Anthony Hamilton On Being Vulnerable And His New Album 'Love Is The New Black'

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Anthony Hamilton is back with a new album. Love Is The New Black is his first full length album in five years — one fans have been anxiously awaiting.

Hamilton is the self-described "country boy" from North Carolina whose vulnerable lyrics and gospel-tinged delivery have gained him fans across the globe. Many were introduced to Hamilton through his popular Tiny Desk performance in 2016. Some were fans way before that — as Hamilton says, "when only 10 people knew about me."

NPR's Michel Martin welcomed Hamilton back to NPR to talk about his latest album, and about his creative process during the pandemic.

Here are excerpts, including web-only extended answers:

Does it feel like you're a veteran by now or does it feel like people