BROCKHAMPTON are apparently planning to work on a “summer album” in the future, with leader Kevin Abstract talking fresh music and therapy with Shia LaBeouf in a new interview.
Last year, Australians were finally treated to the majesty of the hip-hop collective that is BROCKHAMPTON. In the country for the Listen Out festival, the group not only recorded two new music videos while in the country, but also performed one of the most enigmatic Like A Versions to date.
Since this inaugural trip down under, BROCKHAMPTON have been a bit quiet, with leader Kevin Abstract forced to deny rumours they had broken up while he works on solo material.
In a new interview with GQ though, Abstract has opened up about his decision to release a solo record, inferring that the group weren’t in the right headspace to record new music after the departure of founding member Ameer Vann.
“My problem was, we lost a member from our group. Close, close, close childhood friend, traumatic experience,” Abstract began.
“We put out a fourth album after the stuff, which got us a lot of hype, [and] didn’t get the reaction we wanted, so it made us take a step back and made me realize maybe the group should take a break and just live life for six months.
“I had already released a solo record, and maybe we could just give that to the label and that would count for a record. I did want to [put out a record], but also I was burnt-out.
“I should not have made an album. I think the thing that saved my record is, it was vulnerable and it’s honest and it’s pure. But I personally don’t want to make another album.”
Check out ‘Big Wheels’ by Kevin Abstract:
In terms of looking towards the future though, Kevin Abstract noted that he has learnt a lot from none other than Shia LaBeouf, having teamed up with the actor for a weekly “therapy” session.
“I became friends with one of my idols and heroes recently, Shia LaBeouf,” Abstract explained. “Every Friday at my house, we do this thing called Friday therapy.
“I invite a bunch of artists from L.A., and we sit in my kitchen. It could be 40 people. One by one, we go in a circle and say what our week looked like. It’s taught me a lot.”
In terms of getting in touch with their feelings though, Kevin Abstract revealed that the next album from BROCKHAMPTON could have more of a sunnier disposition, underpinned by lyrics that discuss some pretty heavy topics.
“We want to make a summer album. Feel-good. Not too sad and like, ‘Oh, our life sucks,’ just more like, ‘Just enjoy what’s in front of you’,” he explained.
“Something we’re doing is putting those type of lyrics — like this shit is trash, anxiety, depression, all that stuff — taking those type of lyrics and putting it on a song that a bunch of people could dance to or something. It’s just like ‘Hey Ya!’ My favorite song ever. It’s basically that.”
In related news, BROCKHAMPTON were recently revealed as the first act on the 2020 FOMO Festival lineup. No word yet whether their “summer album” will be ready for these summer shows, but you’d better believe we’re ready for whatever the “best boyband since One Direction” throw at us.
Check out ‘BOOGIE’ by BROCKHAMPTON:
FOMO 2020 Dates
Saturday, January 4th (18+)
Venue TBA, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday, January 5th (16+)
Venue TBA, Adelaide, SA
Saturday, January 11th (18+)
Venue TBA, Sydney, NSW
Sunday, January 12th (16+)
Venue TBA, Melbourne, VIC
FOMO Festival sideshows:
Friday, January 10th
Belvoir Ampitheatre, Perth, WA
Tickets: FOMO
Tickets on sale now
