Mendes expressed how working on his latest album has been a transformative experience, allowing him to connect with himself in ways he hadn’t before. “This album has already given me more than any of my previous albums by so much, and I haven’t even shown anyone yet,” he said, highlighting the significance of this project for him.
As he spoke with Mayer, who is 46, Mendes reflected on the humor he’s found in the process of self-discovery. He shared that he now wakes up feeling like Shawn Mendes, rather than putting on a persona. “I’m not taking myself so seriously,” he added, emphasizing the lightness he feels in his current mindset.
Therapy has played a crucial role in Mendes' journey. He mentioned that it has helped him uncover a “new and healed self” that feels less intense than before. When Mayer asked him what contributes most to his happiness these days, Mendes didn’t hesitate to credit therapy first, followed by his newfound ability to not take life so seriously.
Mayer responded thoughtfully, noting that while Mendes' struggles are valid, they reflect a natural part of growing older. He remarked, “Because you’re so sensitive to things, it can read with the kind of severity that something’s a real emergency. You didn’t make a wrong turn.” He also expressed excitement about Mendes turning his experiences into music, calling it a thrilling development.
Fans can look forward to Mendes’ self-titled album, Shawn, which is set to release on November 15. With this new project, it’s clear that Mendes is not only evolving as an artist but also as a person, ready to share his journey with the world.