Award-winning singer-songwriter Anders Osborne announces the release of his new album "Picasso's Villa" on April 26, as distributed by Ward/Missing Piece Records.
The Swedish-born and New Orleans-based artist presents his 17th full-length record as the chronicle of what it means to live in the US in the last few years amid contentions and issues centering around fear, confusion, and the rebellious joy one achieves despite all of that.
Anders Osborne, 'Bewildered' Yet at Peace
This condensed story is perhaps best represented by the album's first single, "Bewildered," the music video of which was recently released last Thursday, Feb. 16. The song tells of the recent civil unrest and their repeating nature which is represented by over four decades of conflicts.
Reminiscent of "We Didn't Start the Fire," Osborne balances the politically charged aspect of the song with its core message surrounding the "duality of life," which the artist told PEOPLE is "love and fear."
"That's what drives all these things," Osborne explained. "From there, I tried to puzzle that together with lyrics and make it make sense."
The singer himself went through the thickness of this dichotomy, now spending time in the more hopeful parts as he emerges from a journey of rediscovering his purpose and being "renewed" as an individual.
Osborne cites his introspection and practice of meditation as the core element behind his healing. He also said that the new songs in the album are essentially a celebration of the freedom and joy he achieved through this arduous and sobering journey.
The artist, recalling his experience in a twelve-step AA program, said: "The biggest change in getting sober was the focus on meditation and prayer, just looking more inward."
"When I'm sleeping in 140 different beds a year, and eating unhealthy foods, meditation is what keeps me centered," he added. "Holding myself in that sacred space for a while is what makes it possible for me to do all this."
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'Picasso's Villa' and Anders Osborne's Return to Self
The thematically deep tracks of the new album were "translated" at New Orleans' Esplanade Studios, featuring established and acclaimed musicians like Waddy Wachtel (Warren Zevon), Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Joe Walsh), and Bob Glaub (Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne).
Sound-wise, the new record teeters between heavy overtones, as inspired by the American rock band Crazy Horse, and the more roots and blues-based contemplative approach the artist was famous for during his start as a singer-songwriter.
"Picasso's Villa" encapsulates the lifelong toil of an artist who has weathered the storm and finally recentered himself, leaving behind everything unnecessary. In short, it is a reminder that despite uncertainty and chaos, each one of us is capable and has the autonomy to produce something beautiful and to move forward.
For Osborne, it is simply a reflection of exuberant joy and contentment that are discovered through friendship, family, self-reflection, and letting go.
The album is currently available for pre-save and pre-order. For those interested, click here.
