'Be honest': John Legend stresses the need for musicians to write about 'what's important' in our current era
John Legend is the type of star that's always true to himself.
On Monday the Grammy winning artist sat down for an interview at the New York Times' studio where he opened up about his creative process with journalist Jon Pareles.
The 38-year-old songwriter talked about the challenges of being an artist today, explaining: 'I think we have to be honest in our songs.'
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Getting honest: John Legend opened up about what it means to be an artist in this day and age in an interview for the New Yorks Times' TimesTalk series
The star looked dapper at the interview held at New York's Espace venue as he continued to share:
'I always quote Nina Simone that "it’s an artists' duty to reflect the times that you’re living in."'
'It doesn’t mean that every song has to be political, but it does mean you should be honest with how you’re feeling and what’s important to you.
'If that incorporates what’s happening in presidential politics and national politics, then so be it.'
Critical conversation: The 38-year-old star sat down with journalist and music critic Jon Pareles at the event held at New York's Espace venue
Then, the star got more specific about his concerns:
'I think a lot of us as artists are going to be reflecting on what’s happening in Washington right now. We don’t know what’s going to happen yet.
'The thing about [President Trump] is that he’s very unpredictable, he made a lot of promises but I don’t know if he intends to keep them.
'Reflect the times' The Grammy winner explained how he thinks it's the duty of artists to 'be honest' and reflect about the times we live in
He concluded with a hint of optimism, saying: 'Some of his promises are terrible, so I hope he doesn’t keep them.'
The All Of Me singer wasn't all talk at the Monday event. John also serenaded fans with songs from his new album Darkness and Light.
In addition to a successful new album this year, the talented musician also tried his hand at film appearing in the musical hit La La Land and producing the Obama-inspired film Southside With Me.
Marching forward: The All Of Me Singer is passionate about his beliefs. This weekend he was one of many attendees at an impromptu Women's March in Park City Utah during Sundance festival
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