There’s something inspiring and electric when Khalid talks about his new album, Out of Body. The Texas-born hitmaker, who’s spent the better part of a decade soundtracking our feelings with soulful honesty and impressive melodies is stepping into a new era. On his new album, there's a sense of freedom and boldness. Working with esteemed producers Darkchild [Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez] and Ilya Salmanzadeh [Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey], the album is Khalid at his most free, bold and unapologetic. We spoke to the California-based artist about how Out of Body is a celebration of growth, community, and pure creative joy.

I just listened to your album this morning and it made me dance. I felt so good listening to it.

Yes!!

It's so fresh and exciting. It feels like such a new chapter for you, but it still has your DNA. It's the best vibe ever.

Oh my God, thank you. That means so much to me because I’ve been holding onto it, anxiously awaiting for the world to hear it. I just hope everybody loves it as much as I do.

Yeah, it's really good. Do you remember where you were, or what was inspiring you, when you first realised you were crafting an album - a body of work?

Yeah. When I made Sincere, my last album, it took me so long. I wasn’t proud of how long it took. I hated spending that much time on a project, especially when I think about myself in 2016–2019 - I was releasing so much music and so many collaborations. But I was searching for my footing, for my love of music again. I remember when I was making Sincere, I started to find moments of healing and joy. When I finished and put it out, I told myself, “There’s no way I’m going to wait five years to release another album ever again.” It was this rush of inspiration and energy. I felt like Sincere was the dam bursting open for my creativity. I knew I wanted to move faster - not just in how long I take writing, but in the energy and pacing of the music itself. I was in a very inspired, quick, fiery creative space when I made this album.

You can feel it. I think you really captured that energy, you can hear it.

Oh, thank you.

You worked with some really cool people on this. I love that you worked with Darkchild and Ilya. How did they help shape this sonic world?

Darkchild makes the vibe of this album so much more authentic. We often revel in nostalgia and try to recreate moments that have already been done, but these producers are still here, still making new ideas, still innovative and exciting. For me, that speaks to integrity, going back to the source. Ilya is incredibly talented and empathetic. Working with him felt deeply connected, beyond just music - having conversations, feeling heard, singing a melody and hearing him say, “I love this, that melody’s incredible.” And I’m like, “Really? You love it?” That kind of validation means a lot. Like Erykah Badu said, “I’m an artist, and I’m sensitive about my shit.” I feel the same way. I’m very sensitive about the music I make. When I’m working with someone who’s motivated, inspired, and standing behind me celebrating me, I only want to work harder. I hate letting people down. It was incredible working on this album because you can hear the fun we were having. You can hear the laughter, the hard conversations, the growth. I really connect with this album so much.

What did you learn about yourself through writing and making it?

That I’m a lot more flirty in nature than I realised. I started embracing that and characterizing myself in new ways. Accepting my sexuality has really opened up my songwriting. I’ve been writing so many songs that are honest and tongue-in-cheek. Sometimes I listen back and think, “These songs are so flirty and cute,” and I don’t always see myself that way. Maybe that was fear... fear of openness or acceptance. But when I went into the studio and made this album, it was like I shed the costume of who I thought I had to be. I released it and got to be this energy - this playful, fun, powerful force. I get to sing, dance, twirl, spin - and I love that. It’s been an incredible outcome.

I love that, too. Is there a song you’re most proud of, or one you’re excited for people to hear?

The first one, because I think they’ll understand the moment they hear Medicine. They’ll be like, “Okay, that’s what I had.” I think people will say, “We thought we knew Khalid,” but they’ll be introduced to someone completely new. Yet it’s authentic and real. Some might fear they’re losing the Khalid they’ve known and getting a lesser version, but it’s the opposite. They’re losing the perception of who they thought I was and getting to know me through and through. Medicine is a sledgehammer of a record.

I agree. It’s my favourite song on the album. I love its energy. I’m also obsessed with the album artwork. It fully encapsulates the sound and the vibe. Tell me about what inspired you visually.

It’s about rejoicing and acceptance of my place in society, not just my sexuality, but my culture and youth as part of Generation Z. My past album covers were always just me, alone, solemn, looking away, shy and closed off. This cover shows me surrounded by a community of people who are liberated, enjoying the music, embracing the night. Two of my real friends are on the cover - one I’ve known since the fourth grade, she’s right above me. Her name’s Jackie. It’s authentic. I’m not just accepted by a community of people who connect with me - my friends and family are with me too. It doesn’t feel like I’m trekking through this alone. That’s what the album speaks to: my success is thanks to the people who support me. If I’m saying, “I’m ready to be myself,” that means I’m ready to jump into the crowd, to be touched, to be vulnerable. This album represents full acceptance, of myself and the community that supports me. It’s a reminder that I’m part of this generation too. Community is such an important aspect of this album because communities will be listening to it.

What’s something inspiring you at the moment, or something you’re passionate about outside of music?

I’m really passionate about sightseeing. I went to Big Sur in California and just took in all the nature. You realise this planet is so old and beautiful.

It’s humbling.

Yes! There’s so much to see, so much wonder. Maybe I’m searching for peace, because I know there’s a chance people will really love this album... and I won’t have as much time to sit in peace. So I’m trying to strengthen my relationship with the world.

Cool. I love that. That’s a nice place to end.I’m super excited for everyone to hear it. It’s so brilliant — the whole project.

I’m so glad you love Medicine.

Yes! It’s the best. It’s such a good body of work, but to start off like that, I was like, “Wait, everyone stop...”

I’m telling all my friends that you love that one.

So nice to meet you.

Thank you. Nice to meet you.

Listen to Out of Body HERE.

@thegr8khalid