Nadine Lustre Unveils the Artistic Process Behind Her Atmospheric Wildest Dreams Album
It's impossible to describe the multi-talented Nadine Lustre as one single thing.
The Filipina singer-songwriter, award-winning actress, model and mental health awareness advocate is a powerhouse in every industry she touches, so it's unsurprising she has millions of fans around the world, including 9.5 million followers on Instagram alone.
In October, Nadine released a new 12-track album called Wildest Dreams, packed with rich beats, moody atmosphere and the artist's signature lyrical talents, which encompass everything she stands for. There's no one out there quite like Nadine Lustre, and in this interview, she reveals what Wildest Dreams truly means to her:
Sweety High: What was the recording process for the songs on Wildest Dreams? Has it been different writing and recording music while being socially distant?
Nadine Lustre: On this project, I found myself embarking into unknown waters—which to be honest was terrifying and exhilerating all at the same time. I had a lot of self-doubt about my writing and recording capabilities, but my label mates often reminded me to push forward, and that everything would fall into place. Thinking back on the whole process, I remember shacking up with Massiah, James, Bret and Isagani and just spending days and nights creating soundscapes and just getting creative. We made makeshift recording setups inside closets and attics. There was even one instance where I was recording laying upside down from the mic.
SH: Is there a theme or through-line that runs through the songs on the album? If so, how would you sum it up?
NL: Wildest Dreams is first and foremost a concept album. We weren't so focused on creating pop hits as much as we were focused on creating a cohesive message that would run through the entire album. Self-love, self-worth and self-acceptance are all underlying themes in the album. Throw in the setting of being inside a wild, vivid dream, and I was instantly given the opportunity to explore the good, the bad and the ugly of the subconscious and to bring listeners into a realm that is unique enough to revisit over and over again.
SH: What made you decide to pick "Wildest Dreams" as the title track? Why do you think that song is a good representation of the album?
SH: If I were to place "Wildest Dreams" into a genre, I would classify it as tribal pop. The track starts out with dreamy keys that sound like the first wade into sparkling waters. At first, everything is beautiful and you feel safe, but then incomes a total beat-switch where we take the first dive deeper into the abyss. The contrast of emotion hits hard and transitions back to a safe space on the second verse, feeling familiar by repeating the same lyrics as the first verse. The song then moves on to an instrumental, which has a newfound sense of control that leads into the final chorus of triumph, having lost the fear, and embraces the unknown.
SH: Do you have a favorite song on the album? If so, which one, and why? What's your favorite lyric from the song?
NL: Every time I've answered this question, my answer changes. Right now, though, if I would have to pick, I would pick my song "Grey Skies." It's a feel-good song that I hope helps people get through turbulent times.
My favorite lyric is, "We the wild ones that will change the world!"
SH: How do the songs on this album feel different from what you've released in the past? What new sides of yourself are you excited to explore with these songs?
NL: This album is truly a representation of where I am in my life, having shed the image the world once had of me, and taking control of my own narrative. This album is different from my past releases because this project holds a message that I want to share with the world which is that you are worthy and you are whole.
SH: Are there any artists that are particularly inspiring you during these unusual times?
NL: My fave artists are Caroline Polachek, June Marieezy, Jhené Aiko and FKA Twigs. They embody everything I hope to be as an artist, and I love how they push boundaries and start conversations with their art.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
NL: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen to this project. I am forever grateful to all of you. If you have any thoughts or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me through any platform.
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