Kelly Clarkson Discusses Releasing New Music Independently and Feeling Like the ‘Boss’
Kelly Clarkson recently shared her experience of releasing new music independently and the freedom that comes with being in charge of her creative decisions. Following the launch of her latest single, “Where Have You Been,” the Grammy winner discussed her approach to releasing music as an independent artist in an interview on the Today show. Clarkson, who last released an album titled Chemistry in 2023, expressed her excitement at the prospect of either releasing singles sporadically or working on a full album, highlighting the autonomy she now has in her career.
During her conversation with host Carson Daly, Clarkson emphasized the unique position she finds herself in as an independent artist. She noted the flexibility she has in choosing whether to release individual songs or a complete album, a decision that is entirely up to her as “the boss.” Mentioning that her upcoming music will showcase a different sound compared to her latest single, Clarkson hinted at a more rock and roll approach for her next project.
“Where Have You Been,” released on May 2, represents Clarkson’s inaugural independent release under her newly established label, High Road Records. The song’s poignant lyrics explore the theme of finding love after enduring a period of hardship, with Clarkson’s powerful vocals delivering an emotional message of resilience and hope. Describing the journey of rekindling love after a period of searching and waiting, Clarkson’s lyrics capture the raw emotions of yearning and eventual fulfillment.
In addition to her new music, Clarkson is gearing up for live performances at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on May 9 and 10. Following these shows, she will embark on a Studio Sessions residency at the Colusseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas later this summer, offering fans a unique and intimate concert experience. The residency, aptly named Studio Sessions, will allow Clarkson to replicate the raw energy and authenticity of a live studio recording in a concert setting, emphasizing the live performance aspect that is often missing in today’s music landscape.
Clarkson shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming residency, emphasizing the live and organic feel of the performances. She highlighted the addition of more musicians and live singers to create a vibrant and immersive concert experience. By eschewing backing tracks and focusing on live instrumentation, Clarkson aims to bring the same energy and emotion of a studio session to her live shows, offering audiences a fresh and genuine musical experience.
In conclusion, Kelly Clarkson’s shift to releasing music independently has given her newfound creative freedom and control over her artistic output. By venturing into independent music production, Clarkson is able to explore new sounds, themes, and creative avenues that align with her vision as an artist. With her latest single serving as a testament to her resilience and creative evolution, Clarkson continues to inspire audiences with her authentic and emotive music.