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In The Joke: An Interview with Demi Lovato

In The Joke: An Interview with Demi Lovato

      Demi Lovato has constructed her sense of peace piece by piece. As a former child star, she has succeeded in remaining culturally relevant for over twenty years, with the world recognizing Demi before she had the chance to discover herself. Her early appearances as an enthusiastic child on Barney & Friends transitioned into starring roles in the Camp Rock films, multiple chart-topping albums, international tours, and a tumultuous adolescence exposed to intense scrutiny. Yet, Lovato always stood apart from her Disney peers, possessing a certain depth and a quiet internal struggle.

      While that intensity may have fueled a challenging path through childhood stardom, it first emerged as a musical legacy that exceeded her years. Her songwriting has consistently been deeply impactful, favoring grunge-influenced tracks that delve into the complexities of desire and heartbreak, rather than conforming to the standard pop that many young stars churned out. “’Don’t Forget’ is a song I’ll always cherish,” Lovato reflects, recalling the edgy pop-punk track from 2008 that launched her career. “To think I wrote that at 15 is something I’m genuinely proud of.” Although the public often sees Lovato as a powerful vocalist, her prowess as a songwriter is equally, if not more, remarkable.

      Currently referred to on social media as the “Original Brat”, the shine of her success has not overshadowed her struggles, and Lovato has openly shared her emotional battles. That candid vulnerability has humanized her and provided comfort to fans who resonate with her mental health journey. However, excessive openness can easily be exploited, and it wasn’t long before the insatiable media machine took hold.

      This phase in her life feels particularly unique. There are no defenses being rallied, no fierce retorts to her criticisms. At 33, Demi is finally taking a full breath, confidently embracing her sensuality and allowing herself to lighten up. If there’s anything dealing with death teaches, it’s that life doesn’t need to be so serious. “It’s no secret I’ve faced many challenges,” Lovato states, “but I’m allowed to move forward. I’m not living in the past or holding onto regret. I’m embracing where I am right now.”

      ‘It’s Not That Deep’, Lovato’s ninth studio album, encapsulates the essence of her transformation. Now married and re-engaging with life, it seems almost like a second chance at the teenage years she lost, but this time armed with wisdom, self-worth, and a dedicated meditation practice. On a broader level, the album is a celebration of intimacy, joy, and liberation. On a deeper level, it sheds inhibitions and finds tranquility through forgiveness.

      While some may view her pivot to pop as a departure, it has been part of Lovato’s artistic identity since her 2011 album, ‘Unbroken’, where hits like ‘Give Your Heart A Break’ became integral to her legacy. For the Dallas native, evolving her sound has been less of a choice and more of a necessity. “When I entered the studio in 2023, I started making music that didn’t resonate with me after just finishing a rock project,” Lovato recalls, referring to her 2022 punk album ‘HOLY FVCK’, which was filled with anger and revenge. It represented a time when her frustration was raw, an homage to her early teenage angst. “But when you’re in a great relationship and genuinely happy, it’s hard to write upbeat rock tracks. So I transitioned back to R&B but struggled to find my rhythm. Then I thought, ‘Why not return to pop? That’s what I enjoy listening to, so let’s give it a go.’”

      Produced by Zhone, who has collaborated with stars like Kylie Minogue, Troye Sivan, and Kesha, ‘It’s Not That Deep’ radiates life and energy. It’s an electrifying collection that evokes movement and joy. Tracks like ‘Frequency’ and ‘Kiss’ are almost addictive. “I tend to create music that I enjoy listening to,” Lovato explains. “I believe that’s why I’ve shifted genres so often. When I created ‘Tell Me You Love Me’, I was immersed in R&B. With ‘HOLY FVCK’, I was drawn to rock. Now I’m in my pop era, making music I’d want to listen to.” Lovato surrounded herself with current pop influences, crafting a record that melds the best of 2000s pop, 2010s hits, and today’s sounds. “There are so many incredible pop divas now, like Zara Larsson, Addison Rae, Tate McRae, Sabrina [Carpenter], Chappell [Roan], Kim Petras, Kesha, Doja Cat, and, of course, the queen, Lady Gaga. They inspire me every step of the way.”

      With angst no longer driving her, it seems that freedom guides

In The Joke: An Interview with Demi Lovato

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In The Joke: An Interview with Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has constructed her peace piece by piece. As a former child star, she has accomplished the remarkable achievement of staying culturally significant for more than twenty years.