André 3000, known for his work in Outkast, recently performed live for the first time with musicians from his solo LP "New Blue Sun," where he showcased his skills playing various flutes and attempted to change perceptions. The album, which features experimental music and reached No. 34 on the Billboard album chart, has sparked conversations about the virtues of amateurism and the right of a celebrity to recalibrate the terms of his fame.
Shabaka Hutchings, a prominent British jazz musician known for his work on the saxophone, has recently transitioned to playing the flute, a change that surprised even himself. His journey with the flute began during the pandemic, and he has since developed a deep connection with the instrument, exploring its diverse range and origins. Hutchings, who sees himself as a multi-instrumentalist, will be showcasing his flute skills at New York's Winter Jazzfest as an artist in residence, marking a significant shift in his musical career.
André 3000's flute album, "New Blue Sun," has set a record with its opening track, "I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A 'Rap' Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time," becoming the longest song ever to hit the Billboard Hot 100 at 12 minutes and 20 seconds. The album also debuted at No. 34 on the Billboard 200 chart.
André 3000, one half of the iconic rap duo Outkast, has released his first solo album since 2003 titled "New Blue Sun," which features him playing the flute. The album, a collection of jam sessions with percussionist Carlos Niño and others, showcases André's fluid and self-aware artistry, with ambient and free-form tribal jazz influences. After a decade of relative solitude, André's return to music reflects his love for the flute and his belief that he has outgrown rap. The album serves as a testament to his musical evolution and desire to create something valuable for future generations of artists.
Matthewdavid, founder of Leaving Records, discusses his involvement in Andre 3000's debut solo album, New Blue Sun, where he provided "mycelial electronics." The collaboration came about through a call from co-producer Carlos Niño, and the session resulted in the track "Ninety Three 'Til Infinity And Beyoncé." Matthewdavid reflects on the experience, expressing a sense of destiny and symbiosis with Andre 3000's exploration of flute music. He also discusses the evolution of Leaving Records as a space for experimental music and the power of alternative communities in connecting people.
André 3000, of OutKast fame, has announced his debut solo album, New Blue Sun, set to release on November 17th. The album is a departure from rap, featuring 87 minutes of minimalist and experimental music with André 3000 playing various wind instruments, including flutes. There are no bars, beats, or vocals on the album. André 3000 explained that he wanted to share his love for playing the flute, which he has been doing for years, and the album's track titles serve as a way to convey his thoughts and ideas.
André 3000, half of the hip-hop duo OutKast, is releasing his first solo album in over 17 years titled "New Blue Sun." The album is a departure from his previous work, as it is purely instrumental and features André playing various flutes and digital wind instruments. The album was created through improvisation and collaboration with a community of musicians in Los Angeles. André discusses his creative process, the pressure he puts on himself, and the importance of finding freedom and support in a collaborative environment. He also opens up about his experiences with social anxiety disorder and the role it plays in his life and music.
Archaeologists have recreated a 12,000-year-old bone flute discovered in northern Israel, which is believed to have been used to hunt small birds. The flute is the oldest musical instrument found in the Middle East and offers insight into how early humans shifted from hunter-gatherers to more settled communities. The French-Israeli team of archaeologists discovered fragments of seven different flutes, dating to around 10,000 BCE, which is the largest collection of prehistoric sound-producing instruments ever found in the Levant. The recreated flute produces a screeching, breathy whistling sound that could have imitated predator birds, including falcons, which eat small waterfowl.
Pop star and flautist Lizzo and classical virtuoso Sir James Galway performed a lively duet of Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ at the 2023 Met Gala. Lizzo had previously serenaded guests with an interlude from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. The duo's performance has gone viral, with Galway's team revealing that it was an invitation and musical collaboration that the legendary flautist will treasure forever.
