Alicia Keys, a 17-time Grammy winner, says she's working on new music and speaks out about the challenges women face in the music industry.
In an interview with The Times of London, Keys reveals that she's working on the follow-up to her 2021 LP, Keys. She says she's still working on the direction but is actively writing "songs that mean something to people." Elsewhere in the interview, she also highlighted the "good old boy network" that often excludes female producers and engineers. Keys emphasized the need for action to create opportunities for women, rather than just expressing frustration. She noted that women make up only 2% of the industry, despite their significant contributions.
Keys also reflected on the feminist themes in her music, explaining that they were not always intentional but emerged from her need to empower herself during challenging times. She advised emerging artists to take control of their creative work and be wary of industry professionals who may prioritize profits over artists' longevity.
Keys co-founded the organization She Is The Music to empower women in the industry. The nonprofit aims to increase the number of women working in music and support future generations of female artists.