Willow Smith is ready to share her latest musical masterpiece with the world.
The 23-year-old artist recently dropped her newest single, “b i g f e e l i n g s.” Willow also announced her upcoming album, “empathogen,” which is slated for release on May 3.
“The piano part of this song is so dense and dissonant, but also darkly beautiful,” she said, offering a glimpse into her musical journey. “I wrote ‘b i g f e e l i n g s,’ during a week where I was coming to terms with my own emotional patterns that I hadn’t known were there. Musically, it has a darkness and complexity that reflects what we all experience in our own minds. The song is about accepting those intense feelings that you have no idea what to do with.”
Willow’s new album promises a captivating journey of emotions and experiences. With features from artists, like Jon Batiste and St. Vincent, the album delves into the depths of Willow’s soul.
This latest musical endeavor marks a significant evolution for Willow, who first captivated audiences with her hit single, “Whip My Hair.” From that moment, Willow’s musical trajectory has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Rising to prominence as an artist signed to Roc Nation, she quickly made her mark on the industry. She began touring with Justin Bieber, etching her name into music history books.
Yet, Willow’s journey has been far from conventional. In 2012, amidst the pressures of fame, she shaved her head as a symbolic act of rebellion against the constraints of the industry.
“It was the perfect way to rebel,” she said, reflecting on the moment in a 2019 interview with PEOPLE. “I was super young, and I had a dream, but all I really wanted to do was sing and I didn’t equate that with all the business and the stress that ended up coming with it. I was just like, ‘Whoa, this is not the life that I want.'”
Willow began a journey of musical experimentation and genre-bending. With each release, she pushed the boundaries of creativity, exploring new sounds and styles. In 2015, she announced her debut album, “Ardipithecus,” a bold fusion of pop, R&B and electronic elements. Critics initially struggled to categorize her sound, but Willow’s vision remained untouched.
The following years saw Willow continue to refine her craft, culminating in the release of her sophomore album, “The 1st,” in 2017. Departing from the electronic influences of her debut, this album showcased a more subdued and introspective side of Willow’s artistry. With tracks, like “Warm Honey,” she embraced a neo-soul aesthetic, layering her distinctive vocals over stripped-down instrumentation.
Willow’s musical evolution was far from over. In recent years, she has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of alternative music. She mastered how to seamlessly blend elements of rock, punk and grunge into her sonic palette. Her collaboration with Blink-182’s Travis Barker on the viral hit “Transparent Soul” signaled a bold new direction for Willow. She was able to showcase her versatility as an artist and her willingness to defy expectations.
Last year, she took to the stage at Coachella, where she mesmerized audiences with her electrifying performance, even bringing her brother Jaden on stage for a collaborative rendition of “Summertime in Paris.” As fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of “empathogen,” Willow’s latest offerings are a brief look into her boundless creativity. With each release, she continues to challenge the status quo, transcending genre to forge a path uniquely her own.