Its the best way to describe the time, he says.
Culturally, its the most fitting title to describe the energy.
On so many levels I feel like were having to really push through and fight for positivity.
Credit: Paras Griffin/WireImage
The biggest thing I was setting out to do was to create something that felt upbeat, he explains.
I want my music to be a place for my audience to go and be able to feel good.
(Miguel compares Sitek to a big brother shaman.)
But the albums radiant vibes and bright melodies arent about blind escapism.
Its about feeling good and staying positive, but its also not doing it mindlessly.
As a result,War & Leisuredoesnt shy away from acknowledging the troubles from which Miguel is seeking relief.
Banana Clip ominously references a war on love and Korean missiles in the sky.
On Come Through and Chill, J. Cole delivers an urgent verse that addresses Colin Kaepernick and police brutality.
CEO of the free world, Miguel asks on the song, should we teach our children hate?
It kind of haunted me, he says.
There were important questions to ask.
Theres a lot of people who were asking a lot of the same questions.
But Miguel would rather encourage listeners to ask their own questions and examine their own roles in the issues.
I dont consider myself a political artist, he says.
Im just trying to be as mindful as I possibly can be.
I dont have the answers but I know that I have something I can contribute.
