Lady Gaga took a unique approach to ensure that her Las Vegas shows would be filled with energy and creativity. Prior to each performance of her residency this summer, Gaga and a team of talented musicians dedicated hours to recording sessions in the studio, capturing a special spark. This energy from their time in the studio not only influenced Gaga’s live performances but also inspired the creation of her latest album, “Harlequin,” which is set for release on Friday.
The superstar initially faced uncertainties regarding the album’s direction but ultimately embraced the challenge of pushing musical boundaries, much like her character in the upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux,” where she portrays the unhinged villain Harley Quinn. “Harlequin” serves as a companion album for the movie, drawing inspiration from Gaga’s character and blending jazz, funk, blues, and early American music with vintage and modern pop influences.
Recorded between Malibu, California, and Las Vegas during her Jazz & Piano residency, Gaga collaborated with her fiancé Michael Polansky in shaping the album. The duo felt confident in booking studio time after discussions about music and noticing parallels between Gaga’s character in the movie and her real-life persona. Their goal was to allow creative energy to flow, using jazz as a foundation for the music.
Prior to her Las Vegas shows, Gaga and the musicians involved in the performances spent hours in the studio recording. This ritual helped infuse the vibrancy of her live shows into the studio sessions. Reflecting on the creation process, Gaga emphasized the dedication and love poured into “Harlequin,” both for her character and the talented individuals she collaborated with.
“Harlequin” represents Gaga’s first jazz-inspired album following the passing of her longtime collaborator Tony Bennett, a dear friend and mentor. She recalled Bennett’s wise words about sticking with quality in one’s craft, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high standard. Gaga expressed her commitment to creating sophisticated musicianship in the album, inspired by Bennett’s influence.
Looking ahead, Gaga shared her plans for releasing a studio album in February, following her 2020 album “Chromatica.” She expressed a rejuvenated sense of clarity and happiness in her personal life, attributing this newfound joy to her creative collaborations with those she loves and respects. Gaga believes that this sense of clarity and contentment enables her artistry to flourish and soar to new heights.