In the latest episode of Rolling Stone’s video series The Breakdown, Lady Gaga opened up about the creation of her forthcoming untitled album and the deep concept of “chaos” that inspired its lead single, Disease. The legendary pop icon, known for her bold artistry and genre-defying music, shared insights into the emotional and creative journey behind the song, which marks the beginning of what she describes as an album full of extremes — a mix of beauty and sensory overload.
The interview, filmed at Rick Rubin’s iconic Shangri-La studio in Malibu, highlights Gaga’s creative process as she dives into the complex themes of self-exploration, relationships, and internal conflict. Disease emerges as a representation of the album’s broader exploration of chaos, which Gaga describes as central to the project.
The Concept Behind ‘Disease’
Lady Gaga explained that Disease is more than just a song; it is the starting point of her album’s chaotic emotional landscape. According to Gaga, the song is meant to reflect different sides of her personality and the internal chaos that exists when we attempt to analyze ourselves.
“It felt like a way into the chaos of the album, which is kind of exercises in chaos – different sides of who I am as a person,” she said. “To me, there’s some kind of chaos in all of the ways we try to analyze ourselves. Disease is the beginning of that, and it started with this little voice on my shoulder saying, ‘there’s no more tears to cry, I heard you begging for life,’ and that uncomfortable feeling that we can sometimes have when the voice in our head is not pleasant.”
The lyrics, which touch on feelings of inner turmoil and unresolved emotions, serve as the opening chapter of Gaga’s exploration of emotional conflict throughout the album.
Working with Michael Polansky
In a deeply personal moment, Gaga discussed her collaboration with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, who co-wrote Disease with her. The couple’s creative synergy was evident, with Gaga noting how Polansky’s intimate knowledge of her allowed him to shape the song’s lyrics in a way that spoke directly to her personal struggles.
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“Working with Michael is super, super interesting because he knows me so well,” Gaga said. “When we were working on Disease, I was navigating my way through some of the initial lyrics that we had written in the studio. ‘I could play the doctor. I can cure your disease.’ He said, ‘You know, there’s another way for you to say this.’ He said [it should be], ‘Bring me your desire, I can cure your disease,’ because the thing that you are asking is to fix you, to fix this addict-like affliction that you have for this person.’”
Gaga went on to describe the depth of their collaboration, explaining how Polansky’s suggestion added a layer of emotional vulnerability to the song’s lyrics. “That’s a super intimate thing that someone might not think of or feel working with me unless they really know me.”
Their shared connection is evident in the song’s haunting lyrics and emotionally charged melody, giving fans a glimpse into the couple’s personal and artistic bond.
A Sonic Exploration of Chaos
Gaga also provided a sneak peek into the sound and structure of her upcoming album, which is set to release in February. Describing it as a full sensory experience, the album pushes sonic boundaries while simultaneously exploring themes of love, pain, and inner conflict.
“There’s moments where we are sonically just trying to push sound as much as possible,” she explained. “There’s other moments where it’s all about love, and it’s super dreamy. That, to me, is true chaos. There are times when it’s hard to see the light, but I think sometimes what makes inner chaos harder is when you sometimes get a glimpse of the sun, because you’re like, ‘Man, I wish the sun would shine all the time,’ and then it reminds you of what you’re missing. So the album has all of that. It’s like a full experience.”
This juxtaposition of extremes — from loud, chaotic sounds to soft, intimate melodies — seems to be a recurring theme in Gaga’s new work, as she continues to explore the full spectrum of human emotion through her music. For Gaga, the creative process is about capturing both the beauty and the complexity of life’s chaotic moments, whether those moments are filled with love, loss, or internal strife.
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The Breakdown Series
The latest episode of The Breakdown is part of Rolling Stone’s ongoing video series that explores the songwriting process behind today’s biggest hits. Through interviews with songwriters and producers, the series offers an in-depth look at how chart-topping songs are created and the personal stories behind them. Previous episodes have featured artists like Dua Lipa, Doechii, Rosalía, and Mark Ronson.
In addition to discussing Disease, Lady Gaga also reflected on her broader artistic evolution, touching on the challenges and rewards of pushing creative boundaries. Fans of her music will be excited to hear how Disease sets the stage for an album that promises to take them on an emotional rollercoaster, with Gaga’s signature theatricality and emotional depth guiding the way.
What’s Next for Lady Gaga?
With her new album on the horizon, Lady Gaga continues to solidify her place as one of the most innovative and influential artists of her generation. Disease not only marks a new chapter in her career, but it also gives fans a glimpse into the emotional and artistic journey that will unfold in the coming months.
For more insights into Lady Gaga’s creative process, be sure to watch “How Lady Gaga Embraced ‘Exercises in Chaos’ to Make New Single Disease” on Rolling Stone’s YouTube channel.
