community.

Sigrid’s story is emblematic of a larger movement in music, where LGBTQ+ representation and influence are not only celebrated but essential to the genre’s evolution. The visibility of openly queer artists—and the embrace of LGBTQ+ fans by artists like Sigrid—fosters a culture of acceptance, creativity, and mutual support .

For many, pop music has long been a space of refuge and self-expression, particularly for those who feel marginalized elsewhere. Sigrid’s latest album, and her candid discussion of its creation, underscore the importance of community and honesty in both life and art. As boundaries continue to dissolve and new voices emerge, artists like Sigrid are helping to shape a pop world that is more inclusive, dynamic, and real than ever before.

Sigrid’s “There’s Always More That I Could Say” is out now, inviting fans—queer and allied alike—to join her on this bold new journey .