Opens up to the audience on tour.
Shawn Mendes is currently on tour and will soon release his fifth album on November 15, titled Shawn.
We have already heard three singles from the upcoming album, but the audience on the tour has also been treated to some extra previews at some of the concerts.
Among them is the song “The Mountain.”
– I have a change of heart / you can say what you need to say / you can say I’m too young / you can say I’m too old / you can say I like girls or boys / whatever fits your mold, the artist sings here.
At the concert last night in Denver, Colorado, Shawn Mendes took time to talk a bit about the song before performing it.
(Island Records)
Here he mentions that he has always felt the narrative around his sexuality has been quite intrusive over the years.
– Since I was very young, there has been a thing about my sexuality, and people have talked about it for so long. I think it’s quite silly because sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing. And it’s hard to just put it in boxes. It always felt very invasive around something very personal for me.
– It was something I figured out about myself, something I hadn’t discovered and still have left to discover.
– Writing this song was very important to me. Because it felt like a moment where I could address it in a way that felt close to my heart. And I think I’m just speaking freely now because I want the opportunity to be closer to everyone and just stand in my truth, the 26-year-old tells the audience on stage.
This truth is that he is still just trying to figure out his own sexuality.
Shawn Mendes was playful on Instagram before the MTV VMA where both exes were on stage (Instagram/shawnmendes)
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– The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that I’m just trying to figure it out like everyone else. And there are times I don’t really know and other times I do.
Furthermore, Shawn Mendes explains that he thinks it’s a bit scary considering what people have to say.
– It feels very scary because we live in a society that has a lot to say about it. And I’m trying to be very brave and just allow myself to be a human and feel things.
The artist concludes by saying that this is what he wants to say about it for now.
Watch the clip from the concert below.
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Journey of Shawn Mendes with Music Expert Dr. Lisa Reynolds
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lisa Reynolds, music psychologist and expert on the intersections of identity and artistry. It’s great to have you with us today, especially with all the buzz surrounding Shawn Mendes and his upcoming album, Shawn.
Dr. Reynolds: Thank you for having me! Shawn’s journey is both fascinating and poignant, especially with his new song “The Mountain” shedding light on his personal narrative.
Editor: Absolutely! At a recent concert in Denver, Mendes opened up about his struggles with the public perception of his sexuality. How significant is it for artists like Shawn to discuss these personal issues during a performance?
Dr. Reynolds: It’s incredibly significant. By sharing such intimate details, Shawn not only invites his audience to understand him on a deeper level, but he also normalizes conversations around sexuality which can often be stigmatized. It’s a brave act that can foster connection and support among listeners who might be grappling with similar issues.
Editor: He mentioned feeling that discussions about his sexuality have been intrusive. Why do you think the public has such an obsession with an artist’s private life, particularly regarding identity?
Dr. Reynolds: The public’s obsession often stems from a mix of fascination with celebrity and a desire to categorize individuals into predefined boxes. This not only offers clarity for the audience but can also serve as a means of addressing their own uncertainties. But, as Shawn pointed out, sexuality is not that simple. It’s fluid, complex, and very personal. When artists like him express these feelings of invasion, it highlights the conflicting nature of fame and the right to privacy.
Editor: Mendes expressed that writing this song was a way for him to address these feelings authentically. How does songwriting serve as a therapeutic tool for artists dealing with inner turmoil?
Dr. Reynolds: Songwriting can act as a powerful form of catharsis. It allows artists to articulate their feelings and experiences creatively, which can lead to a better understanding of themselves. For Shawn, “The Mountain” appears to be a means of expressing his ongoing journey of self-discovery. This process not only facilitates healing but also resonates with fans who may find solace in knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
Editor: It’s clear that Mendes aims to connect with his audience through sincerity. Do you think that vulnerability in music enhances the overall connection between the artist and their fans?
Dr. Reynolds: Definitely! Vulnerability can break down barriers and foster a sense of intimacy. When fans see an artist being open about their struggles, they feel empowered to share their own experiences. This kind of authenticity can strengthen loyalty and admiration, as it paints the artist as relatable and human. Shawn’s willingness to “stand in his truth” is a powerful message in today’s music landscape.
Editor: With an album titled Shawn launching soon, what impact do you foresee this level of openness having on Mendes’s career?
Dr. Reynolds: Should Mendes continue down this path of honesty, it could solidify his reputation not just as a pop star, but also as a voice of authenticity for his generation. His audience is increasingly looking for artists who reflect their own complexities and fears. If he can successfully weave these narratives into his music, it can lead to a more profound and lasting connection with his fan base, paving the way for continued success in his career.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Reynolds, for sharing your insights on Shawn Mendes’s journey. It’s inspiring to see how music can be used as a platform for personal growth and connection.
Dr. Reynolds: Thank you! I am excited to see where Shawn’s artistry takes him next, and how he will continue to evolve both personally and musically.
Editor: We will be watching closely as well!
Y in music allows artists to create a genuine bond with their audience. When Shawn shares his personal struggles and emotions, he opens the door for listeners to relate to their own experiences. This kind of authenticity fosters empathy and understanding, making fans feel seen and heard. It shows that even someone in the spotlight has their own challenges, which can be incredibly reassuring for fans who may be facing their own battles.
Moreover, vulnerability can inspire others to be open about their own struggles, contributing to a larger conversation about mental health, identity, and personal growth. When artists like Shawn Mendes embrace their vulnerabilities, they not only enrich their music but also contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive community. This connection becomes even more crucial in a world where many people often feel isolated in their experiences.
Shawn’s willingness to discuss his sexuality and personal journey through his music not only empowers him but also encourages fans to embrace their own truths, ultimately creating a supportive environment for self-exploration and acceptance.
