But he was also floating within the major label labyrinth, which often came with financial expectations that put artistic expression in the back seat. “Just trying to break free of the algorithm gods gatekeeping art.”AdvertisementThis coincided with another transition in Blake leaving Los Angeles. Eventually, he was able to “steady the ship,” and “Trying Times” was born. Advertisement“The Colour in Anything,” an album that he cites as a strong inspiration for “Trying Times,” contains “Choose Me,” perhaps the pinnacle of this practice. Oh, that place doesn’t try to own your masters forever!’ I’m going, ‘I think this is good, they have the right ethics and morals.’”

Source: The Times March 13, 2026 10:32 UTC