She’s a pop sensation who has managed to squeeze so much into her 28 years - discovered at 14, recorded her first single at 16, and at the ripe old age of 24 launched her own record label – Konichiwa Records. Bellaboo catches up with this pint-sized power poppette during her recent tour of Oz.

Not sure what to expect from Robyn. Her bio from her Australian record label partner describes her as “a pint-sized atom bomb dosed to the tits on electric and dispensing wisdom in three-minute modernist pop bulletins on the post-adolescent condition”. What the? Hmmmm – am half expecting some OTT super exuberant, uber-intellectual scary artiste! Robyn in the flesh is not at all what I expected.

Softly spoken, polite, relaxed, and serious about her music and vision, with a refreshing attitude to the whole music biz.

She’s a girl who has morphed into not just a talented musician but a kick arse businesswoman. She has dared to do things differently and is living proof that following your heart, doing what makes you feel good and happy is worth it. Meet Robyn.

You were discovered at the tender age of 14. What was that like?
It was a good thing. It was very exciting. I had been writing songs and then to be given the chance to record, work in the music business – it was just the most incredible opportunity. It was a great experience and I was able to turn it into something – I learned a lot and it helped me grow as a person.

What was your fondest memory of that time?
You know there were so many moments – top 10 single in the US that sold millions of records, being on the Jay Leno Show, breaking into such a massive market and doing so well. I guess it was the whole thing – being able to work in the biggest market in the world. They are huge milestones, but then you walked away from it all.

What happened?
I didn’t like the music my record label made me make. I wasn’t happy with the music, I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing. I wasn’t having fun anymore. Once you make the record and you give it to the record company, it’s not your record anymore. And I hated that situation.

So, you headed home to Stockholm, and decided to start your own label – Konichiwa Records. How did that all happen?
It was really the only choice I had if I was going to continue on in the music industry. I just knew this is what I had to do to make the music I wanted to make and would make me happy. I never doubted for a minute that it would work. I had the support of family and friends, who all believed in me. Once the idea had been formed, I gathered a team of people – all great people I’d worked with over the years and many who were now freelancing. I had a promo girl, a marketing guy, a business manager. It was down to business – working out budgets, marketing plans, promotions. That was 2004 and it took me over a year to do the research and get it all together before we were ready to launch the label.

Wow, that’s quite a lot to take on at 25.
I had a vision. I knew this had to be something new, like nothing else out there. For me it was all, selfishly I guess, about creating something that would enable me to create the music I wanted to create. But the process has taught me so much more. I have learnt things I never dreamed of. I had to learn about hiring/firing people, building budgets, negotiation, how to make an impact with not much money. We had a slow build, starting out on myspace and vehicles like that. I’d always worked with big record labels in the past that splashed big bucks out to get results. This was more organic and I love that it’s been step by step. I’ve been able to pay attention to every detail. I have learned so much. I guess you’ve paved the way for other musicians – to not be afraid of taking a stand and creating the music they believe in? You know, I’ve never done anything to be anyone’s role model. I’ve always done what I needed to do to be happy. Guess that’s kinda selfish but there has never been any big plan.

So, your record label was formed, what happened next?
We recorded an album and released it in Sweden. It went Platinum and that was enough for me. I had never thought about releasing it anywhere outside of Sweden. But then the idea formed and I thought this time I can do this on my own terms. So, I signed up a management company and we tried to get the album signed to a license deal in the UK. We were knocked back by pretty much everyone. So, we started a UK Konichiwa Records. All of a sudden, everyone starts playing “Every Heartbeat” (which I never saw as a single). So, we release it as a single and after a couple of months all those people who had knocked us back were knocking on our door.

You signed up with another label to release the album overseas – how did that feel given your past experience with big record companies?
I know it’s insane but the reality was that we needed a major company to launch this internationally. But, I had learnt a lot since I was that 16 year old girl starting out. This time, the deal was on my terms. I have complete creative freedom, we share an equal relationship in all aspects. So, Konichiwa Records is still my label but my partners for my launch here are Modular and Universal.

All pretty confusing, huh? How would you describe your music style?
It’s pop music. I grew up listening to artists like Kate Bush, Cyndi Lauper, Police, Madonna, Prince. People who produced pop music with integrity and that’s what I hope I am achieving. I also loved hip hop as a teen so I guess mine is pop commercial with my own personal style.

You obviously are not afraid of the pop tag, unlike many in the music biz?
No, I grew up with this music, it has been such a part of my life and I love making this style of music. It makes me happy and I have fun.

What's your fave track on the album?
Be Mine – it is definitely a stand out that will stand the test of time.

Who inspires you musically?
All those early ‘90s pop icons I mentioned but especially Prince – he is such a big inspiration.

Some kick-arse advice for teen girls?
Don’t think too much about what other people are doing, focus on yourself and have fun!