In a surprise and unprecedented strategic move, Beyonce has just released her 5th self-titled studio album. Beyoncé is exclusively available on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com/beyonce) and is infused with 14 new songs and 17 visually stunning, provocative videos that were shot all around the world during her Mrs Carter Show World Tour.
“I see music,” says Beyoncé about her decision to create a visual album. “It’s more than just what I hear. When I’m connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. And they’re all connected to the music.”
Switching up the way she’s conventionally delivered her music, opting to maximise the capabilities and innovation of the digital age, she says: “I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it… I am bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans. There’s so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.”
Definitely a mechanism to combat leaks, she’s at the forefront of the digital music revolution. The album will be offered as a cohesive body of work with every song and every video available all at once for one single purchase. Physical copies will be manufactured and delivered in time for the festive season, and will feature the likes of artists, songwriters, producers and video directors which include her hubby Jigga as well as Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Drake, The Dream, Sia, Ryan Tedder, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Hit Boy, Ammo, Boots, Detail, Jake Nava, Hype Williams, Terry Richardson, Melina Matsoukas, Jonas Åkerlund, Ricky Saiz, Pierre Debusschere, @lilinternet, Noah “40” Shebib, Francesco Carrozzini, Caroline Polachek, Ed Burke, Bill Kirstein and Todd Tourso.
“I just want to give my album to the people I love and respect and hope that they feel the same thing I felt when I made the music,” said Beyoncé.