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Beyoncé, one of the most iconic visual artists in music, has broken her silence on why she chose to release her last two albums, Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, without accompanying music videos. In an interview with GQ magazine, the global superstar revealed that she wanted to prioritize the music and the message, rather than distract fans with elaborate visuals.
"I thought it was important that during a time where all we see is visuals, that the world can focus on the voice," Beyoncé explained. Her recent records have sought to shine a spotlight on the contributions of Black musicians to genres such as house, disco, and country music. According to the singer, the music itself was rich in history and required time and space for listeners to fully absorb and appreciate it.
Renaissance, released in 2022, was created during the pandemic as a "place to dream" and offer an escape from the challenges of the time. Instead of music videos, Beyoncé focused on the live concert experience, using her tour and a concert film to connect with fans. "We all got the visual on tour," she said, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences during her performances.
In the interview, Beyoncé also discussed her efforts to maintain privacy, particularly for her children, and her determination to protect her family from the pressures of fame. Though she has largely stepped back from interviews since 2014, her recent comments offer rare insight into the evolving approach of one of music's most celebrated artists.
