Healy joins Shelf

Music has always been a part of Healy's life. Growing up in Memphis, melodies filled every room. From Earth, Wind & Fire songs playing during family dinners to gospel hymns resonating off the walls of the church where his mother sang. However, following a major personal transformation—becoming sober and finishing his doctorate—Healy's dynamic fusion of indie-pop and groovy R&B has reached new heights with his upcoming album, FORCE OF NATURE, set to release on July 18.

The upbeat yet reflective single "RUNNING LAPS," a self-reflective meditation on substance abuse, launched the album's May 23rd announcement. The song exhibits a profound change in Healy's artistic direction with its upbeat beat and honest emotional content.

“My friends Austin and Sol and I made it the day before my birthday,” Healy shares about the song. “Birthdays have always been self-aware and reflective for me. Typically, that reflection skews nostalgic and somber, but we intentionally reframed it into a space of positive acceptance, acknowledging growth and redemption.”

The song, which was written in three hours, ends with a strong outro that was captured in Brooklyn during a personal turning point. Healy poured his doubts into the recording, struggling with imposter syndrome and considering a career break from music.

Sobriety and a newfound academic achievement have dramatically reshaped Healy’s creative process. “Sobriety showed me I have far more control over my life than I realized,” he explains. “Initially, it felt jarring to bring that control into music because historically, my favorite songs came from fully letting go. But now, I’m more efficient and decisive creatively.”

With its blend of soulful R&B grooves, lyrical sincerity, and indie sensibilities, FORCE OF NATURE seems to be a self-contained musical ecosystem. The album is firmly anchored in Memphis's musical legacy, capturing the emotional and historical depth of the city. “Memphis is profound and deeply emotive,” Healy says, “I hear Maurice White’s spiritual resonance. I hear Juicy J’s drums. I hear Big Star’s harmonies.”

With his genre-defying sound already endorsed by industry luminaries like SZA, Khalid, and Cautious Clay, Healy is less concerned with traditional genre boundaries and more focused on emotional honesty. “Nowadays, the genre I’m aiming for is ‘Candid,’” he laughs.

This honesty has proven successful: his 2017 debut album, Subluxe, released during medical school, amassed over 200 million streams, earning a gold certification for its lead single “Reckless.” His track “Tungsten” led to collaborative sessions with SZA herself.

Reflecting on his dual identity as both doctor and artist, Healy jokes, “The doctor in me would probably tell the artist to stretch more, both physically and creatively. My ‘producer posture’ would drive him crazy.”

It's evident that Healy has struck a potent new balance as he gets ready to release FORCE OF NATURE, balancing reflection and celebration, sobriety and inventiveness. He has transformed into a genuine musical force of nature as a result.

Curious about what else Healy is into? Get real-time updates at shelf.im/earthtohealy