Beyonce Opens Up About Fame, Music, and Creative Freedom

In a candid interview with Billboard, Beyonce discusses her approach to fame, her creative process, and the inspiration behind her recent country album 'Cowboy Carter'. The 32-time Grammy winner highlights the importance of artistic freedom and personal well-being.

Beyonce, the global superstar known for her commanding presence and enigmatic public persona, has shared new insights into why she retreats from the limelight between album cycles. In a candid interview with Billboard, the 32-time Grammy winner discussed the challenges of fame and her deep connection to music.

Beyonce spoke openly about her approach to artistry and public life. 'I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people,' she revealed. 'I only work on what liberates me.'

The 'Cowboy Carter' artist emphasized that this approach is crucial for her well-being and creative process. She described fame as something that can often feel confining, akin to a 'prison.'

'It is fame that can at times feel like a prison,' she stated. '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 career, Beyonce has consistently explored new genres and defied trends. Her recent country album 'Cowboy Carter' marks a significant departure from mainstream pop sounds. Reflecting on her 2011 album '4', she noted a yearning for deeper musicality during a time when pop/dance music dominated.

The interview also touches on some controversy regarding 'Cowboy Carter', which was notably absent from CMA Awards nominations. Beyonce hinted that the album was inspired by a previous experience of feeling unwelcome, referencing backlash from her 2016 performance with The Chicks.

Despite the pressures of fame, Beyonce remains deeply connected to her craft. 'Singing is not work for me,' she explained. 'There's magic in the way it feels on my throat, a resonance that vibrates through me. When I am at my lowest, I sing. And, often, I sing alone.'

She added that singing provides her with a profound sense of joy and stability. 'It steadies my heartbeat, it's my best hit of dopamine,' she said. 'It's one of the deepest joys of my life, a necessity as vital as breath.'

(With inputs from agencies.)