MNEK Is Betting on Himself With ‘Bulldozer!!’: ‘An Album That Only I Can Make’
The British hitmaker – who has recently worked with Zara Larsson, FLO and more – opens up about leaving chart pressure behind and finding a lighter way forward on his second solo album.
MNEK, the London singer, songwriter, and producer, is unleashing his latest album, Bulldozer!! , as a self-made statement. Over the past decade, MNEK's fingerprints have been all over modern pop and R&B, with his work appearing on tracks for Beyoncé, BTS, Dua Lipa, and Little Mix among others. However, his sophomore album marks a new chapter for the 31-year-old, as he turns his decade-long experience back on himself.
Bulldozer!! , released in September, explores themes of partying, body image, dating apps, and MNEK's conflicted relationship with the U.S. The album features a dancefloor-based mood with tropical influences and skittering tempo changes, showcasing MNEK's unique style and creative spirit. In an interview with Billboard U.K., MNEK expressed his determination to push the boundaries of his music, stating that he can only worry about what his music makes him feel and the emotion he wants listeners to experience.
The album has been a more emotionally lighter endeavor for MNEK, as he no longer worries about commercial success. He even shared that there's no game-playing involved in this album, as he believes it's a truly unique creation that only he can make. MNEK's confidence has grown significantly since the release of his previous album, Language, which didn't perform as well commercially or in the U.K. top 40. The time away from solo work allowed MNEK to rebuild his confidence and reflect on his growth over the years.
MNEK's journey in the industry began when he was just 14 years old, with a set of MySpace demos that led to his first publishing deal in 2009. Since then, he has remained at the forefront of the pop scene, collaborating with artists like Madonna and creating chart-topping hits for Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress. With Bulldozer!! , MNEK is ready to leave his mark once again, confident in his ability to create a truly distinctive album that reflects his own experiences and emotions.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.