Cass Bird

ROBYN

Who She Is Remember that adorable teen Swede whose anthem ''Show Me Love'' went top 10 in 1997? Well, she's grown up and then some. The electro-popper, 28, runs Konichiwa, her own indie imprint, and has enjoyed sizable success in Europe with her self-titled CD (which drops here Dec. 4) and its plaintive single ''With Every Heartbeat.''

Why She's Exciting Robyn's not the major-label moppet she once was — just check out the naughty ''Konichiwa Bitches.'' This revamp prompted Interscope to cut a deal to release Robyn in the U.S.…but strictly on her terms. ''I made this record on my own label, with no compromises,'' she explains. ''So coming back to the States with people not remembering me is not a problem. I feel no pressure, but I do have 10 years of experience. I'm right where I want to be.'' — LG

EW.com Exclusive ''Handle Me'' (to hear it, use the player below)