Usher plans to make his next album a “worldwide entertainment experience.”
The singer, who launches his One Night Stand Ladies Only tour on Sunday in Atlantic City, N.J., told Billboard.com during a conference call that his follow up to this year’s platinum “Here I Stand” will be “all about adapting new musical styles in creating a unique blend between what I know works here in America and what I know will be appreciated worldwide. I may go to France and do some work. I may go to London … Japan.
“There’s tons of artists I want to work with abroad. I can’t give you specific (names) but I am interested in working with artists who are out of the range I’m accustomed to. I want to try new things.”
Usher said he hasn’t started recording but that the album would be the next thing on his docket, following the tour and an “ensemble” movie that’s among the film projects he’s considering. He might dig into some existing material — “There’s tons (of songs) leftover from all four albums I’ve done,” Usher acknowledged but added that “When I work I work … based where I am and what my story is at the moment,” meaning his focus will likely be on fresh material.
All of that will be on the backburner during the One Night Stand tour, however, which Usher promised will be “a night to remember.” He said the concept was inspired by Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye, Prince and other influences who “did things special like this for their female fans.”
Everything from the repertoire to the stage set — “It’s intended to feel as though you’re looking into my great room and here we are about to have a party in this house” — has been tailored to the intended audience, and Usher is using his Web site to let those ladies register for meet ‘n’ greet opportunities and to be the one lucky woman brought on stage each night for an even more intimate experience with the singer.
As for his male fans, Usher said, “I cannot prohibit them from buying tickets and being part of it … However, I do want them to know this show is catered specifically to women.”
Leading up to the tour, Usher — an outspoken supporter of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama — has released a socially conscious new single, “Hush,” via iTunes. Proceeds from sales of the song will go to the singer’s New Look Foundation.
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