Khalid X FAULT Magazine

Photographer / Creative Director: Raen Badua
Stylists: Aaron Christmon & Marquise Miller
Groomer: Jenn Hanching
Hair: Darron Carr at Blend LA
Lighting Tech: James Valdez
Digital Tech: Tadeo Paras
Interview: Miles Holder

Khalid, the powerhouse behind hits like Location and Young Dumb & Broke, had no problem growing his listener base with his unique blend of soul, pop, and R&B. With a string of chart-topping albums under his belt, including American Teen and Free Spirit, Khalid quickly became a FAULT Favourite artist. Now, as he unveils his introspective new album Sincere, the Grammy-nominated artist reflects on his evolution, vulnerability, and what it means to grow both as a person and a creator.

Suit – Aire
Shoes – 424

Your latest album, Sincere, has been described as your most introspective work yet. How did the themes of personal growth and vulnerability shape your songwriting process for this project?

Khalid: “After creating so much music over the years, it was important for me to find new inspiration. As someone who grew up listening to different genres of music, I took time to focus on what inspired me from different eras. What brings me fulfillment is being able to write songs that help people get through challenging moments in their life.”

Sweater – King & Tuckfield
Pants – King & Tuckfield
Shoes – Article No.
Glasses – Le Specs

What inspired the shift towards a more mature sound outside of the general passage of time?

Khalid: “When I wrote my first album, American Teen, I was in high school and now I’m 26 and I’ve evolved as a person. I’ve grown creatively and have had real-life experiences that have allowed me to use songwriting as an outlet. Being able to relate to my fans through my music means the world to me.”

Jacket – Kardo
Pants – Kardo
Shoes – 424
Glasses – Le Specs

As your sound has evolved from American Teen to Sincere, what do you think has been the biggest shift in your approach to creating music?

Khalid: “I think the most important change in my approach to the creative process is to not put so much pressure on myself. Having a free mind and the space to be vulnerable is important. I like my lyrics to tell stories that are honest, and relatable, and that take me away from my current reality. Great songs are like a temporary escape.”

Jacket – Kardo
Pants – Kardo
Shoes – 424
Glasses – Le Specs

What was the most challenging song to create on Sincere, and how did that experience push you as an artist?

Khalid: “To be honest, there wasn’t a particular song on Sincere that was challenging to write, but there were a lot of songs that were emotional. Songwriting gives me an outlet to channel heartbreak and real-life experiences into creativity that hopefully inspires others and helps them get through tough situations that they may be facing.”

Looking back, Location catapulted you into stardom at such a young age. How did the success of that song influence your perspective on commercial songwriting and what helped you cope with the continued success?

Khalid: “I’ve never been one to go into the studio trying to make a hit or trying to make a commercial sound. I always create what resonates with me at the moment. The music sets the tone. It sparks the ideas, melodies, and lyrics, which come together to create the songs. Being sincere and vulnerable in my writing approach is what helps me push the envelope creatively.”

You’ve been named one of TIME’s most influential people, and your music has shaped a generation. Do you ever sit back and reflect on the impact of your songwriting?

Khalid: “There are so many moving parts to being an artist. Writing an album, touring, promoting your music, engaging with fans, doing press, traveling the world, etc. It’s kind of hard to sit back and press pause to reflect on the things that have been accomplished. But I will say my fans are the biggest reminder and it really brings me so much joy. I love talking to my fans at shows, the stories that they share inspire me to keep going and it makes me feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.”

Overshirt – Entire Studios
Pants – Entire Studios
Trench Coat – Entire Studios
Shirt – Mbari
Shoes – Our Legacy

Is it difficult to balance living a private, balanced life, while also pouring so much of your emotion and lived experiences into your songwriting?

Khalid: “It can definitely be overwhelming, but for me, my friends keep me grounded. They’re always real with me and never stroke my ego just because I’m Khalid. Having honest friendships that offer support and relief when needed helps me remain humble and evolving into the best version of myself.”

What’s been the hardest creative hurdle to overcome on your creative journey?

Khalid: “One of the most difficult creative hurdles for me is deciding which songs make it onto my albums. I record so much music, and each track holds a personal connection, so narrowing down all of those emotions and experiences into a final tracklist is always a difficult process.”

What is your FAULT?

Khalid: “My FAULT is that I can be overly hard on myself when it comes to my craft. I always want to give 150% and deliver something that feels truly special to my fans. Because of that, I sometimes take longer than I’d like to release something I’m passionate about, as I’m constantly striving for perfection.”