Leon Bridges contends that artists bear a ‘responsibility’ to empower their listeners.
The Texas Sun-born singer-songwriter and producer believes music can lift spirits during hard times, and he hopes his forthcoming fifth studio album, Happiness Anytime, delivers an uplifting message to his audience.
“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.”
Although the Texas Sun artist has drawn on classic soul in past releases, his new project marks a shift, incorporating influences from funk 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.”
Bridges described the forthcoming record as an auditory travelogue, guiding listeners through diverse cultures and sonic textures.
“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, a collection of 12 tracks, is slated for release on 25 September.
