Beyonce appears on the cover of GQ JAPAN's November issue! "I only do things that liberate me"

■ “Music understands my heart, even when I can’t find the words.” (Beyonce)

Beyonce appears on the cover of GQ JAPAN (published by Conde Nast Japan), released on October 1st.

For the cover story, she sat down for a rare interview with GQ Senior Associate Editor Frasier Tharp to discuss starting a new business, what motivates her as an entrepreneur and artist, and juggling work and family life.

The full interview is currently available in the article “The Business of Beyonce” on the official GQ JAPAN website.

■Interview excerpts
Q. What about your activities as an entrepreneur?
I am a musician first and foremost. That has always been my number one priority, and I didn’t want to do anything that would take away from my artistry until I felt I had made music my first love.
I’m not going to waste my time on something I’m not deeply passionate about. If it’s not what I think about when I wake up, if it’s not what I dream about when I sleep, then I shouldn’t be doing it.
Q. About the launch of the whiskey brand
The colour, the aroma, the way it dances in the glass… And the story behind each glass. Every bottle has a story. It’s also fun to introduce whisky to people who don’t yet know they like it.
Q. Balancing work and family life
I try to tour only when my kids are out of school. I always dreamed of a life where I could travel the world with my family and expose them to different languages, architecture and lifestyles. Raising three kids is not easy… but I love it, it keeps me grounded and fulfilled. My kids go everywhere with me. They come to my office after school, they come to the studio with me, and they go to dance rehearsals with me.
Q. What do you hope listeners will take away from your music, as it has inspired you through exploring different genres and artists?
I hope it inspires fans and artists alike to dig deeper and learn more about the groundbreaking Black musicians who came before them, as talented artists often don’t get the recognition they deserve in the mainstream, especially when they are disruptive.
Q. About communication with her husband Jay-Z in the early days of their relationship
When we fell in love, we used phone cards and Skype. I couldn’t afford the hotel’s international calling rates, so I got an international calling card and called him.
Q. Protecting your privacy and that of your family
One of the things I’ve worked hard to do is to keep my kids in as normal an environment as possible and give them privacy, and to not let my personal life become a brand. It’s so easy for celebrities to turn their lives into performance art, but I’ve stayed true to my boundaries and worked hard to protect myself and my family. No amount of money can replace peace of mind.
Q. About your own fame
I only work on things that give me freedom, and if there’s one thing that feels like a prison sometimes, it’s fame, which is why you don’t see me on the red carpet, why I don’t come out until I have art that I want to share.
Q. Your daughter Blue Ivy joined Beyoncé on tour
Blue is an artist in her own right. She has a great sense of music and fashion, she’s a fantastic editor, painter and actor. She’s been creating characters since she was 3 years old. She has natural talent, but I didn’t put her on stage – she wanted it, she worked hard and earned it. And best of all, she had fun! We watched her grow and develop before our eyes every night.
Q. Why is singing and creativity your passion in life?
My voice has always been with me. It’s why I’ve always been happy alone. Music knows my soul, even when I can’t find the words. It’s in the private sanctuaries of my studio and my car that I find peace.
I make honey, I paint, I decorate, I swim, I design clothes and stage sets, I’ve written picture books for children and I’ve designed animations. Anything creative makes me happy.