John Legend chops it up with UPTOWN magazine as he graces the cover of its July 2013 issue.
Legend took some time to snap some candid shots and chat with UPTOWN giving us a closer in-depth look at the soul artist. There are many layers that may be unknown about Legend aside from his musical talents as discovered in this interview. Showing his craftiness at an early age, Legend learned piano at age four, penned his first song at age 11, entered high school at age 12 and enrolled in college at the fresh age of 16. What an impressive resume already.
In his cover story, Legend talks about his new album “Love in the Future,” his fiance, his thoughts on Kanye West and more.
Read a few excerpts from the article.
On titling new album “Love in the Future” : “Part of it is purely autobiographical. So, in the literal sense, I am beginning a new journey. I am getting married and starting a family, hopefully. It is about embracing that future with optimism and hope and knowing that it’s going to be an interesting journey. What is the place for this classic music in a modern world? At the core, I am a soul artist. But I am willing to push myself to redefine what soul music is supposed to sound like.”
On his upcoming nuptials to Chrissy Teigen: “We got engaged in 2011 and we are getting married later this year. I am looking forward to having kids and growing old together. That’s why we are doing it, because we intend to stay together forever. We have already been together for quite some time. It’s been great. I have learned a lot about myself, and hopefully we will continue to grow.”
On Kanye West: “He is one of the most important artists of our generation. I think [his music] continues to push the culture. Some would call [his new music] angry. But I would call it strident. The tone is different from [his 2004 hit] “All Falls Down,” which tackles the same subject matter as “New Slaves,” but in a different way. This is a lot less sunny. [Laughs]. The “angry black male” thing is a cliché.”
On being un-bothered by negative press: I don’t really worry about it. During the early part of your career, you worry more about what other people say, especially when it comes to gossip. I am too old for that now. I feel very grown in a sense of knowing who I am and knowing what I want out of life and my relationships. I am just not bothered by random gossip that keeps Twitter and the Internet going. I know why it’s done: People need stuff to post on their blogs. Let them have at it. You can’t allow those things to define you and who you are. When you’re 34 and you have been in this business for a while, you don’t allow blogs and gossip to define you.
Read the entire interview and see what John Legend says about the state of R&B, President Obama and his family life. His new album “Love in the Future” will be available everywhere September 3.
