Model and actress Cara Delevingne has revealed that creating her debut music album helped her remain mentally balanced and sober after a difficult period in her life.
The 34-year-old British star spoke to Elle magazine about her transition into music with her upcoming project, titled Not Normal. The 12-track record was scheduled for release on September 25.
Delevingne revealed that the album is partly inspired by her partner of four years, British musician Minke. She explained that she had been working on the project for three years, adding that it felt as though she had spent her entire life preparing for it because all of her past experiences led up to this moment.
Personal journey and self-reflection
Reflecting on her personal growth, Delevingne said she had learned to believe in herself and tried to become friends with herself. While acknowledging that the sentiment might sound unusual, she admitted she used to be very hard on herself. She noted that when a person stops placing obstacles in their own path, the results can be remarkable.
The journey of self-discovery also extended to the technical production of the record. Delevingne said she was proud to have co-produced the project alongside a team of creators whom she described as amazing people. She said she thoroughly enjoyed the entire creative process, which taught her a great deal about herself while keeping her mentally stable and sober.
Celebrity news outlet People also highlighted her comments, noting her discussions around maintaining sanity and sobriety after an extended period in her life.
Teenage poetry and songwriting
Although Not Normal marks her official debut album, several of the 12 tracks date back to her teenage years. Delevingne explained that the first and last songs on the album function as two bookends enclosing the overall work.
She described both bookend tracks as unplanned poems written in a stream of consciousness style. The first track was written when she was around 18 years old, while the second was written when she was 25.
Delevingne added that both of these foundational tracks were composed while flying on airplanes, noting that aircraft cabins are where she typically writes most of her material.
Background and career expansion
Delevingne first gained international fame as a fashion model, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on global runways and representing major luxury fashion houses. She subsequently established an acting career with starring roles in feature films and television series before embarking on her music career with Not Normal.
Her partner Minke, born Leah Mason, is a London-raised singer and songwriter known for blending blues, indie, and pop influences in her music. The couple have been together for four years.
