Leon Bridges believes artists have a “responsibility” to empower their fans.
The singer-songwriter and record producer believes music has the power to uplift people during difficult times, and he hopes his upcoming fifth studio album, Happiness Anytime, spreads a positive message to his fans.
“There’s so much darkness in this world,” he said to W Magazine. “As artists, we have a responsibility to use our platform and use our art to empower.”
While the Texas Sun singer has previously taken inspiration from vintage soul for his albums, he is changing up his sound on his new record, drawing inspiration from funk music and Afrobeat.
“I love reinventing myself with each album,” he told the publication. “I love to them keep guessing, ‘What’s he going to do next?’ My last album, Leon, was a window into my heart. And this one is an embodiment of my joy.”
Leon went on to describe the upcoming record as an aural travel itinerary, taking listeners on a journey through different cultures and sounds.
“It really takes you to a place,” the 37-year-old stated. “I tried to pull from Latin rhythms and traditional African culture while still making it my own thing.”
Referencing his main inspiration for the album, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, the hitmaker continued, “It’s almost full circle, because one of Fela Kuti’s main inspirations was American soul music, James Brown and Funkadelic.”
Happiness Anytime, which features 12 tracks, is set to be released on 25 September.
