After a hiatus from music since her 2008 album Bittersweet World, Ashlee Simpson has confirmed that she is back in the studio working on new solo material. The singer, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut LP Autobiography with an expanded edition release, revealed in an interview with Stereogum that she is currently focused on creating new music. While she is taking a song-by-song approach for now, Simpson hinted that the project is likely to evolve into a full album.
When asked about the musical direction of her new material, Simpson acknowledged that her sound has matured over the years. She described the current vibe as more grown-up and highlighted a focus on live music, with a fun, rocky energy. Despite her evolution as an artist, Simpson expressed satisfaction with the current direction of her music.
Regarding potential collaborations, Simpson expressed interest in working with iconic artists such as Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, and Jewel. She also praised emerging talent like Chappell Roan, citing admiration for Roan's album 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.'
Simpson reflected on her past experiences in the music industry, including the infamous lip-sync incident on Saturday Night Live. Despite facing backlash, she found strength in herself and her loyal fan base, who supported her through challenging times. The singer credited her daughter Jagger Snow as a source of inspiration for her return to music, noting that her daughter's enthusiasm for singing has reignited her passion for creating music.
While it has been 16 years since Simpson's last solo album, she collaborated with her husband Evan Ross on a project released in 2018 under the name Ashlee + Evan. The duo also starred in a reality series on E! with the same title, offering fans a glimpse into their personal and professional lives.