Since the very beginning of his career, Lenny Kravitz has cultivated a uniqueness that belongs to him alone. Musician, producer, designer, and tireless creative force, the American artist has always followed his own path, never giving in to trends. This philosophy echoes that of Jaeger-LeCoultre, a watchmaking Maison whose creative audacity and relentless pursuit of excellence have transcended generations. Our conversation takes place as part of The Hour Before, an initiative by Jaeger-LeCoultre dedicated to those moments of creation, reflection, and preparation that precede great achievements. It is in this spirit—between music, inspiration, and the relationship with time, that the artist spoke with Eyes Magazine.
Your latest album, Blue Electric Light, radiates a particularly positive energy. Looking back after the tour, have some songs taken on a new dimension when performed live?
Absolutely. Songs are constantly evolving throughout a tour. Even when we perform them as close as possible to their original versions, they continue to grow and transform. What touches me most is the audience’s response. It’s never easy to introduce new material when people are primarily waiting to hear the classics. Yet the songs from Blue Electric Light have been embraced with tremendous enthusiasm. Today, they are fully part of the repertoire, and that’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Today, your audience spans several generations. How do you experience this constant evolution of your fan base?
It’s a wonderful experience. Since the beginning of this tour, I’ve noticed that the audience has become increasingly younger. Some people discover my music on their own, while others are introduced to it through their parents. It reminds me of how I discovered David Bowie when I was young. I first attended one of his concerts and then explored his entire body of work. Seeing people from 7 to 70 years old sharing the same energy at a concert today is a true privilege.
You often describe creativity as a wave that must be caught. Can that moment of inspiration be provoked, or do you simply have to wait for it to arrive?
Personally, I prefer to wait. Inspiration comes when it chooses to. Sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes at the most unexpected moment. When that idea appears, the journey begins. Then comes the challenge of capturing what you hear in your mind and transforming it into something tangible. It’s both a mysterious and incredibly exciting process.
The Hour Before explores those invisible moments that precede major turning points. Do you remember a particular moment that changed the course of your journey?
I see it more as an ongoing process. “The Hour Before” is that moment when you still have no idea what is about to happen. On the surface, nothing seems to be taking place, but in reality, everything is already in motion. It’s an almost magical moment, difficult to describe, when energy is preparing itself before revealing its full potential. For me, that feeling is constantly present throughout the creative process.
You have been a Jaeger-LeCoultre ambassador for several years. What is it about the Maison’s spirit that resonates most with your approach to creativity and your personal style?
I love the Maison’s history and heritage. I’m also deeply drawn to its creations, which are both understated and dynamic. They never seek to be ostentatious, yet they possess a remarkably strong natural elegance. Beyond the watches themselves, I truly appreciate the people I collaborate with. Every project becomes a genuine creative and human experience. That collaborative dimension makes the partnership particularly rewarding.
A watch is often an integral part of one’s personal identity. What role does it play in expressing your style today, and how do Jaeger-LeCoultre pieces fit into that world?
The Reverso is probably my favorite model. I’m a Gemini, and throughout my life I’ve been told that I have two distinct sides to my personality. The Reverso perfectly reflects that duality through its two faces and two identities. It allows you to express different facets of yourself depending on the moment. That philosophy aligns perfectly with both my personality and my aesthetic sensibility.
How do you choose a watch? Is it an instinctive decision tied to your mood, or more a matter of design and personal affinity?
Above all, it’s a matter of instinct. It’s similar to choosing a guitar, a piece of clothing, or any object that accompanies you in everyday life. You’re drawn to a shape, a set of lines, a particular presence. Of course, your mood can influence the final choice, but there first has to be a natural connection with the object. It’s something deeply personal.
Watchmaking is an art of precision and patience. Do you see parallels between this craftsmanship and your own creative process?
Absolutely. I approach music in a very hands-on way. I play the instruments, write, produce,and arrange my songs myself. All of this requires tremendous precision, technique, and patience. In many respects, the work of a musician and that of a watchmaker are built upon the same principles: attention to detail, mastery of one’s craft, and a constant pursuit of excellence.
