LOS ANGELES — Stepping into a familiar New York City bar where she used to spend time five years ago brought a wave of nostalgia over Lady Gaga. It was here she once felt adrift and unsure, crafting songs while disconnected from her true self.
This recent visit, however, was infused with peace and echoes of her teenage days when songwriting was as natural as jotting notes on napkins. Lady Gaga has reignited her passion for music by relinquishing the intense spotlight, distancing herself from superficial relationships, and embracing evenings filled with genuine connection. This transformation forms the essence of her latest album, “Mayhem,” set for release this Friday.
Lady Gaga, who boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards and an Oscar, speaks of reclaiming her identity as an artist. Her new album ventures back into her authentic realm of dark pop, spanning 14 tracks. This release follows last year’s “Harlequin,” a jazz album tied to the film “Joker: Folie à Deux,” which reached a peak position of No. 20 on the Billboard 200.
The tracks from “Mayhem,” particularly the singles “Disease,” “Abracadabra,” and “Die With a Smile,” a collaboration with Bruno Mars, have clinched top spots on music charts, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. These singles also earned a Grammy for best pop duo/group performance earlier this month.
During the production of “Mayhem,” Gaga consciously avoided leaning on her historic successes, focusing instead on a journey of self-discovery that revitalized her creativity and stage presence. Her return to live performances was marked by significant events, including a moving duet with Bruno Mars at the Grammys, paying tribute to Los Angeles wildfire victims, concluding the FireAid concert, and making a surprise appearance before the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Next month sees Gaga taking to the stage at Coachella, followed by a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro in May.
Gaga, now 38, emphasized her devotion to music and personal life over self-promotion, a shift she attributes to revival of her authentic self and creativity. Producing “Mayhem” alongside her fiancé, Michael Polansky, has been a testament to this. She expressed losing her realness amidst relentless self-promotion but found grounding in her family, partner, and music.
In a detailed discussion, Gaga shares how she reconnected with her passion, showcasing her multifaceted talent beyond the persona.
As she achieved early fame with hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” critics often credited others for her success, overlooking her contributions. This inspired “Mayhem,” through which she aims to assert her authorship and artistic agency, driven by critics’ doubts.
Gaga’s recent works reflect her endeavor to own her creative narrative fully, crafting dark pop sounds integral to her early career. She confidently claimed her place as the originator of her art, distancing herself from the notion of being merely an industry product.
Navigating the pressures of fame early on felt confining for Gaga, leading to feelings of isolation within a competitive environment. As her sales soared, she recognized the creative toll the spotlight demanded, prompting a reset.
Choosing to sever ties with draining relationships, Gaga cultivated a peaceful family life with Michael Polansky and refocused her energy on music. This reset allowed her to embrace her artistry authentically.
Adopting a minimalist approach, she admits to doing interviews without makeup, emphasizing her focus on sharing her musical journey without added performative pressure.
Gaga’s upcoming performances on “Saturday Night Live” will further highlight her talents as both a musician and a comedic performer. Renowned for her versatility, she will host and perform, with a history of making landmark appearances on the show since 2013.
Engaging deeply with the cast, Gaga plans to embody various roles throughout the night, balancing the dual demands of hosting and musical performance.
As she prepares for the show, Gaga’s collaborative spirit and multifaceted artistry shine, driven by passion and an unwavering connection to her roots. Her involvement with “SNL” reflects her deep dedication to the craft and her audience, emphasizing hard work and authenticity.
This renewed period in Gaga’s life, focusing on artistic truth and genuine human connection, sees her ready to reveal all facets of her talent and identity.
