The legendary Piano Man, Billy Joel, has broken his two-decade-long silence by releasing his new single, “Turn the Lights Back On.”
In an exclusive interview with Audacy Check In, Joel and co-writer Freddy Wexler delved into the creative process behind the much-anticipated track.
Rediscovering the Joy of Music:
Joel candidly shared that he had lost the joy of making music for a while, stating, “It was fun. Music is fun. Rock n’ roll was fun. It was all about having fun — and I kind of lost that, and I turned the lights off because it wasn’t fun anymore.”
This revelation marked a significant shift for the iconic artist, who had hesitated to return to the studio for new material.
The Turning Point with Freddy Wexler:
Billy Joel credited his renewed enthusiasm for music to his unexpected connection with co-writer Freddy Wexler.
Other attempts to coax him back into the studio had been unsuccessful, but Wexler’s work resonated with Joel.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Joel said, “The melody, the chords, the chord progression, even the time signature struck me immediately, and that’s how I relate to music.”
Overcoming Songwriting Hurdles:
Joel admitted that songwriting had become painful, citing a self-imposed high bar that led to self-criticism and avoidance.
However, the synergy between him and Wexler and the relatable lyrics of “Turn the Lights Back On” presented an opportunity too compelling to resist. Joel remarked, “It was all falling into place — and who am I to fight that?”
Live Debut at the Grammys:
Billy Joel’s return to the musical spotlight will be marked by the live debut of “Turn the Lights Back On” at the 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4.
Fans and industry peers eagerly anticipate the performance as Joel brings his new creation to the prestigious stage.
