Bebe Rexha’s new album Dirty Blonde marks a significant milestone in her successful career. It is her first record as an independent artist, free from any major label affiliations. The album, set to release on June 12, 2026, was creatively challenging and draining for Rexha. However, being an independent artist also offers unique advantages.

“You could do things a little bit more scrappy, a little bit more nontraditional. You could take a nontraditional approach, which is way more fun. If something's working or not working, you can pivot quickly,” Rexha told Collider in an exclusive interview. This is her first record since Bebe in 2023, and the New York native has gained valuable insights about herself since then, stating, “In the last three years. I’ve definitely learned how to be more grounded as a human being, and to stop asking for permission. I feel like in the past I said that, but I was still looking for outside permission and acceptance. My purpose right now, as an artist and as a human being, is to make myself happy instead of looking for that approval outwards and looking for it inwards and musically.”

Rexha joined Collider at Limited To One Record Shop in New York City as part of its On The Record series, sharing her life story through vinyl records, artists, and albums that have inspired her and left a lasting impact, along with the narrative behind her billions of streams and views.

Bebe Rexha’s ‘Dirty Blonde’ Album Comes From A Deeper Place

“I didn’t want to come to terms [with] what the world was for me at that time.”

Dirty Blonde is a reflection of Rexha’s emotions during the writing and recording process. Amidst summer love and heartbreak, she immersed herself in those challenging feelings to create something authentic. “The theme[s] of this album — Vulnerability. When I first started writing this album, it was originally a dance album, and I just wanted to forget on the dance floor. I wanted that feeling of nostalgia and euphoria, and I didn’t want to come to terms [with] what the world was for me at that time, which was kind of a darker place,” Rexha explained. The initial idea for a dance album stemmed from her travels around the world and the desire for new experiences. Rexha elaborates, “I went to London, Tokyo, Zurich, and the Greek islands to party. I was partying everywhere. I was like, ‘I’ve never done this. I want to try this.’ And I was really inspired by dance music. But then as the project evolved, I began to delve deeper. I was able to write songs like ‘I Like You Better Than Me’ and ‘The Way I Want You’.”

For Rexha, the ability to produce and create across multiple genres represents “the ultimate goal.” An album that embodies this ideal for her is Unapologetic by Rihanna. “I can listen to this album and never get bored; it evokes so many different feelings. If I want to cry, I listen to ‘Stay’. If I want to throw dollar bills, I’ll listen to ‘Pour It Up’. If I want an incredible pop song, I listen to ‘Diamonds’. If I’m feeling like strutting down the street with bad bitch energy, it’s ‘Phresh Out the Runway’.” The genre-blending tracklist of Unapologetic opened her eyes to mixing styles on a record, which is evident on Dirty Blonde.

Bebe Rexha Was Shaped By the Sight and Sounds of Albania and Brooklyn

“I’ve been trying to go deeper and deeper into who I am.”

Bebe Rexha grew up immersed in music and art. The vibrant culture of New York was inescapable for her. Rexha shares, “New York is such a melting pot. I’m Albanian, 100%. I was born in Brooklyn, but my parents are both Albanian and my best friends were Italian and Puerto Rican. There were just so many different sounds around me that have definitely shaped my sound. I love rhythmic music. I love dance music, Albanian music, hip-hop, R&B, classical music — even Broadway shows inspired me as my dad would take us there sometimes. All those genres influenced me greatly when writing.” Bebe pays homage to her roots on Dirty Blonde, singing in Albanian on the track “Çike Çike”, stating that “It was really important for me to include a bit of Albanian culture on this record because I’ve been trying to go deeper into who I am.” She has also performed in Albania several times — in Tirana’s capital city and at the Sunny Hill Festival in Prishtina organized by fellow Albanian Dua Lipa.

Rexha grew up idolizing icons like Madonna and Christina Aguilera. Aguilera’s self-titled album had a particularly profound impact on her life — especially since it came in cassette form during her childhood as a millennial. “My aunt bought it for me. And I remember holding it with excitement. I played that cassette over and over again while singing along with it. It was my pride and joy — you couldn’t take it away from me,” she recalled. Her mother also loved Madonna’s style and songs like “La Isla Bonita” and “Ray of Light”. It wasn’t until later that Bebe revisited Madonna’s work — studying her production techniques and performances — which taught her how to push boundaries creatively. “She’s never confined in a box, which is really inspiring to me,” Rexha remarked.

Bebe Rexha’s “Rebirth” Comes From All Angles of Inspiration

“Those feelings, I can never erase from my DNA.”

The life of an artist encompasses more than just writing and recording songs; it’s about sharing stories and emotions with an audience during performances that evoke memories. The artist who demonstrated how a concert should be is Lady Gaga, during a show at Madison Square Garden where she captivated audiences with costumes, choreography, and powerful vocals. “I remember watching her thinking, ‘This is how you do it — this is how you put on a show.’ It was so impressive! Shows like that inspire me deeply — you leave wanting to create something similar,” Rexha expressed. Performing at Madison Square Garden represents the pinnacle for many artists; Bebe acknowledges this aspiration by stating she has performed there once during Jingle Ball but hasn’t yet sold out the venue: “I’m from New York City and that’s my goal — selling out MSG is something I’m determined to achieve.”

However, inspiration doesn’t solely stem from other artists for her. She draws from everyday people’s stories or actions that resonate with her emotionally: “What inspires me? Everything! Someone could share their story with me on a plane — it might spark inspiration for lyrics or concepts,” she explains.

The blend of simplicity with complexity played a vital role in creating Dirty Blonde. Experiences, observations, and emotions are central themes throughout Rexha’s fourth studio album as she invites listeners along on this journey: “It’s kind of a rebirth — check it out! Hope to see you live on tour.”