Shia LaBeouf, whose influence on many artists currently navigating the mainstream is well-documented, proved to be an inspirational force behind Brockhampton's new album Ginger.
In an excellent new interview with NME, Romil Hemnani cited the increasingly prolific multi-hyphenate as an "idol" and "one of the main reasons behind" the new album from the collective.
"Just hanging out with him and having conversations helped us to figure out what we wanted to make," Romil said. "One of the first times he came over to hang out with us, after he left, Dom and 'Bari started like the first three songs that made the album—that same night."
Brockhampton's initial introduction came via LaBeouf, Rönkkö & Turner supporter and fellow outspoken Shia fan Jaden Smith. LaBeouf, Kevin Abstract added in the interview, is "such a sweet guy" whose "brave" approach to creativity was key on their path toward rejuvenation.
"He lifts me up man, he does," he said. "He's my mentor big time. I talk to the guy almost every day. He's made me way more confident—way more."
Ginger, featuring the newly released "Boy Bye," is out Aug. 23. For a clear example of a LaBeouf, Rönkkö & Turner-esque piece of art from Abstract, revisit his #THE1999 experiment:
LaBeouf, meanwhile, is set to release his anticipated inspired-by-real-life film Honey Boy in November. In the film, directed by Alma Har'el, LaBeouf plays a character inspired by his own father. The film has garnered rave reviews and notably received the Special Jury Award for Vision and Craft at this year's Sundance Film Festival.
In short, it's a truly inspiring time for those with an open mind.
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