American singer-songwriter GIVEON speaks with NPR about his extremely anticipated new album, Beloved.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Prettier than I keep in mind.
SACHA PFEIFFER, HOST:
And at last right now, new music from the R&B singer Giveon.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) I come round each summertime.
PFEIFFER: That is the track “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN” from his new album, “BELOVED.” He is a seven-time Grammy nominee, and he says that is his most private album but. He additionally says it reveals his development as an artist. We caught up with him to be taught extra in regards to the album and a few of its standout tracks.
GIVEON: I believe my music is simply – it is only a documentation of what – I assume what scene of my life I am in on the time. So “BELOVED” is only a snapshot of the place I’m now as an artist, as a person.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Did you miss me whereas I used to be gone? See you…
However there’s much more maturity. There’s extra consciousness, and there is extra development.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Diamonds in your ache, that is a good looking trade. No, I might quite spend than admit that I am ashamed. Diamonds in your ache.
“DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN” is the shortest track on the album, and it is just about making an attempt – it is simply me trying to simply type of simply sneak in some accountability there however not full accountability. And it is basically saying, I am conscious of the turbulence that I’ve prompted. However as a substitute of discovering actual options, I will simply put a Band-Assist over it with materialistic presents, jewellery.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) On. Diamonds in your ache, that is a good looking trade.
Tonically, I nonetheless wished it to really feel cinematic and massive, and, like, it begins with these staccato strings that builds up.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) I keep in mind. Have not seen you since.
So I wished it to nonetheless really feel dramatic and virtually nonetheless really feel costly to put on, even if you cannot – even when – ‘trigger some individuals – I did not understand this as a result of I am such a lyrics man. Some individuals simply take heed to melody and music. So I believe tonically, “DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN” is rather like the lyrics. I am simply going to make this beautiful factor and attempt to sweep below the rug even what lyrics I am singing.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “BACKUP PLAN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Say what’s in your thoughts. Currently, you and I, you and I, been needing some love.
“BACKUP PLAN” was the one which poured out the quickest as a result of it was already one thing I used to be ruminating on. And it was simply – and I additionally do not assume I ever heard only a story about somebody bearing on the suspicion that their accomplice might need their escape route.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “BACKUP PLAN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) You bought a backup man. (Vocalizing).
Yeah, I do not know. Generally I – with my course of, that is not irritating, however typically, there’s simply one thing that takes over, and the track begins to put in writing itself. But when I needed to assume, I believe it was simply one thing I have been sitting on subconsciously for fairly a while to the place it is identical to – it writes itself.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “BACKUP PLAN”)
GIVEON: (Singing) By no means was this simple for you – was it? – to get mad at me.
It is simply that itch that, as soon as it is beginning to be scratched, it is simply – you simply cannot, and the phrases pour out. Like, I most likely might have made that track 6 minutes if I wished to ‘trigger I nonetheless had much more questions and much more issues to say.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “AVALANCHE”)
GIVEON: (Singing) I need to be the one to make you’re feeling. Are you able to go and put up your hair? We get numerous apply.
Yeah, Avalanche was – it is – I really feel prefer it’s one of many extra necessary songs on the album simply because it breaks up the minor chords, the moodiness.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “AVALANCHE”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Oh, and I forgot to say the opposite evening, yeah. Butterflies, you see me completely different after I’m round you. And it ain’t no competitors once you’re proper right here. Can not help however get this sense each timе.
Generally what will get misconstrued with my writing is that they assume as a result of I am writing the ups and downs, typically they only hear in regards to the downs, and other people assume that that is simply how all of my relationships are. So “AVALANCHE” was simply me making an attempt to let individuals into my world of, like, oh, no, that is why I care a lot as a result of the highs are excessive.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “AVALANCHE”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Your love’s like an avalanche. I am falling onerous and falling for you. And it do not make sense how good you might be.
‘Trigger these chords, these main chords aren’t as, like, thick. It is a extra open area track. It is simply – as a result of it is simply alleged to be a feel-good – like, the music is the characteristic at that time. So that you need to be sure that the music is mild and simpler to virtually sing the music and transfer to the music.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “AVALANCHE”)
GIVEON: (Singing) Fantasizing once you with me, cannot comprise myself.
PFEIFFER: That is the singer Giveon, speaking about his album “BELOVED.”
Copyright © 2025 NPR. All rights reserved. Go to our web site phrases of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for additional data.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts could fluctuate. Transcript textual content could also be revised to appropriate errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org could also be edited after its authentic broadcast or publication. The authoritative document of NPR’s programming is the audio document.
