Justin Bieber’s highly-anticipated YouTube docuseries Justin Bieber: Seasons has officially kicked off, with the first four episodes arriving promptly at noon ET on Monday (Jan. 27). The first thing Beliebers learned upon the release is that each episode is only about 10 minutes long -- but judging by the premiere, that’s plenty of time for Bieber to share some meaningful insights.
The series’ first episode, titled “Leaving the Spotlight,” focuses on how Bieber found his way back to the studio and the stage after cancelling the remainder of his Purpose Tour in 2017. It features interviews with Bieber, his wife Hailey, Scooter Braun and Alison Kaye from his management team, and his friend (and Drew House co-founder) Ryan Good.
Check out five takeaways from the episode below.
Fans may be getting an album sooner than they think.
After Bieber made his official introduction to the docuseries, the episode flashed back to May 2019, when Bieber paid a visit to his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. When the screen says “May 2019,” underneath it reads “nine months until album release.” Doing the math, that means the album should be out in January 2020. Though Bieber has yet to announce a release date, Bieber did tease the dates January 27, 28, 29 and February 14 a week before Seasons premiered -- it seems Beliebers may want to keep their eyes and ears open this week.
He used to be embarrassed about the way he grew up.
Bieber stopped by the Stratford apartment he grew up in, and though he was impressed by the improvements the building has made (“They have art pieces on the wall?” he quipped), he admitted that he was ashamed of where he lived. He seemed humbled by the visit, particularly because he pulled up in a Range Rover. “Would’ve never thought of that in a million years,” he said.
His 2019 Coachella appearance was a turning point for him.
Bieber seemed happy to surprise Ariana Grande’s Coachella weekend two crowd last April, but Good said Justin heavily debated the appearance before it happened. Fortunately, it ended up being just what he needed: After the performance, Kaye recalled, “He wanted me to build him a rolling itinerary like I do when he’s working. The second he asked to actually put the time in, I was like, ‘Oh, okay, now we’re ready to go back to work.’”
He really loves the music he’s made for this next album.
Bieber discussed being in a new headspace after the changes he’s gone through over the past few years -- particularly getting married -- and how everything has impacted his creative process. That interview segment is followed by a clip of Justin and Hailey in the car, where he is jamming out to one of his new songs, singing and air drumming with a huge smile on his face.
He’s developed a new approach to making music.
Though Bieber has talked a lot about being in a good place, the docuseries premiere was the first time he detailed how it has actually changed the way he makes music. “I think what’s been challenging over the years is a lot of the times I’d make music, and it would be for me,” Bieber explained.
“When the focus and the goal is about yourself, you kind of tend to lose your purpose in that," he continued. "I think the older I get, the more I realize that I’m not utilizing my gift, I feel, for the right reasons. This isn’t about me, it’s about helping someone who’s going through whatever they’re going through, and being able to talk about that thing, I think that’s a really cool way to look at what I do.”
Note: Justin Bieber: Seasons episodes two, three and four are also available now, but to YouTube Premium members only.