18 May,2012 06:56 AM IST | | Ruchika Kher
Your last album Hard Candy was released in 2008; was itu00a0a conscious decision to return to the music scene after a long gap?
I had just completed the process of making a movie, which used a very different creative aptitude. Mostly, where I was coming from with MDNA was, I felt like an animal who was caged and wanting to be released. I wanted to get back to playing on my guitar, singing and making music.
Singer Madonna performs with Redfoo of LMFAO during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show at Lucas Oil Stadium on Februaryu00a05, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.u00a0Pics/Getty Images/AFP
MDNA is being appreciated worldwide, were you expecting this kind of acclaim from your 12th studio album?
I'm really happy that the album has been appreciated all over, and it feels great.
You have collaborated with younger artists like Nicki Minaj for this album. What was the experience like and why did you decide to collaborate with the current crop?
It's been a very good experience working with Nicki and other young talented artists including M.I.A. The artists I have collaborated with have youthful energy, are full of life and are strong. When it comes to Nicki and MIA. Like I said, they are badass b'''''s and cool to work with.
The album jacket of Madonna's msot recent release, MDNA
Whenever you release an album, people have high expectations. Does that put extra burden on you? Do you feel pressured each time you step into a recording studio because of your iconic status?
I'm always apprehensive whenever I release an album and thinking of it coming after a gap of four years with an album does not make it any less nerve racking. The public's response to my work does matter whether it's my film or my album because I give it my best shot each time.u00a0
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Have you changed as an artist in all these years?
Yes, as an artist I have. The idea is to move forward and keep going with the aim to evolve as an artist. While you are on a journey, you're trying to motivate yourself each time, trying to understand the nature of different things that come along your way; you are also striving to achieve your goals and also wanting to get close to the answers. There are times you don't have all the answers but you know you are learning and growing as an artist and person and it's what you can hope for.
Which is your favourite (or the one that you hold closest) track from the album and why?
Gang Bang is my favourite song from the album. There are many layers to the song in terms of emotions and feelings - there's sorrow, a broken heart and humour as well.
You have a huge fan following in India, one that spans generations; will you ever tour India in the near future?
I would love to tour India. If that opportunity comes my way, it's definitely the one I'm not going to miss.
Future plans?
I'm going on tour and very busy with the preparations. I'm really looking forward to it.u00a0
