It’s been a big day for Selena Gomez. The pop star marked the release of her first musical endeavor of 2018 on Thursday (May 10) with the lovelorn hit-to-be “Back to You,” as well as an accompanying Spotify-exclusive vertical video. The eclectic track also debuted as Zane Lowe’s World Record on Apple Music, and the host chatted with Gomez about contributing to the 13 Reasons Why season 2 soundtrack, as well as her upcoming plans.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“It’s the first song I did for 13 Reasons Why — that actually was specifically for the show,” Gomez said. “…It’s a very special record. I want it to be a beautiful message in a really complicated way but really fun. I think that ‘Back to You’ is more of my special project that I wanted to give to season 2.”
She also shared details about her upcoming album, which she said she’s “finishing up” now. “There’s no date, there’s no idea for it, but I have a lot of music that I’ve collectively put away,” Gomez said. “I have so many exciting things coming. It just feels like it’s my time and it’s at my pace. I’m not trying to throw a bunch of music in people’s faces until I’m ready.”
The singer revealed that much of her material will be focusing on “personal things” — but her third solo studio album has been a bit delayed due to her fear of following up 2015’s Revival.
“This has been building for maybe two years. I was really happy with Revival, but at the same time, I was terrified of doing another record,” Gomez explained. “Because for me, it could be like it was a step down or I needed to beat that record, and I think every artist kind of struggles with that. So I waited. I wanted it to be great, and had I not waited a good year or two, I wouldn’t have had the best songs I’ve ever had.”
Among the contributors to the next batch of songs are hit writers and longtime collaborators Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels, who are also behind many of Gomez’s previous tracks, including “Bad Liar” and “Hands to Myself.”
“I had this instant soul connection with them,” Gomez said.
Aside from music, Gomez also made headlines in the last few months surrounding the kidney transplant she received in September due to her lupus. Thankfully, she’s managed to successfully get back on her feet and isn’t afraid of opening up about her experience with the autoimmune disease.
“I feel the best I’ve felt, just for now,” Gomez said. “I’m hoping to keep beating it. But I’m super happy. I love people. I take really good care of myself.”
Listen to the full interview below.