André 3000, the legendary rapper from Outkast, has officially announced a North American tour for his solo project, “New Blue Sun.” The tour will showcase his skills as a flutist, a surprising but well-received pivot from his hip-hop roots.
A New Musical Journey for André 3000
André 3000, born André Lauren Benjamin, released his experimental flute album, “New Blue Sun,” on November 17, 2023. This album marked a significant departure from his previous work. André’s fans have eagerly awaited more live performances following his intimate shows at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Roots Picnic, and New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club earlier this year.
The “New Blue Sun – Live in Concert Tour” will start in New Orleans on September 19 and conclude in Brooklyn on November 14. Other stops include Houston, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and more. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m. local time.
A Unique Concert Experience
Joining André on tour will be DJ and producer Carlos Niño, along with musicians Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, and Deantoni Parks. Together, they will create an immersive musical experience. A Rolling Stone review praised André’s New York City show, describing it as “an interactive, free-flowing concert experience.” The review highlighted the 87-minute “sound world” André has crafted, inviting audiences to get lost in its intricate melodies.
Speaking about his shift to woodwind music, André explained, “It is just kind of: Those are the things that came.” He further elaborated on his new direction in a GQ interview, stating, “I ain’t got no raps like that. It feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way.”
Fan Reactions and Future Plans
Fans have shown immense support for André’s musical evolution. His appearances on shows like The Late Show With Stephen Colbert have allowed him to discuss the fun and fear of sharing his new music with the world. “It’s like if you cook for friends. You serve it to them and look at their face to see, ‘Are your taste buds kind of like mine?’” he said.
Before his North American tour, André will perform at various music festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Fest and Montréal Jazz Fest in Canada. He will also head to Europe, performing in Paris and the Netherlands in July.
André 3000’s “New Blue Sun” tour promises to be an extraordinary journey through sound, showcasing his growth as an artist and his willingness to explore new musical landscapes. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience his live performances and the unique soundscape he has created.