Beyoncé, the powerhouse singer known for her magnetic presence and complex public image, has shed light on the personal challenges that come with her immense fame. In a recent interview, the 32-time Grammy Award winner offered a candid glimpse into why she often steps away from the spotlight between album releases.
In a discussion with Billboard, Beyoncé shared her thoughts on navigating the pressures of superstardom and her profound bond with her music. “I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people,” she said, reflecting on her artistic process. “I only work on what liberates me.”
For Beyoncé, this method of working at her own rhythm is essential not only for her creative flow but also for her mental well-being. She compared the experience of fame to being trapped, likening it to a “prison.” “Sometimes, fame feels like a prison,” she admitted. “So, when you don’t see me on red carpets, and when I disappear until I have art to share, that’s why.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Beyoncé has shown a remarkable ability to reinvent herself and explore diverse musical genres. Her latest project, the country album “Cowboy Carter,” marks a notable shift from the pop-centric sounds that have dominated the music scene in recent years.
In her interview, Beyoncé revisited her 2011 album “4,” explaining her departure from mainstream pop. “I wouldn’t say that I was anti-pop. I respected pop,” she said. “But during that time, pop and dance music were everywhere, and R&B and soul were getting overshadowed. It was popular and fun, but it wasn’t where I wanted to go with my music at that time. I was seeking something deeper, with more musicality.”
The release of “Cowboy Carter” has sparked some controversy, particularly because the album was overlooked for nominations at the CMA Awards. Beyoncé hinted that the album was a response to past difficulties, including a notable incident from 2016 when she faced backlash for performing “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks at the award show.
On social media, Beyoncé hinted that “Cowboy Carter” emerged from her feelings of being unwelcome and the challenges she faced during that period. “Cowboy Carter was born out of an experience,” she wrote earlier this year, suggesting that the album was a way to address and move past those hurdles.
Despite the ups and downs of fame, Beyoncé remains deeply connected to her music. She spoke about the joy and comfort she finds in singing, describing it as a source of profound happiness and stability. “Singing is not work for me,” she said. “There’s magic in the way it feels on my throat, a resonance that vibrates through me. When I am at my lowest, when I’ve been sad or anxious or struggling with sleepless nights, I sing. And often, I sing alone.”
Beyoncé elaborated on the therapeutic nature of singing, noting that it provides her with a significant emotional boost. “It steadies my heartbeat, it’s my best hit of dopamine,” she explained. “It’s one of the deepest joys of my life, a necessity as vital as breath.”