Thundercat Dishes on His Biggest Distractions on the Road to “Distracted” — and the Friends He’s Made Along the Way (Exclusive)

**Thundercat Prepares to Release New Album ‘Distracted’ After Six-Year Hiatus**

After a lengthy six-year pause from producing new music, renowned bassist Thundercat, whose real name is Stephen Brunner, is set to unveil his latest album, ‘Distracted,’ on 3 April. This much-anticipated release follows his 2020 album, ‘It Is What It Is,’ and marks a significant evolution in both his music and personal life.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the two-time Grammy award winner explained how changes in his lifestyle have influenced his artistry. Brunner mentioned a shift away from excessive drinking and a newly discovered passion for boxing, allowing him to focus more intently on his music. “Everything about me is different,” he stated during a February meeting in New York City. He emphasised the importance of personal growth, saying, “I’m working on myself inward and outward, trying to figure out how to show up better.”

Interestingly, alongside his personal transformations, Brunner has also delved into the creative process of the album. Having experienced feelings of disorientation during its creation—stemming from changes in relationships and living situations—he noted that the album emerged as a reflection of his life experiences. He revealed, “Learning to be okay with these things took on its own life,” indicating the deeply introspective nature of the new work.

Musically, ‘Distracted’ promises to maintain Thundercat’s signature blend of funk and soulful melodies, with fresh collaborations that highlight his artistic connections. The album features contributions from prominent figures such as mega-producer Greg Kurstin and vocal appearances from actors like Haley Joel Osment. In fact, Osment lends his voice to the track “Anakin Learns His Fate,” which intriguingly references the ‘Star Wars’ saga.

Brunner elaborated on his fascination with ‘Star Wars’ mythology, particularly the character of Anakin Skywalker. He confidently posited that the pivotal moments which led to Anakin’s downfall could be understood through a nuanced lens, reflecting deeper themes present in his own work. The album promises to weave these cultural references throughout, adding an extra layer for dedicated fans of both music and film.

In discussing his creative process, Thundercat shared that light-hearted distractions, such as watching ‘SpongeBob’ and ‘Star Trek,’ have contributed to his focus while navigating the complexities of life. He expressed a belief in the importance of balance in the creative process, saying, “If you’re standing too close to the picture, you can’t even see it’s a painting.” His comparisons of distractions to essential ingredients underscore his understanding that creativity often stems from unexpected places.

The initial single, “She Knows Too Much,” has already set the tone for the forthcoming album, signifying a strong connection to his previous music while exhibiting growth. Brunner explained that this track, which features a blend of his own artistry and the influence of his late friend Mac Miller, allowed for an organic evolution—a fitting inclusion for ‘Distracted.’

Further discussing collaborations, Thundercat spoke highly of A$AP Rocky, with whom he collaborated on the song “Funny Friends.” He highlighted their artistic chemistry, indicating how they both act as support systems for one another in their respective journeys. “Throughout the years we’ve kind of been checkpoints for each other,” he reflected, acknowledging how their mutual respect and understanding of life experiences enrich their creative output.

Additionally, working with Tyler, the Creator on ‘Chromakopia’ has only deepened Brunner’s appreciation for collaborative music-making. He noted the excitement of joining forces with artists he admires and how such projects inspire him to produce his best work. The process of evolving alongside such creatives is one that Thundercat clearly cherishes.

As the release of ‘Distracted’ approaches, Thundercat hopes listeners will find inspiration within the album. He expressed a desire for his creativity to resonate with others, saying, “I hope that this just inspires creativity in the next person.”

With a rich blend of introspection, playful cultural references, and standout collaborations, Thundercat’s ‘Distracted’ promises to be a significant return for the bassist, showcasing his evolution over the past six years. The album will be available via Brainfeeder, and fans are eager to see how his journey of self-discovery has shaped his sound.