If Florence + The Machine’s New Album Sounds More Personal, That’s Because Of Taylor Swift

Carl Williott | May 15, 2015 8:27 am
Florence + The Machine On 'SNL': Watch
Watch the late-night TV performances of "Ship to Wreck" and "What Kind of Man."

Florence + The Machine star Florence Welch opened up in a lengthy cover interview for the latest issue of Billboard, discussing how third album How Big How Blue How Beautiful (out June 2) was a direct result of her whirlwind career taking a toll on her personal life. Florence says the new LP is more introspective and revealing than 2011’s Ceremonials — and it’s all thanks to her friend Taylor Swift. (At this point, Swift is basically a friend-inhaling Kirby.)

“Taylor said that you must sing about what’s happening in your life,” Welch told the magazine. “It’s definitely not about trying to be vindictive. It’s about being honest. This could’ve been a breakup record… But it was much more about trying to understand myself.”

The singer also discussed how the preceding four years of alcohol-soaked touring almost ended in a breakdown. In that respect, she actually thinks her recent injury during her Coachella gig was a blessing in disguise, helping pace her return to the touring grind.

For more on what to expect from the new album, read the full interview at Billboard.