‘American Idol’ star Adam Lambert’s latest album hits Turkish shelves

Since its release in 2009 Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment” has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. In his new venture he collaborates with big-name music producers like Bruno Mars, Pharrel Williams, Nikka Costa, Sam Sparro and Dr. Luke. “Trespassing” hit the shelves in Turkey last week courtesy of Sony Music. Lambert answered questions about the new album, new songs and his brilliant career in a recent phone interview made possible by Sony Music Turkey.

“Better Than I Know Myself” is the debut single from your new album “Trespassing.” Why did you pick such a vocally challenging song to be the first single?

Yes, maybe we can say that “Better Than I Know Myself” is a vocally challenging song, but the message of the song is beautiful. Besides, singing vocally challenging songs is what I do best.

Your new look surprisingly softens your punk image. What made you change the way you express yourself?

Everybody changes, and I change too, in time. But, honestly, there is no special reason behind it. I just express the way I feel. So I can say that I deeply express myself with my new songs,.

The legendary show “American Idol” made you an international star. Who first encouraged you to take a chance on the show?

I had always dreamed of getting involved in showbiz, and I had already appeared on stage in a musical in Los Angeles long before “American Idol.” Actually it was the producers of the musical in Los Angeles who encouraged me to take a chance on the show.

You’ve worked with some of the most popular names in the music industry, such as Bruno Mars, Pharrel Williams and Dr. Luke, on your sophomore album “Trespassing.” How would you describe the sound of your new album?

My new album is much funkier. There’s also disco and electro on the album. In fact, there are some songs which will make you move and there are some songs which feel dark. When you compare it to my debut album “Tresspassing” is closer to a dance album. It’s funky and the second half of the album is much darker.

You confess that your new songs explore the ups and downs of your life. Which song is most representative of what you are now?

They are all representative of me, and in a way every single song represents a different part of me. My new album feels so different from the first one because I somehow feel different, too. I can say that “Trespassing” is more personal because all the songs are much more personal.

After your performance with legendary rock band Queen at the MTV Europe Awards, Roger Taylor praised your performance, describing your voice as astonishing. How did it feel to be on stage with Queen?

Performing on stage together with Queen was just like a dream. It was definitely so cool. Brian May and Roger Taylor were so friendly and I had such a fun time. I most enjoyed the part where we sang “The Show Must Go On.”

Your brilliant interpretation of Pink’s song “Whataya Want From Me” was a kind of breakthrough for your popularity, resulting in the greatest chart success of your career. Do you love Pink’s songs?

Pink is an amazing singer and I love her songs, but “Waiting for Love” is the one I like most among her beautiful tracks. It was not released as a single, but it’s a great song and it’s one of my favorites.

During your initial auditions for “American Idol” you mentioned several musical influences such as Madonna, Michael Jackson and more, but in the current charts who do you like most?

I really love Adele’s voice, but when it comes to charts I would say Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Pink, Rihanna are my favorites. Recently I’ve been listening mostly to Adele, but Rihanna’s latest album is very high energy and it feels good to listen to.