Read Adele's First Interview in Three Years

After effectively breaking the internet towards the end of last month with her newly released single “Hello” garnering 28 million views in 24 hours, Adele comes out with her first interview with i-D in three years to talk about the creative process behind her new album 25. Now a mother of a two-year-old boy, much has changed for the 27-year-old in her three years of media silence, and this much is discussed in the interview on the passage of time for the singer. Also touched upon is Adele’s rejection of fame, yet her simultaneous adoration by popular culture; as well as the central role that Amy Winehouse had in the development of her music career. Read a passage below, and find the full article online here.

Unlike her first two albums, which had distinct soul, R&B and bluegrass overtures, 25 feels firmly centred in contemporary pop although there are some very decisive nods to the 70s — The Carpenters, Aretha, Carly Simon and Stevie Nicks, who she met recently at Fleetwood Mac’s 02 show. She takes great joy in reenacting their encounter. “I was sobbing all over her oh my god. I don’t really like crying in front of famous people because it’s awkward and it can make them feel really uncomfortable. But I couldn’t contain myself.”

Much has been made of the time it’s taken to record 25. But Adele wouldn’t – couldn’t – be rushed. “Sometimes I wonder if I’ve missed it by a year, bringing it back. But you know, I was being a mum. I couldn’t rush it. And you’ve got to give people a chance to miss you.” She tried to get back into the studio in 2013, going to her friend Kid Harpoon’s studio to try out some stuff. “Just for a laugh. It was a ‘dip my toe back in the water’ thing really. Me and Tom get on great, so I went in with him ’cause I knew there was no pressure. We just chatted, mainly, and got chocolate tempura. I don’t know why I wasn’t ready, I just couldn’t access myself.”