BEBE REXHA
celebrating her sophomore album “BETTER MISTAKES”
Bebe Rexha returns to her roots on her new album, “Better Mistakes,” released in early May, exploring a punk sound, and tearfully emotional lyrics. The singer-songwriter explores ideas of body positivity, mental health, and personal growth on the 13-track record. The album includes a wide variety of popular artists, from Travis Barker to Pink Sweat$ and Lunay, bridging genre and cultural gaps to create one cohesive collection of songs. Rexha talks to ContentMode about touring, collaborations, and the emotional journey of creating her sophomore album.
AK: I have to start by mentioning that I am such a fan of your work. I have been following you for a while and have been in awe of your career. I was able to see you live in Cincinnati on the Jonas Brothers Tour, which was inevitably the last tour you did before the pandemic. How has life been since you were forced off the road?
BR: That tour was so much fun. I miss it so so much. Traveling is my favorite thing and I cannot wait to get back on the road and back in the studio when it is a little safer.
AK: This new album is fantastic. I love that it is comparable to your old work, while still having an innovative sound with modern themes. “Better Mistakes,” the album embraces themes of individuality and self-empowerment, which is something you’ve always spoken to and made clear in your work. Why do you keep this as a constant theme in your life and work? What does it mean to you to share work like this with the world?
BR: As an artist and songwriter, I think it’s so important to stay true to yourself and who you are. I think it’s important to spread the message and remind people to be compassionate with themselves, no matter what stage of life they are in.
AK: Before diving into the album, I want to ask about the verse you just contributed to JESSIA’s “I’m Not Pretty” Remix. In true Bebe fashion, it is incredibly honest, inclusive, and inspiring. How did this collaboration come about?
BR: I really loved the song the first time I heard it. It embodies body positivity and embracing things that might not fit the norm. JESSIA is so sweet and talented. I can’t wait to watch her grow in life and her career.
AK: “Better Mistakes” is obviously the title track for your sophomore album. Talk me through your decision to choose this song as the title track.
BR: When I was younger, I thought I was going to figure everything out and everything would get better when growing up. While growing up, I realized the best you can do is make better mistakes. You’ll never figure it all out and that is okay. It was important for me to choose a title track that was going to reflect what this album is: beautiful, broken and vulnerable.
AK: “Sabotage” is one of the most emotional songs on the track, along with “Empty” and “Mama.” That feeling of messing up everything good in your life is something that I think a lot of people can relate to at one point in their life. What does it take, emotionally, to create and release a song with this level of vulnerability and honesty?
BR: As much as I want to write a super pop-dance feel-good album, I connect so much more with the deeper, more emotional songs. They come more naturally to me.
While writing my album Better Mistakes, I really opened up in my music on another level. I came to an acceptance of myself and became more vulnerable in my writing than ever before.
Knit top : A.T.O.C. at Shop Curve, Gloves: Lillian Shalom
AK: When I first heard “Sacrifice,” it took me right back to seeing your show. I think this song is going to be incredible in a live setting. When you are creating an album or specific songs, does the live presentation play a part? Is this something you think about or does that thought process come later?
BR: I am so excited to perform the album live, especially songs like Sacrifice and Break My Heart Myself, which allow for really fun moments on stage.
AK: You have a handful of amazing collaborations on this album — Travis Barker, Ty Dolla $ign, Trevor Daniel, Lil Uzi Vert, Doja Cat, Pink Sweat$, Lunay, and Rick Ross — as well as a history of successful collabs. As a songwriter and artist, what leads you to bring someone onto one of your songs? Are you looking for them to add perspective, vocal variety, creative input, etc.? Do you have criteria for collaborations, or just do them because you enjoy them?
BR: I have to respect the artist and their work. I want to be a real fan and I have to like their energy. It’s all about energy and writing.
AK: “Death Row” dives deeper into the punk sound that you introduce with the first track of the album. I heard you talk about exploring this in the past and am so excited that it is finally here. What inspired your decision to move in this direction with your music?
BR: I come from the punk rock world. I grew up listening to No Doubt, was in a band with Pete Wentz back in the day and played Warped Tour one year as well. I loved adding a sheen of some type of rock in my music. I was always such a fan of Blink-182, so having Travis Barker play drums on my favorite song off the album — Break My Heart Myself — was really cool.
AK: I love to see the American music industry branch out and welcome other cultures and languages into our pop. Lunay, who collaborated alongside Pink Sweat$ in “On The Go,” is a Puerto Rican singer. I’d love to hear more about this collaboration and your decision to include spanish on “Better Mistakes.”
BR: Growing up in New York, I have been inspired by so many different sounds and cultures, and I love Latin music. I wanted to incorporate that into my album somehow. I was introduced to Lunay and listen to his music… and I really loved what he’s doing. So I decided to hit him up and collaborate with him on this song. Latin music is more popular than ever, and I really love it and am super inspired by the sounds – I’m grateful to have those sounds be a part of my album.
AK: Another nod to the Spanish language is “Amore” featuring Rick Ross. What I love about this song is the descriptive lyricism. I feel like I am watching a movie when I listen to it. Was this a fun song to create?
BR: I could see the movie in my head.
AK: Freddie Mercury is credited on the closing track, “Mama.” This song turns the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” lyric into a dark and honest letter to your mother. What was your mom’s reaction to this song? Why close this album in this way?
BR: My mom actually doesn’t love “Mama.” She had me when she was really young, we kind of grew up together so she sometimes takes it personally when I talk about my struggles.
AK: In one of your interviews after your debut album “Expectations” you said “I create music to feel better. That is my therapy. Without it, I wouldn’t be here.” Do you feel that creating “Better Mistakes” was therapeutic as well? Do you feel better after making it?
BR: It took me about 3 years to complete this album. I was going through the phase of accepting myself and all the things that I was going through, but I’m still a bit unhappy with myself as a person.
AK: From recording songs into cassette tapes to releasing your sophomore album … How does it feel to be here in this moment?
BR: I am so grateful to be where I am today. I worked on this album for almost 3 years so finally being able to share it with my fans and the world feels incredible.
Quick Qs
AK: Current song on repeat?
BR: “Happen To Me” by BENEE
AK: Artist you’d like to write a song for?
BR: Kanye
AK: Standout lyric from this album?
BR: “Yeah, I feel too much
Almost deadly
Overthink it all, keep obsessing
Here I go again
Why’d I let me
Get so empty?
I feel empty
Empty”
AK: Place you are looking forward to taking your next tour?
BR: Japan
