What was the inspiration behind the Maniac art project?
I was in the studio with Fisticuffs, who started the beat. We’re always just coming up with ideas and I just started singing about being a maniac. I think that the older I get, the less afraid I am to express all the sides of myself. "Maniac" was such a fun beat. I wanted to make sure that I explored the fun, sexy side of myself. I also got in with Detail, who’s an amazing songwriter, and [Big] Sean -- I love Big Sean -- and they collaborated with me on this song.
How has your creative process changed for this track in comparison to other projects?
I used to depend a lot on my extracurricular [activities like] smoking weed and drinking, and I always would take a short cut but the older I get, I feel like I can moreso channel my creative energy rather than having to be under the influence of something. I’ve always been like this but now more than ever, nothing is off limits. I feel comfortable to really truly be myself -- every part of me. There’s nothing I feel like I can’t share. Maybe a few years ago I might have felt a little shy about expressing my sexuality, my silliness or my playfulness but now it’s whatever. I care less about what people are going to say or what people think and it’s moreso just about expressing myself -- having the freedom to do whatever I want to do.
You mentioned showcasing your sexy side. What does sexual empowerment mean to you?
Sexual empowerment means just embracing your sexuality, doing whatever makes you feel comfortable and not worrying about society’s standards and what they think is sexy or acceptable. It’s just being true to yourself and not worrying about what other people’s opinions are on how you express your sexuality. I think of course, as adults, you should be responsible with your sexuality and your body but at the same time, it’s just about not being afraid to express it, whatever it means to you.
You worked with Steven Taylor on the visual aspect of the art project. Explain the concept behind that.
The concept is this art form of Japanese bondage called shibari. It’s something I saw years ago that really just caught my eye because I felt like it just looked like art. This is something that the Japanese do and it’s decorative tying. They do it for sensual purposes too but it’s a true art form. I have this a kinky spirit sometimes. [Laughs] If something looks a little painful, then I'm like, ‘Yeah, I wanna try that.’
Is this the first single off a project based around the same theme?
This song is just an art project. It’s one of many is what I’ll say. I’ve been working on a lot of things that I am going to share soon with everyone. For me, I don’t really think of it in the traditional sense where it’s like this is that. I just like to create pieces and share them as I create them but I’m definitely working on a lot of things that I’m excited to share with everybody.
Full interview and article:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/co...roject-shibari