Lady Gaga recently sat down for a revealing conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, sharing insights into her upcoming album MAYHEM, her artistic journey, and her excitement to hit the road again. The interview, which took place in New York City’s Lower East Side, delved into her creative process, the evolution of her sound, and how her personal life and relationships have influenced her music.
In the interview, Gaga reflected on her development as an artist and the making of MAYHEM, an album she describes as a culmination of her darker, more introspective dreams. For those eager to hear more, the full conversation is available on demand with an Apple Music subscription. The interview touches on a variety of topics, from her creative vision for the album to her plans for upcoming performances.
MAYHEM: A Record of Artistic Freedom
Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM is not just another addition to her expansive discography—it’s a deeply personal project that represents a return to her roots as a musician. “Something I want my fans to know now, which is why I said I love being Lady Gaga, is I actually returned back to my artistry recently in a huge way of making this album,” Gaga explained. “I put so much of myself as a musician, as a producer, as a songwriter into everything. And that is who Lady Gaga is to me.”
Throughout the interview, Gaga emphasized her desire to be remembered not for gimmicks or image-driven moments, but for her artistry. “Maybe to someone else it might be the meat dress or something that they remember as me. But for me, I always want to be remembered for being a real artist and someone that cares so much about a life of art.”
No Label for the Sound of ‘MAYHEM’
One of the most intriguing aspects of MAYHEM is Gaga’s approach to its sound. While past albums like ARTPOP, Joanne, and Chromatica were defined by specific sonic directions, Gaga purposefully avoided categorizing the new album. “ARTPOP was a vibe. Joanne was a sound. Chromatica had a sound. All different,” she said. “But with MAYHEM, I made the effort to not do that and not try to give my music an outfit… I wanted to allow myself to be influenced by everything.”
Lady Gaga and Zane Lowe. Photo: The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music 1.
This freedom allowed Gaga to explore a variety of genres and styles, from electro grunge to industrial sounds, creating a diverse collection of tracks. “Some of that influence [from electro grunge] made it onto other songs… like Garden of Eden or ‘Can’t Stop the High,'” she added. The latter, a song only available on the album’s special edition on her website, is an intense electro grunge track that pushes the boundaries even further than some of her previous work.
A Glimpse into the Creative Process
When asked how many songs were written for MAYHEM, Gaga revealed that the process was expansive and intense. “I mean, probably 50. So much music, and we didn’t use it all, but it’s my favorite record in a long time. I feel like it has some teeth,” she said. The depth of her creativity during this period clearly stands out as one of the most prolific phases of her career, resulting in an album that showcases her versatility as both a songwriter and a producer.
Embracing Boring: A New Chapter of Stability
Despite her ongoing journey of artistic exploration, Gaga acknowledged that her life is now more grounded. “After my career took off, I didn’t have a sense of home in the same way… I just was away, and I was kind of untethered,” she explained. However, she expressed gratitude for finding stability and comfort in her personal life. “Now I have gravity, and gravity’s good. And sometimes I joke now and I just will say, ‘I’m boring now, and thank God.'”
This sense of groundedness, she shared, has provided her with a new creative freedom. MAYHEM reflects these inner shifts, representing her ability to channel her dreams and darker fantasies into music. “It’s all in one place, and it’s total mayhem, and it’s completely me, and it’s my gift to my fans,” she added.
The Philosophy Behind ARTPOP*
Looking back at her 2013 album ARTPOP, Gaga described the record as more than just a collection of songs—it was a concept and philosophy that broke new ground in the music industry. “ARTPOP was a very special album to me,” she reflected. “It was not easy listening. It was basically like me going, ‘I’ll do what I want. I’ll do it my way.'”
The album’s unconventional approach to music was part of her artistic statement, a departure from mainstream norms. “It was more of a concept and a philosophy more than it was an aesthetic,” she explained. ARTPOP was all about challenging expectations and embracing artistic freedom, a sentiment that remains central to Gaga’s creative ethos.
Love, Life, and Inspiration Behind New Music
Gaga also spoke candidly about how her relationship with fiancé Michael Polansky has had a profound impact on her music. “I just got much healthier… I have good people in my life. I fell in love with Michael,” she shared. “As a songwriter, you need life to inspire your writing… I needed to go live life to have a full life.”
This new chapter of stability has provided Gaga with a wealth of inspiration, leading to the creation of songs like “Blade of Grass.” Inspired by a simple, intimate moment with Polansky, the song captures the purity of their connection. “I remembered the way his face looked and I remembered the grass in the backyard,” Gaga said. “Those moments, to me, are the essence of life and art.”
Touring and the Excitement of Returning to the Stage
With MAYHEM ready for release, Gaga is eager to return to the stage. “I love being on stage and I enjoy it again at this time in my life,” she said, expressing her excitement about her upcoming performance at Coachella. “I’m firing on all my cylinders again, and it’s super rad. I can’t wait to see my fans, and I also can’t wait to do it with Michael.”
For Gaga, performing has become a more fulfilling experience since finding love and stability. “It is so much more fun to take somebody up there with you, someone that loves you, that knows what you’re capable of in all the various aspects of life,” she said. “Mattering to somebody just for being me, like a girl, that means a lot.”
As her fans eagerly await MAYHEM and her upcoming performances, Lady Gaga is embracing both her artistic and personal growth. With her new album, she is poised to deliver another boundary-pushing chapter in her already illustrious career, while also finding fulfillment in the quieter, more intimate aspects of her life.
Listen to the full episode of Lady Gaga’s interview on Apple Music 1, available on demand with an Apple Music subscription.
