Everyone knows that Justin Bieber's fans are, well, enthusiastic. And even his collaborators have taken notice. In a new interview, the Biebz's "Where Are U Now" partner Diplo opened up about working with the polarizing pop star, noting that he may never be able to make the exact kind of music that he wants to because he will always have to appeal to the Beliebers.
Speaking to Billboard, Diplo opened up about how he and Skrillex (collectively known as Jack U) came to work with Bieber on their new album, revealing that the EDM hit was originally intended for Bieber's Journals follow-up.
"[Skrillex and I] were in Miami and listened to a bunch of his demos. There's a couple of good records. We're hopefully going to have some time with him this summer. We definitely want to return the favor for him, because it was a big deal he gave [Jack U] 'Where Are U Now,'" Diplo said. "It's one of the strongest records he had on his album, but he had no production for it. We transformed it into something different. It's crazy because it's the first radio record he's had since 'Baby.'"
Despite his superstar status, Diplo has some sympathetic feelings for Bieber, who he notes is "controlled" by the industry and his millions of rabid fans.
"For me, it feels like he's always working against himself. He's a cool guy and into cool music. But I think he's controlled by the way his fans are. It's like he has to [appeal to his fans]," Diplo said. "He has to, you know? I feel like this song is what he should be. Bieber's so talented, he needs to just be himself and be by himself and work on his craft. He has a lot of people around; he has to find the right team to help him make something that's going to stand alone."
Will Bieber be able to branch out and do what Diplo feels lie he should? His new album is expected to drop sometime in 2015, so we'll just have to listen to find out.
