Adam Lambert talks brand new EP AFTERS: "My diary is booked until 2026!"

As every night owl knows, the afters is where the party normally really gets started. So it is for Adam Lambert, the multi-hyphenate American pop vocalist, who releases his brand new EP, AFTERS, tomorrow.

Drenched in slick synths and the sweat that comes from partying just a little too hard in a gay bar, Afters is some of the un-abasahedly queer music Adam has made in his career so far, and a potent shoutout to the influence house music and EDM has had on shaping gay night life over the past few decades.

Carving time out of his very busy diary (literally - Adam tells us his schedule is now being booked into 2026) we caught up with Adam to hear all about his new EP. 

Adam – congratulations on the release of AFTERS. How are you feeling; nervous, excited?

Thank you! I’m feeling really excited. No matter how big or small the project, there’s always a magical feeling the day you are sharing art with the world. I’m excited to let my fans and the world in on something we had such a great time creating.

Which track came first and set the tone for the EP?

Wet Dream was the first track, before I even had the idea of the EP. It came out of a studio session with my writer friends in LA. I was getting ready to fly to Australia to film The Voice, and I told my team I’d love to have it out in time for my Sydney Mardi Gras headline show. After performing it in Sydney, I was so inspired by the reception of the crowd and the love from the community that it defintely made it’s way into the next few writing sessions I had. From there, Afters just really started rolling…

And which was the last to be finished?

Neck and Deep House were the last additions. I had just gotten back from Australia and immediately jumped into some sessions in LA. We wrote those songs so quickly and the incredible production team turned them around even quicker. It is such a great experience writing in a room with friends and with creators who very much knew the assignment.

This is an ode to queer culture – how important is it to you to promote a safe space to your fans and truly embrace the culture?

There is no safer feeling than a space where you are loved, accepted, and celebrating simply for being who you are. I am all for promoting my fans and anyone out there to remove shame, guilt, fear, and any other feeling holding them back from joy and authentic expression. That’s what Afters has been for me and it’s all I can hope it does for anyone who listens to the music that came from my own experience.

On that, which LGBTQIA+-identifying artists are you loving at the moment?

I’m loving them all. Every queer artist out there right now is a statement and is about killing it. And even the allies who have authentically supported and celebrated our community. Creativity is very much having a moment in music right now. I love it!

Which track are you most excited to perform live?

I can’t wait to see fans loosing their inhibitions to Neck and Deep House. They’re the only songs I haven’t performed live yet so I’m excited for when I get the chance to.

 What’s been the feedback from Glamberts so far – they must be loving it?

I would say it’s been 98% positive. I knew going into this that it would ruffle some feathers, as all art should. I have a very direct relationship with my fans and I love getting their feedback. The love has defintely been felt on this project. Both online but also in person. I’ve been lucky enough to be at the center of the community during this release period so it’s been a treat to get in time feedback. It’s something I haven’t always had in previous projects.

What does 2024 hold for you? More shows? Can we expect to see you back in the UK soon?

My team are already into 2026 so you best believe there is more to come in 2024 and plenty keeping me busy in 2025. Keep an eye out!

Afters by Adam Lambert drops July 19. 

Images: Brian Ziff