Music
In her new album,Dopamine, the former Fifth Harmony singer kicks off a much-anticipated solo career.
Normani is on the cusp of one of the biggest moments of her career and shes a tad exhausted.
Im just ready for the finish line, honestly, she tells Bustle over Zoom.
Its been a very extensive and long process.
Long is a bit of an understatement here.
But when the world stopped in 2020, so did the music.
I cant post anything without hearing about music.
Theres a misconception that I dont care, but I care a lot actually.
WhenDopaminewas finally ready, she joined in on the joke, teasing it on a website called wheresthedamnalbum.com.
Im just trying to stay steadfast and remain positive and optimistic, she says of her current mentality.
Ive dedicated my whole life for this very moment.
Everything happens for a reason.
Below, she opens up about recordingDopamine, the pitfalls of social media, and building back her confidence.
When you first started thinking about this album years ago, what message did you want to send?
The record Ive had the longest that made the album was probably done before COVID.
So me, then and now, have been merged, which I think is cool.
Can you tell me about that song, and why its stuck with you?
Insomnia is a very beautiful song.
At one point, it was actually taken off and put back on, and Im glad it was.
It feels nostalgic of what I grew up listening to.
One of my favorite artists is also on the record, and she actually inspired it.
As relevant as it felt then, it feels just as relevant now.
And anytime you get that with a record, that means you have something special.
Whos the featured artist?
Shes such a light and so encouraging.
Youve said that your time in Fifth Harmony was alow point for your self-confidence.
How did you start to rebuild that?
Honestly, just being forced to trust my instincts.
Ive been able to wear a lot of different hats I didnt know I could.
Ive realized Im great at producing.
Thats actually my favorite part of the process.
But I wouldnt say confidence has been constant since the group split.
Its been a roller coaster for me, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Youvetalked about cyberbullyinga lot.
Can you give me an example of how youre able to block the noise and focus?
How do you feel about interacting with Stan culture on Twitter today?
I mean, I love my fans so much, but Twitter specifically is tough.
I still have trauma fromthat experience.
But I try my best to focus on the people who have been there and genuinely love me.
But its just unpredictable.
Im still trying, honestly.
Youve spoken before about not wanting to release Motivation as your first debut solo single.
What did that experience teach you about the music industry and creating this album?
Beyonce has had a hugeinfluence on your career, and Im literally wearing a Beyonce shirt right now.
What did you think ofCowboy Carter?
Would you ever do a genre pivot like that?
She doesnt get the flowers she deserves.
She makes decisions that help change the trajectory of music.
Black artists are at the core of so many genres.
Its not new information.
Now thatDopamineis almost here, what message do you think it sends?
I hope people learn a little bit more about me.
More than anything, its a testament to my resilience and endurance.
I hope that people love and appreciate it, but I dont have control over that.
Have you started thinking about your next move?
Im excited to tour.
Hopefully [there will be] international dates, festivals, and putting together a show.
Im looking forward to that most out of everything, to just be able to see my fans.
I havent seen them in so long.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
