Ariana Grande Interview Notes

Introduction

• Setting: In a warehouse, interview with Zach Sang.
• Special Guest: Ariana's mom present but asked to remain quiet.

New Music and Album

• Ariana's emotional connection: Initially hesitant to make new music until after filming Wicked.
• Creation Process: Started during the strike when Max Martin joined her in NYC.
• Album Concept: Reflects personal growth, transition, love, and loss.
• Emotional Writing Process: Many tears, very raw and genuine.
• Nervousness: Constant due to caring deeply about her work.
• Album's Name: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; it's a concept album inspired by the film.
• Content: Equal parts fun and emotional depth, described as her favorite work.

Relationship with Music

• Previous Hiatus: Took a break post-2020, with Positions being the last album before the current one.
• Transformation: Use of the term “baby girl” reflects a kinder and more honest approach with herself.
• Shift in Perspective: Balances between Pop Star Ari and Human Ari, focusing more on her personal self now.
• Acting Influence: Working on Wicked as Glinda has helped her heal and reshape her approach to music.

Playing Glinda in Wicked

• Role Preparation: Extensive training, singing, and acting lessons daily.
• Audition Process: Relentless pursuit to audition; transformed herself for the role.
• Impact: Role enriched her life and career, emphasizing strength and certainty from Glinda.
• Filming Experience: Emotional bond with cast and crew, significant personal growth.
• Completion: Recently wrapped up filming and will return for marketing and promotional activities.

Dealing with Fame

• Public Scrutiny: Challenges with media and public narrative, especially against women.
• Personal Frustration: Expressed conflict about misunderstanding and sensationalized narratives.

Additional Endeavors

• Beauty Brand: Successfully launched and running it parallel to her music and acting career.
• Personal Use: Uses her beauty line personally and takes pride in positive feedback.

AI in Music

• Concerns: Finds the rise of AI generating songs in an artist's voice terrifying.
• Song Leaks: Real but unauthorized; emphasizes importance of protecting artistic integrity.

Final Remarks

• Touring: No concrete plans but expressed desire to perform live again.
• Album Completion: Felt complete after writing the last song, cohesive and concise approach.