Ledisi wants to get “The Truth” across to her fans with her forthcoming album as she chats with Ebony Magazine for an exclusive interview.
In her interview with Michael Gonzales, the “Pieces of Me” songstress shares the making of her new single “I Blame You” and the reason behind its creative video. She also spoke on her friendship with music icon Prince and what fans can expect from her new album “The Truth.”
Her lead single “I Blame You” is currently No.19 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart. Her sixth studio album “The Truth” arrives February 11.
Read excerpts from the interview below.
On her new album “The Truth”
This album was just amazing to make. I enjoyed the songwriters and producers I worked with, and I’m just so vibrant and confident right now. I’m happy as hell, but I’m still growing and evolving. Making “The Truth” was like journaling, because anything I had to say went into the songs, so it was like singing out my journal. I’d been holding so much inside, but I didn’t realize it until it was time to work on the songs.
On creating her new single “I Blame You”
Claude Kelly, who co-produced and co-wrote “I Blame You,” came up with the title and then we started writing it. At the end of the song, I added a scat, because I wanted to go back to who I am. I love jazz, so I wanted to add that element and keep it fresh. A lot of kids never heard scatting before and they’re like, “What is that thing? It’s hot. It’s like beatboxing.”
On being nerdy
I love being into books and studying. I love history and challenges, love watching old black and white movies. I also love watching old variety shows. Back in the day, entertainers had to know how to do everything. They sang, danced and acted. A friend who recently passed introduced me to all of that, as well as theater, film and photography. He taught me how to take photos and get certain angles. I have a very technical side to me.
On friendship with Prince
He’ll call and say come hang out, and next thing I’m singing backgrounds or doing a duet. I won’t talk about the process, but we had a lot of fun. Prince is amazing in the studio. I just love Paisley Park, it feels good there.
Read entire interview here
