SZA on Living Her 'Ideal Situation' as an Artist

Despite perceived issues regarding her label relationships, SZA says she remains in her “ideal situation” as an artist.

Speaking with Complex for a new cover story, SZA pointed to several facets of this current era of her career as being integral to her creative freedom. However, she also entertained the idea of one day moving her talents into an entirely new field should certain circumstances change in the future.

“I live in my ideal situation,” SZA told Aria Hughes. “I don’t have any deadlines, because at the end of the day, when my shit comes out, it comes out. And if ever I lose my ability to choice, I have no problem vacating my current life and doing something different. I’m not glued to being an artist for the rest of my life or anything for that matter. I’m seeing where it takes me.”

Mentioned as potential next chapters by SZA herself were a variety of options, including everything from farming to insect study. As SZA pointed out, she’s confident anything she wants to do “will be done well.”

This is in line with prior remarks from SZA about the possibility of extending (or outright moving) her voice elsewhere. The thought of becoming a farmer, notably, has received multiple mentions, including in previous interviews with Community Voices and People. In the latter, shared in June 2021, SZA clarified that all her contracts “are done” after the release of her upcoming album (Ctrl was released via Top Dawg and RCA in 2017). In Complex’s new cover story, Terrence “Punch” Henderson noted it’s time for SZA to reup after her sophomore album is released under RCA.

During the five-year wait for a new album, the hype among fans has continued to build. But speaking with Complex, SZA explains why she’s more focused on simply besting herself and her prior work instead of giving too much attention to mounting expectations.

Though she appreciates the patience her fans have, she explains, “Constantly trying to people-please and fulfill expectations instead of just thinking about what you need can deter you from your true path. And the next thing you know you’re somebody that you never signed up to be.”

She added: “Even with this album, I just wanna be better than my last project to myself. I wanna be a better writer. I wanna be a better artist, musician… a better thinker. I just wanna do things that make myself proud and interested.”

Read the full Complex cover story with SZA here.