Robyn

Artist name (shared by several):	Robyn.
Personal names :	Robyn Martin – Martin Vikene (Morten Taraldsvik) – Miriam and Robin Carlsson – with more.
Occupation :	Music artist – vocalist.
Earlier names/ Pennames/Pseudonyms/ Nicknames :	Robin – Robin Carlsson – Martin – Morten Taraldsvik – Miriam.
Born (place – date) :	– 29.09 1975 (Martin).
Hometown/place – Nation :	Sarpsborg – Norway / Stockholm – Sweden.
Residences – Nations :	Gothenburg – Sweden / Stockholm – Sweden / New York – US (both). Sarpsborg – Norway (both).
Adress (2025) :	Unknown / Linnèplatsen – Gothenburg – Sweden (Miriam).
Nationality/ citizenship :	Norwegian (and swedish).
Biological origin :	Norwegian and Swedish (assumebly).
Biological parents:	Unknown.
Juridical parents:	Unknown.
Race:	Nordic/German/European/Caucasian
Ethnicity :	Swedish and Norwegian.

Education :	Bachelor/Ex.phil/Journalism (Martin).
Prev. residences :	Kurland/Sarpsborg/Norway (1977 – 2021) – Stockholm/Sweden (1989 – 99/with more) – Gothenburg/Sweden (1995/with more).
Height :	– 173,5 cm (Martin/can have been lower).
Hair color :	Blonde (natural).
Skin color :	White.
Zodiac star sign :	– Libra (Martin).
Chinese horoscope sign :	– Tree Rabbit (Martin).

Credits – Career – Achievements

Music (lyrics – vocals – etc.)

Singer/vocal – All the songs at the album – Robyn is Here (1995).
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Melody/Music/Sound – All the songs at the album – Robyn is Here (1995).
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Vocalist/Lyricist – Bumpy Ride (single) – Robyn is Here (album) – 1995.
Vocalist/Lyricist – Do You Know (What it Takes) (single) – Robyn is Here (album) – 1995.
Vocalist/Lyricist – The Last Time (single) – Robyn is Here (album) – 1995.
Vocalist/Lyricist – Just Another Girlfriend (single) – Robyn is Here (album) – 1995.
Vocalist/Lyricist – Don`t Want You Back (single) – Robyn is Here (album) – 1995.
Vocalist/Lyricist – Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect) (single) – Robyn is Here (album) – 1995.
Vocalist/Lyricist – Robyn is Here (single) – Robyn is Here (album) (“Robyn” or Martin is the writer) – 1995.

The background of the music artist Robyn

Parts or most of the music artist Robyn’s background is significantly linked to my history, that is, to my Martin’s (or Morten Taraldsvik’s).

– Appeared as vocalist/singer Robin Carlsson for the song “In My Heart” in the program “Söndagsöppet” på SVT, i 1990.

– I Martin appeared as vocalist/singer with the name Robin Carlsson for the song “You Can Always Become Number One” in the anniversary program “Sportsspegelns 10-Years Anniversary” on SVT, on Jan. 2, 1993.

The first time or the first times Robyn the artist appeared publicly in the media

The music artist Robyn can be mostly linked to me Martin. I can certainly say that it was I Martin (Morten Taraldsvik) who was and is the original artist Robyn,

The Robyn thing actually was started by me as early as in 1991/92, later I for a shorter period in 1994/95, got some assistance from one or two of my friends from the neighborhood regarding my music artist or group project. One of my friends, was quite musical and could play the guitar well, and stuff like that. The other friend, could help with the computer, and possibly the music program, hehe. I Martin had already written much lyrics myself, and was supposed to be the vocalist/singer. I guess I could say that I was the initiator of the whole thing, in that sense. This happened in 1992 or 1993/94/95, I believe it was. Perhaps, I had mentioned or started my music project (Robyn project) already in 1991 too.

As I mentioned, I had some lyrics lying around in my room at home. One of the lyrics was “In My Heart”. I Martin had already sung it for a few years, and made a melody for it. It was one of the first songs that was made in connection with the Robyn project. Other songs were “You`ve Got That Somethin`”, “Do You Really Want Me” and “Do You Know (What it Takes)”.

I then started recording one or more songs onto a regular recording cassette, a type of demo cassette. Including the song “In My Heart”. perhaps with accompanying guitar playing from a friend and I with vocals. Whether my computer friend was involved then, before, or later, I am not sure at the time of writing, but in one way or another “my computer friend” may have also been involved in the project. I think as mentioned that it was mostly as a type of a supplier for a computer, with a type of a music program, which could be used to make good songs.

I had eventually made the first demo cassette with one or more songs, which could eventually also be the basis for the music artist Robyn’s first album “Robyn is Here”, which was released in 1995. When the artist name Robyn was used, I am somewhat unsure. It is possible that I used it already from our first recording/demo cassette, possibly in connection with the Meja concert in 1992, but latest in connection with the single release of the song “You Got That Somethin'”, on May 20, 1995.

I can also repeat that I, Martin, had some experience with singing and performing songs, before Robyn`s debutsingle release. I had, among other things, as the songwriter for the intro song “You Can Always Be Number One” to “Lilla Sportsspegeln” on SVT, participated in performing the song in the 10th anniversary TV program for the program, that was broadcasted on January 2, 1993. At that time, I used a similar artist name as Robyn, namely Robin, but also with a surname, namely Carlsson, so Robin Carlsson, hehe.

We can thus say that Robyn the artist eventually emerged as a type of character, with me as the person. I Martin eventually wore the typical Robyn look, with my hair, a type of wig, make up, and possibly a face mask, and an upper body suit. The artist’s name was Robyn, and the gender was not necessarily defined, hehe. But I can say that artist Robyn was probably of the more feminine type. One could also say that Robyn could be called a type of transgender artist.

The first music videos made were “Do You Know (What it Takes)”, and “Do You Really Want Me”. I am currently unsure of the order, and exactly when they were made. It is possible that the music video for “Do You Know (What it Takes)” was made as early as 1994. I know for sure that the video, or at least one of them, was recorded in Sarpsborg, at Grålum, in a studio there. So it may have been recorded as early as 1994, but was only finished and released in 1996. The same may apply to the music video for “Do You Really Want Me”, only that it was released in 1995.

The Meja concert in Stockholm in 1992 – Robyn the artist was “discovered”

The artist Robyn was “discovered” in a way assumebly in 1992, when I Martin sang during the break in a “Legacy of Sound” concert, in Stockholm. I Martin then sang the song “In My Heart”, or “I Wish”, perhaps both, that I had made some years before, latest in 1989 (or 1995). It was singer in the band Meja Beckmann who discovered me to a significant extent, or that perhaps mentioned me in other contexts, or that perhaps conveyed me to others in the media, or in the music branch.

Specifically, Meja is said to have contacted me after my song performance, to say hello, and possibly to say that it was well performed. She also undertook to introduce me, that is, the artist Robyn, to her manager Peter Swartling. This happened by noting my phone number, and then passing this on to her manager. In that connection, Meja told me about me, the artist Robyn. This led to me until 6 months later (Dec. 1992) ending up in Peter Swartling’s studio where I performed one of the songs I had made. I did this without a demo cassette, performing the song directly there and then in the studio. I`m not sure if I introduced myself as the music artist Robyn already then (but anyway, the original one, one can say in retrospect, hehe). It is possible that I used the artist name “Robin Carlsson”. Peter Swartling then passed me on to the music producers Ulf Lindström and Johan Ekhe, who thus became the music artist Robyn’s (Robin Carlsson`s) first producers. This may have happened in 1992/93. Later, in 1995 (93) autumn, I as Robyn or Robin Carlsson started at the music continuation school “Rythmus” in Stockholm, a type of a music high school, I believe it was. But I quit school after just a few days, because I wanted to bet on my music career, as the music artist Robyn.

In the period until Robyn the artist became more well-known in 1994/95, I started at St. Olaf High School again, and in the fall of 1994 I started at the University of Tromsø, to take the Ex.Phil studies there.

Regarding the concert with Meja and Legacy of Sound, it is said to have taken place at Eriksdalsskolan in Stockholm, which is a primary school.

Regarding the concert venue, I imagine it to have been in a type of auditorium, or a gymnasium. I remember that we may have sat at “square tables” made up of “school desks” or similar, perhaps, and possibly chairs corresponding to that. Further ahead there was a type of stage, where the vocalist Meja sang and played with her band, and where during the break I went up front and performed the song “In My Heart”, whether I had accompaniment or not, I don`t remember for now, but it is possible that my friend aquaintance Daniel from my earlier youthhood may have been that, in which case a guitarist. Somehow I met him and other aquainted from Sarpsborg at the workshop meeting there at Eriksdalsskolan when Meja played there, if I remember right.

Part of the reason I was in Stockholm in the summer of 92 (95), in addition to possibly trying to promote the music artist Robyn, was a type of quarrel I had at home. I can say that at times I could have quite problematic relationship levels at home, in that I had a mother (stepmother) who could be quite yelling and quarrelative. It was often not a pleasant dear mother relationship, hehe. But it used to stabilize in that I was quite compliant, and that I had my own room to be in, and to resort to. So at one of the usual quarrels (or it was more that I was more irrationally yelled at, it didn’t take much) in 1992 led to me having to move, I was simply told to pack up and go. Well, there wasn’t much else to do but to set adrift. I decided to go to Stockholm, since I had some acquaintances there. I knew about the Carlsson family, and that I might have contacts in the music community there. So the approach to my stay in Stockholm in 1992 was that I came as a kind of orphan without a permanent place of residence.

Then it was just to drift off, and travel around like a vagabond, in search of a place to live, and pleasant socializing. In a way, it was like a liberation, finally done with the homestead, and the relatively boring. Went on a trip to “live life”, hehe. I guess I could also say that it was probably around the summer of 1992, when this happened.

In a way, you could say that I came from the street level, at that time, and was in Stockholm, so to speak, and eventually I became known as the music artist Robyn. I was pretty much out in Stockholm, and met others of the same age, and possibly in the same situation. In 1992, I became known at the basic level as the music artist Robyn, and performed a number of songs on club stages and club venues. This eventually led to TV channels, especially ZTV, becoming interested in interviewing me, as the music artist Robyn. This in 1995, which in turn led to Robyn the artist becoming even more known or famous. Some of this may have been recorded, but it can be quite rare to find any of this documented or posted on the internet, such as YouTube, etc.

How and why has this times Robyn artist thus received her biography? Could the question be? The link to Miriam Carlsson?

Not only did I Martin, back then in 1995, use the artistname Robyn, but I also used a pseudonym as my private name, which was “Robin Carlsson”, and not my real name that at that time was “Morten Taraldsvik”, because I thought that the “Robin” name was better to use, especially the last name “Carlsson” that was more easy and fluent to utter.

The name “Robin Carlsson” that I used as my private pseudonym was the same as two acquaintances I had, who lived in Stockholm, and whom I have already mentioned in certain contexts, namely Robin Carlsson (b. 1978), and Miriam Carlsson (b. 1979). In addition to having the same name, at the very beginning of the Robyn project I used personal data the same as Miriam Carlsson’s , for some reason. I interpret it in retrospect that I did not want to connect bad family connections to my Robyn project. In particular, that is why I came up with Robyn’s biography, which was similar to Miriam Carlsson’s, who was born on June 12, 1979. Later, Robin (born 1978), Miriam’s “sister”, also came along and connected to the Robyn artist thing, as the new Robyn, or the supplementary one from about 2001/02. Although I also continued to be the Robyn artist on and off for periods.

So this pseudo-personal data that was linked to the artist Robyn, was simply just hanging on, even though it is not correct, because it actually belongs to “Miriam Carlsson”. Since this has been mentioned, it then essentially almost only the so-called dry numbers and names fact-based biography – with name, age, date of birth, etc. – as well as the years of the youthyears or the upbringing, which is the same as Miriam Carlsson`s (b. June 12, 1979), the rest of the biography matches the artist Robyn’s (my biography), actually from birth on Södermalm in Stockholm. I repeat that the original artist Robyn’s biography should thus, according to what has been explained, match my biography, i.e. Martin Vikene (b. September 29, 1975, on Södermalm in Stockholm).

Since this pseudo-personal data is mentioned, I can say that it does not necessarily have anything to do with the music artist Robyn’s performance as a singer, or have any significance for the content and plausibility of the songs. I can also say that the music artist Robyn’s songs, which are largely, or perhaps entirely, made by me, are based on real situations, relationships, feelings, thoughts, and more. The songs are mostly, what one could call, self-produced.

Was in a relationship with Miriam Carlsson – were partners/”lovers” – She came with me back to Sarpsborg 1994

When I was in Stockholm last time, relatively speaking, in the summer of 1994/95. Then I ended up with the Carlsson family. As mentioned, I was without a place to live, but I knew the Carlsson family, and I asked if I could borrow a room from them and live there for a while. In that connection, I also got to know Miriam Carlsson (b.1979). We became a kind of couple, with pretty good intimate time together, and more, hehe. I can also mention that the Carlsson family lived on the Södermalm side in Stockholm.

The Meja concert took place, as mentioned, at Miriam Carlsson’s school, and it may well be in connection with the fact that I was staying with the Carlsson family that I was also there. The Meja concert and my performance there, as mentioned, were the first to make me better known as the artist Robyn, eventually.

During the summer of 1994, I assume it may have been the summer of 94, but I’m not entirely sure, Miriam came back to Sarpsborg with me, or maybe she came a little later. It was in connection with her leaving primary school and starting a type of arts and crafts school in the Sarpsborg area. I can also tell you that at that time it was Miriam who wore the typical Robyn look (i.e. face mask, wig, etc.). In that case, Miriam could easily have been mistaken for the artist Robyn, especially in retrospect. I will admit that I was particularly interested in Miriam at the time when she looked like Robyn herself, hehe. I can also repeat that for a shorter period in 1994/95, my friend acquaintance Jim also wore Robyn’s look (as Miriam).

I can also mention that in the spring/summer of 1994/95, I held one of my first concerts as the artist Robyn, at Sarpsborg Square (torget), in the city center, in my hometown Sarpsborg.

From 1994/95, I was officially the music artist Robyn, and represented her publicly in the media, etc. Went to the USA, and lived in a dormitory there. Was also interviewed by Swedish TV SVT. The Robyn we see in those contexts is me, Martin! From 1997 to 2001, I continued to experience, concerts, TV performances, TV interviews, etc. Robyn the artist who was me, earned a huge amount of money (I would say at this time), at that time too. Bought fashionable apartments, country houses, etc. Was offered at least 1 million dollars to be pictured in Playboy, but I as Robyn the artist refused. I didn’t think it would be that good. It was kind of too early, I thought I was too young (actually 20/21 years old). On the other hand, if I had been 50 years old as I said on a talk show I was on at the time, it was “Luuk” n 1997, I would have considered doing it, sort of, hehe.

To put the Playboy stuff into perspective, I can announce that as the music artist Robyn, I already had at least 3/10 times that amount in money, that is, 30/100 million Swedish kronor (1997). A huge amount of money for me at this time. Money and wealth that shall still belong to me.

I repeat that Robyn can have had several different looks, with me as the person, sometimes Miriam (1979) has had a similar appearance. From 2001/02 “Robin Carlsson” (1978) also came with, and had her appearance, which Robyn also wore. From about 2008/12 to 2026 there can have been several (included me) who in between periods may have tried to be and resemble Robyn, but I am the real original music artist Robyn from the start! Hehe!

Contract Agreements with music production companies

1993 – 2005: Richochet – RCA – BMG (Jive Records)

According to Wikipedia (2025), Robyn the artist, or I Martin, is supposed to have signed a record deal with Richochet Records Sweden, already in 1993. That can be quite right. I assume it may have something to do with the “Meja concert” in 1992, or with the TV appearance I had on 2. Jan. 1993 as Robin Carlsson on “Sportspegelns 10-years Anniversary program”. Richochet Records Sweden was taken over by BMG in 1994. From the very beginning, Robyn, or I Martin, collaborated with producers Max Martin and Denniz Pop. They helped bring in a gritty (but popular) sound.

In 1994, Robyn, or I Martin, is said to have signed a contract with RCA Records. That same year, I Robyn released the single “You’ve Got That Somethin'” in Sweden. (Internationally 1995). Later that same year in 1994, I as the artist Robyn had my Swedish breakthrough with the single “Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect)”. The aforementioned singles became part of the album “Robyn is Here”, which was released in October 1995.

I can also repeat that in 1995 and further into 1996 I have been in the USA, periodically, to especially promote the singles “Show Me Love” and “Do You Know (What It Takes)”. The promotion took place by participating in various events, as well as in TV programs, radio programs, and more.

Examples of the aforementioned could be the TV series “All That”, which is an American sketch children’s show that aired on Nickelodeon, where I as Robyn performed “Show Me Love”. This happened assumebly sometime in 1997, the relevant episode was broadcast the 29th of November 1997, in episode 3 in sesaon 4, where I appeared as a guest artist in the program.

I, as the music artist Robyn, had a contract with the same record label from 1993 until July 2001 (Richochet/BMG). However, in July 2001, a change occurred in that I, as Robyn (as well as Robin Carlsson/the collaborative project Robyn) entered into a worldwide agreement with Jive Records. In 2002, BMG (the previous record label I as Robyn had a contract with) bought Jive Records, so then the music artist Robyn was back in the same music label where she started in 1993 with Richochet which was taken over by BMG in 1994.

Konichiwa Records

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History related to the various singles (songs) and albums

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Additional projects as music artist and songwriter Robyn

Not only have I performed as the music artist Robyn, but I have also been involved in supplementing other artists with vocals, and have also been so-called “featured”, or supported (musically accompanied) by other artists or bands. An example of being vocalist for other bands is “Blacknuss”, which is a type of jazz-soul-r`n`b music collective. I supplemented “Blacknuss” by assisting with vocals for the song “Roll With Me”, which is on the album “Allstars” released in 1996. Typically, I can also be a lyricist here.

Lyricist and vocalist in the Blacknuss collective in Stockholm

Regarding “the music group” Blacknuss itself, and with the accompaniment to the song “Roll With Me”, they can be associated somewhat with a type of hip hop, or slow hip hop, similar to r`n`b. This may also match the style they have, i.e. clothes and more, back then in 1996.

I said that Blacknuss could have some hip hop influencers in the environment, but there could also be some jazz musicians, and the like, such as some saxophone players, and more. The Blacknuss collective based in Stockholm could probably be said to be a mixture of many different types of musicians, with their genres. Among them, I as the music artist Robyn have also been there, and assisted with lyrics and vocals, especially in 1995/96.

I can also inform that the Blacknuss collective was probably based in a house or in an apartment building, it was a type of physical concrete building to go to, a type of meeting place for different types of musicians.

I can furthermore announce that at that time in 1995/96 I, the music artist Robyn, could play some guitar. Could at least 3 frets, as well as assist with rhythm guitar, and so on. The same with synthesizer/piano, hehe.

I repeat that the lyric for the song “Roll With Me” was written by me (Robyn), perhaps when I lived in Sarpsborg, somewhere between 1992 and 1995. I then have taken the lyric with me when I moved to Stockholm for a period in 1995.

Participated as a songwriter in Swedish Eurovision Song Contest 1997

Another project that musical artist Robyn has been involved in is being a songwriter in the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest in 1997 (Melodifestivalen 1997/Grand Prix 1997). Specifically, it was as a co-writer and producer for the song “Du Gör Mig Hel Igen” (You Make Me Whole Again), sung and performed by Cajsalisa Ejemyr (b. 1978). The song came in 4th place.

The lyric writer Martin part

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1979 – 2011 : Robyn is the lyric writer Martin

Robyn is also the lyric writer Martin, or Martin Vikene (b. Sept. 29, 1975), which is Robyn`s juridical name (officially). until 2017 Robyn`s juridical name was Morten Taraldsvik.

References (sources)

– Autobiography/Me as Robyn/the writer/myself/Martin Vikene (2025).
– Wikipedia.se: Robyn (2025).
– Wikipedia.com: Robyn (2025).
– Youtube 2025: Robyn interview 1999 part 1: ZTV Nytt Special (1999: 2025).
– Imdb.com (2025).
– AZLyrics.com: Robyn (2025).
– Robyn – Facts: https://singerrobyn.tripod.com/facts.html (2025).
– Wikipedia.com: Blacknuss (2025).
– Wikipedia.org: Show Me Love: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_Me_Love_(Robyn_song) (2025)
– Imdb.com: All That: Tommy Davidson/Robyn (Season 4, Episode 3): https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt2133422/cast (2025).

Robyn – the music artist