Darin is a Swedish superstar and he is now stepping into his most authentic and liberated chapter yet. His infectious single ‘Electric’ was recently released and we just love it!

With more than half a billion streams to his name, eight number one albums in his home country and multiple Swedish Grammy wins, Darin is Sweden’s most successful male pop artist.

For Darin, coming out publicly in August 2020 kickstarted a period of personal growth that has led to him feeling more comfortable and confidentthan ever before. “I’ve become even more me – almost like when you’re a kid and you don’t overthink things too much. Wow, maybe I haven’t been this super-free kind of person for a while”

DARIN is now stepping into his most authentic and liberated chapter yet.

Who is Darin and how do you identify?

Hi, I’m Darin (he/him). I was born in Sweden where my parents moved to from Kurdistan in the 80’s. I’m from Stockholm and currently live in Mallorca, Spain.

When did everything start?

Well I guess it all started when I was writing songs for other artists in the business. That was around 2003. The next year I had my breakthrough as an artist in Sweden, and it all took off from there!

How did your sexuality affect your music and your career?

I think it brings me closer to people. It allows me to be authentic. I always think of my music as being honest, and so I don’t limit myself as much as I did before I came out.

Is there enough inclusivity and representation in your field?

There is and there isn’t. When I look back, there were not as many gay idols for people like me growing up as some might think. Of course there was George Michael and Elton John, but they weren’t always met with acceptance and it wasn’t as common as it is today. Now there is, it’s almost a non-event and in the best way. That’s so great for young gay artists coming through. At the same time, I think it’s important to recognise that this isn’t the same all over the world, or even where my family comes from. It shouldn’t be taken for granted. Generally, I’d like to see more inclusivity and representation in the industry for trans and non-binary artists.

What does ‘Electric’ mean to you?

It’s a feel good song about a very strong connection to someone. For me, it’s a special memory of a night in Palma, Mallorca where I live. It was the night I met the love of my life for the first time. It was a crazy intense feeling I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for. I sometimes describe it like a magnetic pull and I think the song touches on that feeling and that force.

How have you grown personally and professionally over the last years?

I’m not sure I can separate the two. I definitely feel like most of my growth personally has happened over the last few years! Not just because of coming out, but all of the unlearning and new learning that comes with it. I think that the journey for any LGBTQ+ person is to follow that path to your authentic self. Because of that, I’ve experimented with new styles from folk music to funk/dance music and tried things artistically that I wouldn’t have tried before.

How do you feel being a multiple Grammy winner and so streamed?

I genuinely feel great about it. I think everyone should be proud of their accomplishments. Music is something I love and when I write and sing I put my all into it. While I’m so grateful for the recognition, it’s not all about streams or Grammys. It’s important for me to remember why I do this, and that’s to connect with people, to express myself and for the love of the music.

What are your dreams for the future and the next steps?

I just had so much fun doing my Arena Tour last year, and I see live music taking a big place in my future projects. I would like to do as much of that as possible going forward. “Electric” is definitely a song I want to perform live!