Katy Perry Discusses How She Found A New Perspective On Life & Reasons To “Smile” On New Album

Smile emerged out of one of the darkest times of her life, Katy Perry said. As the singer prepares to release her fifth studio album on August 28, she reflects on her journey as a person and as an artist. The arrival of Perry’s new record comes in the midst of her pregnancy and during the global pandemic; in a recent exclusive press conference with Universal Music Group’s °1824, the singer discussed how her most recent musical endeavor speaks to her personal experiences of going through and growing from adversity. 

Katy Perry said she battled clinical depression while working on Smile, and there were times when she did not make plans for the future and felt like she could not get out of bed. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” the pop star said, “But sometimes you have to walk through hell to get that strength.” 

In order to get out of her negative mindset, Katy Perry said she had to develop a new way of looking at life. Having gone through that experience, Perry said she has learned about herself. As she prepares to welcome her first child, Perry said she is “excited to bring life into the world and choose to live, and make plans.” 

Perry said Smile is part of her growth as a person and an artist. “I am growing as an adult human, as a woman, as a soon-to-be-mother and I’m always constantly sharing my journey,” Perry said. “I’ve grown up with my audience … it’s like we’re raising each other.” This journey of strength between Katy Perry and her fans has never been more clear, as she celebrates the 10-year anniversary of her third studio album Teenage Dream. 

Katy Perry said her album also touches on expressing the experience of being a woman. Although Perry said there is no concrete definition of being a woman, the final song on Smile, “What Makes A Woman”, captures the “expansive … beautifully complex and undefinable” qualities of womanhood. 

Overall, Perry said her album is about rediscovering the beauty of life. The chorus of the album’s title track chimes, “Scratch that, baby, I’m grateful / Gotta say it’s really been a while/ But now I got back that smile.” 

Throughout her amazing career that has spanned many years, Katy Perry has touched so many lives with her music, and this time, Smile will uplift her listeners and encourage fans to find optimism. Katy Perry said, “The record is synonymous with things like hopefulness, resilience, joy.” We are so excited to continue growing with Katy Perry and to smile along to her new music this Friday! 

• album
• artist
• katy perry
• music
• pop
• pop music
• smile