Exclusive Interview: Robbie Z
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
If you’ve been feeling like the pop world has been a little too grey lately—too many moody ballads, too much introspection—Robbie Z’s new single “THE SUN IS LOUD” is your signal flare of unapologetic brightness. Released on June 20, 2025, this London-based artist’s latest track is a deliberate act of joy: three minutes of sugar-rush energy, early-2010s nostalgia, and a kind of shameless optimism that feels rare right now.
From the first few seconds, you can tell exactly where Robbie’s sonic heart lives. Those sparkling synths, the driving beat, the hyper-polished vocal layers—they’re pure throwback to an era when pop wasn’t afraid to be big and shiny. He cites Ariana Grande’s “Break Free”, Charli XCX’s experimental vocal production, and Katy Perry’s peak Teenage Dream-era hooks as key influences, and it shows. But this isn’t just imitation. There’s a distinct personality here—playful, slightly cheeky, and self-aware.
The story behind the song is almost too fitting: Robbie woke up on an unusually sunny London morning in March, felt that burst of light hit his mood, and scribbled down the phrase “The sun is loud” in his journal. By the time he was on his way to the studio—headphones full of 2010s pop—he already knew it wasn’t just a throwaway thought; it was the seed of a song. That impulsive joy carries into the recording itself. What was originally meant to be a dance break evolved when Robbie, half-joking, started yelling “THE SUN IS LOUD” into the mic with heavy autotune. It stuck. It had to stick. And now it’s the entire chorus—a hook so ridiculously simple and catchy that it’s almost impossible not to repeat it out loud after the first listen.
Tommy Ringlov, the Swedish producer behind the track, deserves credit for helping Robbie nail that mix of retro and now. There’s a clarity and punch to the production that keeps it from feeling like pure nostalgia cosplay. The bass hits with enough modern low-end to sit next to current playlists, while the vocal processing nods to Charli XCX’s more experimental side, giving the track just enough edge to keep it from being bubblegum fluff. It’s light, yes, but not lightweight.
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Lyrically, it’s not a complex song—and that’s exactly its strength. This isn’t about metaphor-heavy poetry or clever wordplay; it’s about capturing a very specific emotional moment: that sudden, almost childish urge to throw your arms up, soak in the light, and scream something—anything—just because you feel alive. Robbie even admits, “It’s the song 12-year-old me would cry if he knew I wrote it.” That’s probably why it feels so authentic.
Beyond just a single, “THE SUN IS LOUD” is part of Robbie’s upcoming EP Anemoia, a project built around the idea of nostalgia for moments you’ve never actually lived. Each track drops in a different “warm month,” mirroring a kind of fantasy summer timeline. The first single, “USELESS COOL KIDZ”, set the tone in May; “THE SUN IS LOUD” is June’s chapter, with July’s “FISH” released this month. It’s an ambitious, tightly themed rollout, and it suggests Robbie’s thinking bigger than just chasing a viral single—he’s crafting a world.
In a streaming era where much of pop leans toward muted colors and downcast moods, Robbie Z is intentionally throwing glitter at the wall and daring you not to smile. “THE SUN IS LOUD” isn’t here to brood or whisper. It’s here to blast out of car windows, soundtrack park days, and make you remember what it’s like to love a song because it makes you feel good—full stop.
We spoke to Robbie Z about his journey so far.
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Do you have an interesting moment or story from your early life that has had a significant impact on your journey into music?
Robbie Z: An early moment in my life that impacted my artistry is a time when my aunt who lives in the US was visiting us (I'm from Bulgaria originally) and she brought me the first and second seasons of Hannah Montana on DVD, I resonated so much with that show although I didn't even know English back then. I must have been around 5 or 6 ears old. I was so fascinated with the double life and her on stage!
Are there any artists that were influential to your musical journey? How have they inspired your sound as an artist?
Robbie Z: When I was 11 and I found Iggy Azalea's music for the first time. That's when I had a lightbulb moment. I remember thinking, wait, I can do that too? I became a huge fan of her motivational lyrics and nostalgic visuals and for years she was the only artist I took inspiration for! I've been writing and releasing original music ever since.
How would you describe your sound to new listeners? What do you think sets you apart?
Robbie Z: I make music for your inner child. That weird kid who got bullied for having unrealistic dreams or wearing questionable clothes or whatever it was. Sound wise, I like mixing pop with rap and and forcing myself to explore new genres and stay out of my comfort zone. From a Robbie Z song you can expect a catchy melodic chorus, rappy verses, currently an early 2010s sonic influence and always a concept and a theme!
What's your creative process? Where do you normally start when it comes to writing and recording? Do the lyrics come first?
Robbie Z: It's not always the same, however in more recent years l've had a lyric ideas folder on my notes app and I write stuff daily in there. If I get melody ideas I record them on my voice memos app. Then when the time comes to write a song ideally I combine a lyric idea with a melody idea and during studio sessions I work with my producer on producing these ideas, recording demos and after that if these ideas and demos make the cut we record them properly. It's not always the same though. Sometimes a song just flows out of me, sometimes I want to write it but it takes months to finish. It's never the same!
Have you had any challenges or adversities in your life that you feel have shaped you as an artist?
Robbie Z: Yeah. When I was first starting out I initially decided to try writing original music because someone from my family was kidnapped and we would spend all day waiting for them to come back. It was a long 12 days so I decided to try and write my first song. That moment sort of forced me to try writing. On a different note, I don't take myself too seriously and I think that can be a sort of shield I used when I was younger because I was getting bullied for my music. I like a funny, weird looking visual, but it first started as a "I'll laugh at myself so you don't" sort of mentality.
Are there any moments or achievement from your career so far that you're most proud of?
Robbie Z: My moments of achievement l'm most proud of haven't happened yet. But looking back, the fact that at the age of 23 I can say l've been writing and releasing music for 8 years is what makes me the proudest. Getting to direct many music videos, and that I managed to give Charli xx (one of my biggest inspirations) my first CD personally was a very special one. But there's a lot more l'm excited about for the future.
Which do you prefer, the creative process or live performance? Or do you enjoy both equally?
Robbie Z: I love every part of being an artist. With that being said, sometimes all of it can stress me out. I love performing so much, but if I had to chose, I love the creative process even a little more!
Do you as an artist require fans to fully understand your message in each song or do you encourage subjective interpretation from every listener?
Robbie Z: Oh, absolutely not. In my opinion everything is subjective. Good music is bad music, bad music is good music. A pointless dumb song to me can have the deepest message to someone else and vice versa. I believe this as a music fan and artist. Even I sometimes don't fully understand my own songs but know that they're special enough for me to put out and potentially understand and relate to later on? I don't require fans to understand it. I want to provoke a feeling within them! That's what's important to me.
Does the political landscape have an impact on your music, or do you keep your personal opinions separate from your work as an artist?
Robbie Z: I don't like to hide my political views. If anything, the political landscape reminds me how important it is to write more about what I stand for and believe in. I don't think political opinions should be kept separate. I think people should know what they're signing up for when becoming a fan of an artist.
What are your future plans? Any new songs/projects on the horizon?
Robbie Z: I'm currently rolling out my new EP Anemoia (which means nostalgia for something you haven't experienced). Each song on this project represents a different summer month, hence why I've been releasing the corresponding song (to each month) since May and the full project will be released in September. I just released the July song - FISH. I also have a London show planned for when the EP drops! More on it soon!
“THE SUN IS LOUD” is available now on all major streaming platforms
