Demi Lovato is experiencing a period of profound personal and professional transformation, culminating in her latest album, \"It's Not That Deep.\" This new musical chapter sees her pivoting from the pop-punk intensity of her previous work to an upbeat, dance-infused pop sound, a shift largely influenced by her recent marriage to singer-songwriter Jordan \"Jutes\" Lutes and a renewed focus on living in the present moment. Lovato's journey reflects a conscious decision to create music that mirrors her current happiness, moving away from past struggles to embrace a vibrant future. The album's creation involved unexpected collaborations and a supportive environment, highlighting a positive evolution in her artistic expression.
In May, Lovato tied the knot with Jordan \"Jutes\" Lutes in a beautiful Santa Barbara ceremony. This significant personal milestone, combined with a desire for a fresh musical direction, guided her into the studio. Initially contemplating another rock album after her 2022 release, \"Holy Fvck,\" Lovato found herself drawn to a different sound. She realized that her current state of happiness and her fulfilling relationship with Lutes inspired a lighter, more danceable genre. This change led to tracks like \"Fast,\" \"Here All Night,\" and \"Kiss,\" which signal the dawn of a new, energetic era for the artist.
During an interview with Vogue, Lovato elaborated on this musical pivot, explaining that her mood profoundly dictated the album's sound. Despite her initial inclination towards rock, her personal joy prompted a shift. She explored R&B and pop, eventually finding her rhythm with producer Zhone, who crafted the beat for \"Frequency.\" Lovato expressed her excitement about this fresh sound, emphasizing that her music now genuinely reflects her present-day happiness. She also credited fellow pop artist Kesha for introducing her to Zhone, showcasing a supportive dynamic within the music industry.
Lovato's marriage to Lutes, a relationship spanning nearly three and a half years, played a crucial role in her artistic journey. While the \"husband\" title was new, she felt their bond had long been akin to marriage. Lutes's positive influence fostered an environment of inspiration and happiness, reinforcing her decision to return to her pop roots. Lovato emphasized that her music's direction was already set on pop, regardless of her marital status, underscoring a deep-seated desire to revisit that era.
A central theme in Lovato's current life and music is mindfulness, a practice she actively cultivates to combat anxiety and live fully in the present. She reflected on past periods where anxiety overshadowed her experiences, leading to forgotten moments. Now, Lovato consciously chooses to engage with each day, akin to appreciating every second of a song rather than focusing solely on its beginning or end. This philosophy permeates her work, encouraging her to create music that is authentic to her current, joyful state.
The music video for her single \"Kiss\" vividly illustrates this celebratory mood, featuring various couples kissing. Lovato described the filming as enjoyable, noting her own relaxed role in simply focusing on the camera while the high-energy song played. She also reminisced about a surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert, where performing old songs evoked a powerful sense of nostalgia for both her and the audience. Looking ahead, Lovato is executive producing a \"Camp Rock\" reboot, expressing enthusiasm for a new generation of talent to create their own iconic moments.
Ultimately, \"It's Not That Deep\" encapsulates Lovato's journey toward self-acceptance and joy. The album's title, a lyric from \"Kiss,\" perfectly summarizes her current approach to songwriting—one that moves beyond dwelling on past issues to celebrate the present. Her narrative is a testament to the power of personal growth, supportive relationships, and mindfulness in shaping a vibrant artistic career.