André 3000 readies a surprise release of his debut solo LP, “New Blue Sun,” on November 17th. The 87-minute instrumental record deviates from traditional beats, bars, and singing, showcasing André as a flautist.
The album features various flutes, including contrabass flute, Mayan flutes, bamboo flutes, and digital wind instruments, with notable tracks including, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time” and “Ninety Three ’Til Infinity and Beyoncé.”
André 3000’s last full-length release was in 2006 with Outkast’s “Idlewild.” During his public hiatus, he became known for his eccentric image, often spotted with a flute, and collaborated occasionally on other artists’ tracks. “New Blue Sun” emerged from jams with percussionist Carlos Niño, introducing keyboardist Surya Botofasina and guitarist Nate Mercereau. The album’s unconventional direction represents André’s desire to share music that makes him genuinely happy.
Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator offered encouragement, with Tyler describing the music as akin to “chasing a butterfly through a garden.” André 3000 acknowledged that while he continues to work on rap tracks, he only shares what truly resonates with him. The album draws inspiration from Laraaji, Brian Eno, Alice Coltrane, Steve Reich, Pharoah Sanders, and a transformative ayahuasca trip detailed in the third track.
In an NPR interview, André 3000 revealed his decision to decline Virgil Abloh’s family’s request for him to play the flute at the late designer’s funeral, citing a lack of personal familiarity and a desire to avoid becoming a distraction. Other instrumentalists contributing to “New Blue Sun” include Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R, Jesse Peterson, and Mia Doi Todd.
We’re excited about “New Blue Sun,” are you?
Source: Pitchfork.
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