SZA, the talented singer-songwriter, has been making waves in the music industry with her incredible talent and soulful sound. After winning three Grammy Awards for her album SOS, including Best Progressive R&B Album and Best R&B Song, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of her new album. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, SZA opened up about her Grammy wins, her encounter with Taylor Swift, her upcoming album Lana, and her partnership with MasterCard to promote forest restoration.
Reflecting on her Grammy wins, SZA expressed her gratitude and relief. She mentioned how surviving the night without any mishaps on national television was a great achievement in itself. Winning three Grammy Awards, including one presented by her close friend Lizzo, felt like a surreal and unforgettable experience for her. She admitted that she had envisioned being more composed and prepared for her acceptance speech, but the rush to the stage left her disoriented and in a moment of spontaneity, she gave a shoutout to Taylor Swift.
Speaking about her conversation with Taylor Swift during the show, SZA described her as funny and delightful. Although many fans felt she deserved the coveted Album of the Year award, SZA remained grateful for the three Grammy wins she received. She mentioned that the experience of not bombing on live television and facing her fears was a significant accomplishment.
When asked about her new album, Lana, SZA chose to keep the details under wraps. She explained that she didn't want to disrupt the creative process by speaking prematurely about it. SZA emphasized the importance of allowing the energy and frequency of the album to naturally shape itself before discussing it. However, she did mention feeling creatively inspired and in a new space while working on the project.
SOS, SZA's previous album, continues to garner praise and success even after a year since its release. The album has resonated with both critics and fans, and SZA expressed her gratitude for its impact on pop culture. Due to her busy schedule, it's been challenging for SZA to fully process and appreciate the album's success. Nevertheless, she remains grateful for the opportunity to share her music and experiences with the world.
One of the standout tracks from SOS, 'Snooze,' became a hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. SZA admitted that she never expected the song to resonate so deeply with people, especially because she wrote it purely for fun. The success of 'Snooze' surprised her in the best possible way.
Discussing the opening track of SOS, titled 'SOS,' SZA revealed that she freestyled the song without writing anything down. She mentioned that during her time in Hawaii, she experienced a lot of angst and felt her energy being disrespected. The song became an outlet for her frustrations, allowing her subconscious thoughts to surface.
In recent performances, SZA has incorporated more choreography, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. She views it as an ambitious challenge and a personal accomplishment to explore different aspects of her artistry. SZA expressed her desire to incorporate various elements into her performances and push herself further as an artist.
SZA's dedication to environmental causes and sustainability is evident in her collaboration with MasterCard for a Grammys performance of 'Saturn' and their joint effort to raise awareness about forest restoration. SZA has been actively involved in conservation efforts in the past, focusing on issues such as soil quality, urban tree planting, and reforestation. She believes in the importance of understanding nature's ability to restore itself while acknowledging the need for human intervention to rectify the damage we have caused.
Looking ahead, SZA considers agriculture, planting, and farming as her future passions. While music has been a beautiful journey for her, she feels drawn to the environmental and conservation sectors. Her love for nature, camping, and her experience as a lifelong Girl Scout have influenced her desire to advocate for the environment through her platform.
As the interview drew to a close, congratulations poured in for SZA's success. She expressed her determination to continue working, indicating that she has caught the 'work bug' and has an abundance of goals she still wants to accomplish.
SZA's Grammy wins and her ongoing dedication to music and environmental causes have solidified her as a talented and driven artist. Her fans eagerly await the release of her new album, Lana, while admiring her authentic presence and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.