IN CONVERSATION WITH KHALID

interview by JANA LETONJA

Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling global superstar Khalid has taken the world by storm since his first single, the RIAA-certified diamond ‘Location’. This August, he released his highly anticipated third album ‘Sincere’, which showcases his evolution as an artist and person.

 
 

puffer COLORS CLOTHING
shirt ATELIER CILLIAN
coat PERSONAL/OWN
sunglasses VAVA EYEWEAR

This Summer, you released your third album ‘Sincere’. What inspired the album’s theme of growing up, and how does it reflect where you are in your life and career right now? 

The concept of ‘Sincere’ is everything I want to be, sincere energy. Vulnerability is a practice and it’s not easy for many. And being in touch with my sensitive side is something that I really take pride in within myself. I think the album is honest and it’s something nice to listen to when you want to face your emotions for what they really are. 

 
 

set PERSONAL/OWN
shirt ATELIER CILLIAN
jewellery OPENED JESUS
shoes GROUNDS

Sincere highlights your unfiltered lyricism. How do you find the courage to be so vulnerable and honest in your music? 

To me, the best way to be unfiltered with my lyricism is to create impulsively. I love singing melodies and finding words at the same time because sometimes when you don't overthink it, is when the truth comes out. I usually don't like to listen to music or production for too long before I go into the studio. I like to let things flow, then the music finds me. 

 
 

full look GIORGIO ARMANI
jewellery OPENED JESUS

‘Sincere’ features 16 tracks. Was there a particular song or moment during the album’s creation that felt especially meaningful for you? 

I think writing the song ‘Please Don’t Fall in Love With Me’ changed the trajectory of what the album became because it was a real and raw moment of storytelling through a period of time where I was running away from my feelings and thought that all I should make was music to make other people happy. I feel like ‘Please Don’t Fall in Love With Me’ is really me choosing to express myself because it’s what was necessary to heal. 

full look GIORGIO ARMANI
jewellery OPENED JESUS

Looking back at your debut album ‘American Teen’ and its incredible success, how do you think your artistry has evolved since then? 

I think I'm a lot more intentional as an adult. I do miss the spontaneity of ‘American Teen’. I had my entire life to write that album and it takes so much intention to create now because my time is way more limited. I miss the innocence of expression and not thinking about what other people think about what I create, but I love the drive and I love the challenge of finding something new when you've done it so many times before. 

 
 

jacket and trousers COLORS CLOTHING
shoes FRESHY
jewellery OPENED JESUS

Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up, and how have they shaped your sound? 

I'm really inspired by Brandy and her vocal layering, I think that she is phenomenal. I grew up listening to a lot of Musiq Soulchild, Fleetwood Mac, Aaliyah and other R&B artists from the 90s. To me, that era really inspired me because it related so much to my childhood and my youth. I was blessed to be able to travel the world as a child, so I was inspired by a variety of music. 

 

jacket DHRUV KAPOOR
trousers MIKIO SAKABE
shoes GROUNDS
jewellery OPENED JESUS

 

You’ve worked with so many incredible artists like Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, and Alicia Keys. Is there a particular collaboration that stands out as a defining moment in your career? 

My first collaboration will always be my most defining collaboration. It was with Alina Baraz and she was a huge influence on my music. I love her sincerity, her passion and tone of her voice. It was a huge accomplishment for me and my career. 

 
 

jacket DHRUV KAPOOR
trousers MIKIO SAKABE
shoes GROUNDS
jewellery OPENED JESUS

Beyond music, are there causes or initiatives that you’re particularly passionate about and use your platform to support? 

I'm a really big advocate for mental health and mental wellness. I'm always trying to share positivity on my platform and give confidence to all of my fans through the relationship that I share with them. Humility is a super power and it’s something that I am blessed to be in tune with. 

 
 

full look GIORGIO ARMANI
jewellery OPENED JESUS

What’s coming up next for you after ‘Sincere’? Any exciting projects you can share with us about? 

So much more to come. Many more albums and music to come. The road goes on. 

 
 

puffer COLORS CLOTHING
shirt ATELIER CILLIAN
coat PERSONAL/OWN
sunglasses VAVA EYEWEAR

TEAM CREDITS:
talent KHALID
photography RAUL ROMO
styling KAITLYN VITUG
grooming JENN HANCHING
hair DARONN CARR at BLEND LA
styling assistants WENDY GONZALEZ VIVAÑO and BREEZE YUE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

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