Bebe Rexha calls new chapter in music career her happiest yet

Pop star Bebe Rexha said she feels “happier than ever” as she embraces her new journey as an independent artist.

The 36-year-old singer recently released “New Religion,” a high-energy dance track featuring the English group Faithless, marking the latest single from her upcoming visual album Dirty Blonde, her first project released independently in partnership with EMPIRE Distribution.

Speaking to People about her independent venture, Rexha reflected on her new creative freedom. “I feel amazing, honestly. I’m happy, finally,” she said. 

“I see the light on the other side of the tunnel. It was getting a little scary there for a second. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, to be honest. Just to be surrounded by people that actually care about me, the energy is completely different.”

The Grammy-nominated singer explained that “New Religion” samples Faithless’ iconic 1995 dance anthem “Insomnia,” a track she has loved since childhood. 

“My uncle, when I was growing up in New York City, was trying to be a DJ. I remember him playing that for me the first time. And then I would hear it throughout my life, not knowing, when I was younger, where the song was coming from or who the artist was. And then as I got older, I was like, okay, this song was iconic,” Rexha recalled.

She added that the track’s interpolation came about naturally in the studio rather than as a planned homage. 

“It didn’t even come into my mind about wanting to remake it. It just fell into our laps when we were in the studio. We took the sample, we worked around it, we were just having fun. And then, of course, I had to go through the whole process of getting the blessing from Sister Bliss and Rollo and the whole Faithless camp.”

Rexha, who has previously penned hits for artists like Rihanna and Selena Gomez, said the new single reflects both her personal growth and the excitement of embracing creative independence.