Tove Lo talks messy girl acceptance and the power of therapy
Tove Lo is back, and she’s bringing a sound as raw and emotionally charged as her journey: her sixth solo album, Estrus, is set to redefine pop with its intoxicating blend of club beats, slinky basslines, and deeply personal melodies.
This new record marks a significant moment for the Swedish pop pioneer, offering a full-throttle exploration of themes that run through her life—from navigating depression and therapy to finding radical self-acceptance.
The creation of Estrus was not a sudden burst of genius, but a deliberate journey. After a period of creative pause, Tove Lo found herself diving into the process, inspired by the magnetic energy of artists like Robyn and Lykke Li, and the raw intensity of The Knife. The resulting album is a floor-filling collection, designed to be performed on stage, capturing that essential, primal energy.
The title itself, Estrus, is deeply rooted in Tove Lo’s search for a word that encapsulated a specific, complex feeling. In her writing process, she discovered the term while exploring books, finding a description that spoke to that frustrated, animalistic impulse—a feeling of vulnerability and a potent energy that mirrors the emotional landscape of the album.
To cultivate this sound, Tove Lo stepped away from the hustle and immersed herself in a place that provided necessary grounding: a small Swedish fishing village where she spent her summers growing up. This environment became a creative hub, offering a unique mix of beautiful and dark emotional triggers that fueled the album’s narrative.
This connection to her roots reflects a broader theme in her work: the healing power of space. Returning to that village during periods of creative burnout allowed her to process emotional turmoil and find a writing bubble free from distraction. It was a place where she could reconnect with her past, recognizing the emotional milestones of her life—from first heartbreak to navigating complex personal struggles.
As Tove Lo navigated her path through therapy to redefine her relationship with her body, the album serves as a powerful testament to the journey of body positivity. She has learned that breaking down old habits and recognizing the inner saboteur is key to finding freedom. Her message is clear: vulnerability is strength, and healing allows for a more authentic, unretouched self.
When asked about the evolution of acceptance, Lo noted that there is far more love and respect for the “messy girl” now than in the past. She emphasized that the work of therapy provided the tools needed to dismantle negative self-perceptions and embrace a beautiful, authentic self.
Looking ahead, Tove Lo is leaning into collaborative dreams, eyeing artists like Robyn, Adele, Slayyyter, Doechii, Charli XCX, and Wet Leg for potential remixes and additional tracks. She hopes that when Estrus is released, listeners will feel as if their hearts have been ripped open and then filled with glitter—a cathartic experience that leaves them feeling understood.
The album is currently out on September 18 and is kicking off a massive North American tour, promising a spectacular experience for fans who are ready to embrace the wild, beautiful, and complex truth of Estrus.
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