ANDRÉ 3000 – Interview + Surprise Concert | Popcast | New York Times

André 3000, renowned for his work with Outkast, recently appeared on The New York Times’ music podcast, Popcast. During this in-depth interview, he discussed his evolution from rapper to flutist and the creative journey behind his debut solo album, New Blue Sun. Following the conversation, André surprised the Times’ newsroom with an impromptu performance, showcasing his flute skills alongside his band.

New Blue Sun, released after an 18-year hiatus since Outkast’s last album, marks a significant departure from André’s rap roots. The album features six instrumental tracks of ambient alt-jazz, with a strong emphasis on the flute. This innovative work has garnered critical acclaim, earning André 3000 three Grammy nominations: Album of the Year, Alternative Jazz, and Instrumental Composition.

Reflecting on the Grammy recognition, André expressed surprise and gratitude. He noted that while they aimed for nominations in categories like alternative jazz or ambient, the Album of the Year nod was unexpected. He stated, “I was totally surprised by this. So yeah, it was super, super, super duper cool.”

The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, where André 3000 will be among the esteemed nominees.

André 3000 sat down with Popcast, The New York Times music podcast, for a wide-ranging interview about his journey from platinum-selling rapper and pop star to experimental flutist, discussing what it’s like to improvise after a career of writing down raps, the perks of naïveté and a tour-saving call from Prince.

Following his interview, André 3000 and the band behind the Grammy-nominated New Blue Sun — featuring Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau, Carlos Niño and Deantoni Parks — performed an improvised piece in The Times’ newsroom.