Nick Jonas admitted that he “challenged himself” in the production of his new album, Last Year Was Complicated. The artist wished to explore new sounds and ways to deliver his message, forcing him to think outside the box.
The Jealous hitmaker explained to The Morning Call newspaper: “I challenged myself and the people I collaborated with to not hold back and to make sure that everything was really meaningful and that it felt like it came from a real place.
“So, just digging in and also exploring some new sounds, some new collaborators and I think it’s the best body of work I’ve made. I’m anxious for people to hear it all.”
The 23-year-old artist had previously stated that his music was therapeutic, adding: “There’s no better release for me than creating. I just had to do it, I had that instinct. The minute she [his ex-girlfriend Olivia Culpo] left, I was alone in my apartment. I was like, ‘I have to come and get out of the city and write.’
“I came up here [to Mammoth Mountain] with my trusted group of collaborators. Immediately I was OK. I’ve tried talking to people and doing that thing, but I don’t know. [I’m] too in my head and unwilling to open up and get deeper. I feel like the music is the best therapist I’ve ever had.”
Jonas also opened up about his heartbreak following the relationship with Culpo. His feelings were well detailed in his latest project.
“I mean, it’s always difficult to open yourself up that way, but it’s important to get vulnerable. Right now, at this moment, Beyoncé and Drake and all these artists are really embracing vulnerability; it makes a huge difference. I’m working my hardest to lay out my stories and my music and connect with my fans – and my own self – in that way,” he added.