Gwen Stefani on Music, Dating and What's Next

It's been a few weeks since Gwen Stefani's latest album, This Is What The Truth Feels Like dropped, and fans everywhere seem pleased with what the Grammy-winning artist has delivered.

Talking exclusively with PRIDE, Stefani discussed the personal nature of the album, the influence of her LGBT fans, and whether or not she's the best person to be giving out dating advice.

PRIDE: This Is What the Truth Feels Like is being described as your most personal work to date. A lot of artists describe their latest projects like this. What does this mean to you? How is this album different?

Gwen Stefani: I feel like Tragic Kingdom was a quite personal record. That was the most pure because I never thought anyone would hear that record. I truly never imagined that we would have any success and nine years of no success before that proved it. This one I think was written in a way that was really pure in its own way, because it was really written for me. There was no consideration for how it would be received. The reason behind it was very pure to just healing myself. I think that Tragic Kingdom and this record are probably the most alike in that way.

There are several songs on the album that feel very intimate, “Me Without You” and “Used To Love You” in particular. What is it like sharing such personal messages with millions of fans?

When they are being written, I am not really considering sharing them or what that will feel like. When it was actually released it felt great hearing the responses of different people and how it has helped them or they relate to it or it’s brought them joy or helped heal them in their own way. That always feels great.

What experience are you hoping fans take away from This Is What the Truth Feels Like?

I think that at the end of the day I just hope people find joy in this record. Music is so unbelievably magical and such a gift for us. I really just hope people find joy and it helps to define a time period for them.

You’re an icon in more than just the music world, especially in fashion and TV. What other artistic avenues are you hoping to pursue?

I would love to do some more acting in a film.

What projects are you working on next that excite you?

I am working on the animated movie called Trolls. I am the voice of a character named DJ Suki. It has been a lot of fun and I am very excited for it to come out this fall.

You have a huge LGBT fanbase. How have they influenced your career?

The LGBT community has been so gracious and supported me throughout my career. I feel so blessed to have their continued support.

Your music video for “Make Me Like You” was the first live TV music video in history. What was the inspiration for this unique approach?

The inspiration was the opportunity to work with Target and create a LIVE music video. It challenged me with something I had never done before and it was a magical experience to work with such passionate and creative people.

“Red Flag” really speaks to those moments in relationships when we should have seen the warning signs. What advice would you give to someone seeing these red flags in their own relationship?

I am not sure I am the right person to be giving advice, but what I did learn from everything I went through this past year is that you have to be true to yourself.

“Send Me A Picture” is so relatable considering our tech-obsessed culture. This is especially true for the LGBT community as we increasingly rely on apps and social media to make connections. How have you seen technology impact your relationships?

It’s been an incredible help for someone like me. I am able to communicate with my children when I am not with them, my family, my parents — it’s obviously brought the world together in a unique way.

Make sure to check out This Is What The Truth Feels Like, available now in stores and on iTunes!