Here are the key topics and points discussed in the interview:
The Human Condition and Artistic Creation
- Both speakers express a deep fascination with the human condition as the driving force behind creating music and art. They agree that art is an inherent part of being human.
Praise for the New Album "Changes"
- The interviewer congratulates the artist on completing the album and praises its tasteful sound, arrangements, and the space it provides for vocal performance.
- The artist's vocal ability is highlighted as exceptional, sounding effortless and comfortable on the record.
The 2017 Tour Cancellation and Health Issues
- The conversation delves into the reason for canceling the 2017 tour.
- The artist reveals he was emotionally and physically exhausted, and was suffering from Epstein-Barr (Mono) and Lyme disease.
- He describes feeling depleted despite following a healthy routine and acknowledges the emotional toll this took.
- The artist pushed through the last month or two of the tour, realizing he wouldn't be able to complete stadium dates.
Living with Lyme Disease and Lifestyle Adjustments
- The artist discusses how he has adapted to having Lyme disease, focusing on proper treatments and precautions.
- He values his wife's input in recognizing when he is run down.
The Impact of Marriage and Wife on His Life and Career
- The artist emphasizes that his marriage has been a significant reason for his return and success, stating there would be no story without his wife.
- She provides him with substance to talk about and is the person he is learning to love unconditionally and start a family with.
- He finds peace in building a relationship with a solid foundation of trust and patience, regardless of record sales.
The Journey to Real Love and Honesty in Relationships
- The artist describes honesty with his wife prior to the tour about still being hurt from a previous relationship and not being ready for commitment.
- He acknowledges dealing with unforgiveness from his past relationship, which caused confusion and a cycle of hurt for hurt.
- He contrasts his past behavior (going "crazy" and "wild" after breakups) with this time, where he focused on building himself and making right decisions.
- He shares how his wife would get upset hearing he was doing well without her, showing the normal complexities of relationships.
Spiritual Awakening and Redefining Faith
- The artist explains his deep dive into his faith, moving from passive belief to active obedience and turning away from sin.
- He admits to past misinterpretations of Christianity due to poor role models and confusing messages from his mother about forgiveness and shame.
- He clarifies that his current relationship with God is not about earning love but accepting a free gift.
- He differentiates between not wanting to cheat on his wife because it's the "right thing to do" versus not wanting to hurt her.
The Path to Self-Destruction and Redemption
- The artist believes that if he hadn't redefined his relationship with Jesus, he would have been on a path of self-destruction, potentially not being alive today.
- He expresses gratitude for influences who showed him healthy relationships with God, wives, and children.
- He emphasizes that God accepts us for who we are, even in our "dirt," and that Jesus was not an elite figure but one who found people in their struggles.
Navigating Public Success and Vulnerability
- The artist reflects on growing up in the public eye since 2008-2009, a decade of constant visibility.
- He acknowledges the influence of constant praise and attention on a young, impressionable person, comparing it to a child in a room full of sweets.
- He addresses the "cry me a river in your Rolls Royce" mentality, explaining the psychology behind potential problems despite material wealth.
- The interviewer highlights the importance of breaking down the stigma that artists should be perpetually grateful, recognizing their unique struggles.
The Return of Musical Inspiration and Facing Fear
- After taking time to resolve personal issues and go to therapy, the artist felt a sense of resolution.
- He initially felt fear and uncertainty about the creative process and how his music would be received.
- A performance with Ariana Grande boosted his confidence, reminding him of his talent and that he didn't need to run from his passion.
- He advocates for running towards pain and hurt for healing, rather than away from it.
Encounter with Billie Eilish and Protective Instincts
- The artist recounts seeing Billie Eilish's reaction to him and the overwhelming nature of sudden fame.
- He felt a desire to protect the moment and be a good example, drawing parallels to the unpredictable nature of life (like the Kobe Bryant situation).
- He felt protective of Eilish, understanding the difficulty of being young and in the industry with fleeting support.
The Importance of His Story and Authenticity
- The interviewer emphasizes the importance of the artist's story and his willingness to be honest and open, providing truth that can help others.
- The artist expresses his commitment to being present and authentic in the interview, having moved past years of "bullshit."
- He commends the interviewer for asking tough, revealing questions that lead to conversations bringing change and consciousness.
- He hopes his story can make a difference, while not wanting to force his beliefs on others.
Album Production and Collaborators
- The album "Changes" is described as a "honeymoon record", fluid and tasteful, allowing the artist to focus on the early stages of his marriage.
- He worked again with Pooh Bear, whom he trusts and has great chemistry with.
- He also brought in keen collaborators like Quavo, Travis, and Kehlani, chosen because he admires them and enjoys their authentic stories and music.
Working with Kehlani and Developing Talent
- The artist highlights tone as a key factor in his admiration for Kehlani's vocal ability.
- He finds her honest and authentic, appreciating her directness.
- He also mentions a new artist named Clever, whose raw emotion and powerful tone he admires.
Future Musical Aspirations and Societal Issues
- The artist reveals he has already come up with a title for his next album.
- He intends to explore deeper themes, including love as a foundation for humanity, but also societal issues, injustices, and marginalized people.
- He stresses that timing is crucial and his priority is building his relationship with his wife, who teaches him about these broader issues.
Growth Through Relationship and Patience
- The artist identifies patience as a key growth area learned through his relationship, understanding the commitment of choosing someone forever.
- He admits to being impatient at times, acknowledging that both he and his wife have a tendency towards impatience, which he views as part of the human condition.
Starting a Family and Fatherhood Aspirations
- The artist expresses a desire to start his own family in due time, after enjoying married life and touring with his wife.
- He wants to be a father led by the Holy Spirit, as a follower of Jesus.
Approaching Touring with New Priorities
- He is excited about touring again, having established clear priorities and understanding what is truly important beyond money and success.
- He aims to create an atmosphere on tour where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected, supporting their goals.
- He acknowledges past immaturity and aims to be a leader who fosters a sustainable and positive environment for his team.
Leadership and Fan Connection
- The artist recognizes the incredible loyalty and passion of his fans and the importance of being a leader to them, not just his band.
- He reflects on how the concept of fans has changed as he's matured, moving from confusion about love when younger to a more nuanced understanding.
Defining Love and Authenticity
- He defines love using the passage from 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing patience, kindness, and selflessness.
- He describes his daily practice of pushing aside selfish desires and negative thoughts, choosing not to indulge them because of his commitment to his wife.
- He distinguishes this from pretending negative thoughts don't exist or burying them, which leads to self-righteousness.
Human Nature and the Fight Against Temptation
- The artist expresses a belief that humans are not inherently "good" at their core, but rather fight daily against instinctive temptations like lying and greed.
- He accepts this personal struggle and focuses on choosing not to act on these impulses.
- He views humanity as broken and filled with pain, but people are looking for hope, escape, truth, and a savior, which he believes he has found in Jesus.
Vision for the Decade Ahead
- The artist hopes the next decade will involve less feeling of being out of control and more of regaining control.
- He is excited about having babies with his wife and celebrating their blessings amidst the world's pain.
- He acknowledges the dichotomy of mourning loss while accepting blessings as a profound discovery.