Dev Hynes talks Brexit and more on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show

After releasing his latest Blood Orange album a handful of days early yesterday morning, Dev Hynes took to Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show to chat all manner of topics.

Top of the list was the UK’s recent vote to leave the European Union. “It’s heartbreaking to see everything that’s happening,” says Dev, “Talking to friends in NY, explaining to them what’s happening and why it’s important, one thing I’m noticing is I think it’s making people notice that they can’t be too complacent. I hate that it was my homeland that was the guinea pig for that amongst young people, but the bubble of being young and living in pretty advanced cities you think ‘no one I know is voting for Trump’ and it’s that mentality that’s dangerous. We’re not necessarily the majority but there’s a whole world out there.”

Elsewhere in the chat, Dev spoke about the record’s intrinsic tie to his new home of New York City. “Obviously because the name and the themes, a lot of people haven’t quite caught that,” he admits. “Everything I’m looking at or dissecting, whether it’s myself, ancestors, family, parents, it’s all through the lens of living in NY.”

He also admitted he didn’t feel too bad about recording people without their knowledge while he strolls around New York. “I think if you’re doing this stuff in New York then part of you is aware that you’re adding to the tapestry somehow.” Not sure that one would hold up in court, mate.

Listen back to the full interview below.