I just had a lot I needed to say and write.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: The new album is sonically very distinct from your first.
Was that intentional or did it evolve that way?JAMES BAY:Both.
Credit: Sarah Piantados
My first record was like this soft sunlight and this time its about high-energy and electricity.
For good or bad, I wanted to rattle some cages and peoples perception of me as an artist.
Its a big adventure.
Its overwhelming, especially with the new songs.
And then theres such a fantastic nostalgic feeling with the old songs too.
Theres a spoken word at the end of it.
Its a very solemn, pensive moment and the crowd have really, really been reacting to that.
Weve had some real pin-drop moments in the room.
Everyone loves to put pressure on the sophomore album.
BlondiesParallel Lineswas a big one too.
But after I wrote a lot of songs, I recognized it was about togetherness mainly.
Lets talk about the lyrics in Pink Lemonade a little.
Is that accurate?You sort of nailed it.
You have to experience the opposite to appreciate being together.
So yeah, its really about that.
So Im not just projecting my frustrations with men onto the song?No, youre not wrong.
A song is never necessarily about one thing.
Genuinely, youre in the right ballpark.
Okay, I have to mention the new haircut.
Did you ever worry youd end up like Samson when you chopped it off?[Laughs.]
If anyone thinks my talent is in my hair, theyre listening to the wrong dude.
I do different things, but Im the same songwriter.
You go onSNLand play a song called Pink Lemonade, you cant really pass up that opportunity.
Electric Light is out May 18.
