Lady Gaga Stops Being an ‘*sshole’ to Create New Song ‘Stupid Love’
Self-criticism is part of the work of many great artists. Musicians from Elvis Presley to Eminem have released tracks where they reflected on their personal flaws. In contrast, Lady Gaga went for a direct approach by criticizing herself in an interview.
In an interview with Zane Lowe on Feb. 28, 2020, Gaga called herself an “*sshole” for making a surprising career decision. Her words don’t really fit with her public image as a humanitarian. Here’s how Gaga’s latest single “Stupid Love” and a superstar producer fit into all of this.
The biggest producer of the past 20 years
Max Martin is one of the most famous producers who’s ever lived. According to Official Charts, he’s given us numerous massive hits over the past twenty years. His biggest hits include “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears and “Roar” by Katy Perry. He’s worked with almost every popular contemporary singer. In contrast, Gaga never worked with him – until now.
Gaga is known for writing and producing her own music. Consequently, when her career first began, many critics took her more seriously than many other pop stars. Due to her commitment to writing her own music, Gaga was hesitant to work with Martin.
According to MTV News, Gaga told Lowe “I’ve never worked with him, I’ve always sort of gone, ‘I write my own music, I produce myself, I don’t need to work with Max, right?'” She added, “I decided to stop being an *sshole, meet him at least, you know?” Together, the two crafted Gaga’s new single “Stupid Love.”
Why Lady Gaga previously criticized superstar producers
An old interview might give fans more insight into why Gaga previously wouldn’t work with Martin. Gaga previously made critical comments about superstar producers in a 2011 interview. Vulture says these comments reflect on the likes of Martin, even if Gaga didn’t specifically name him.
In that interview, Gaga said superstar producers are harmful to the music industry. In Gaga’s view, too many people erroneously believe producers create hits, not artists. She finds this development “the most dangerous thing that has happened to this business.”
In Gaga’s view, the idea producers are the key to an artist’s success destroys an artist’s credibility. Gaga dislikes when producers prevent an artist from controlling their own career. In Gaga’s words, “the key to the success of the music industry [is] allowing the artist to creatively run the ship.”
Has Lady Gaga lost her autonomy?
Gaga’s concerns are certainly valid as artists are generally more compelling when they are allowed to authentically express themselves. However, she’s obviously allowed herself to work with Martin despite any earlier misgivings about major producers. Maybe this shows there’s a balance to be found between artistic autonomy and collaborating with others. Working with Martin doesn’t mean Gaga’s autonomy is lost.
Gaga knows how to make her fans think. She’s raised interesting questions about artistic integrity, all while writing “Stupid Love,” a great pop song. What an achievement!
Also see: Lady Gaga Has a Boyfriend & His Ex Has Lots of Thoughts About That
