André 3000 has released a 12-minute short film titled 7 Piano Sketches, now streaming exclusively on Mubi. The project, which features the artist navigating New York City with a piano strapped to his back, serves as a visual companion to his 2025 EP of the same name. Directed by Graham Mason and co-written by André 3000, the film marks his latest creative pivot following his transition from hip-hop icon to experimental instrumentalist.
What is the concept behind the film?
The film follows André 3000 as he wanders through urban landscapes, physically burdened by an upright piano. According to an interview with Mubi, the artist drew inspiration from the persistence of ants, which are capable of carrying objects many times their own body weight. The production required the construction of a custom, lightweight "prop" piano to replicate the aesthetic of a real instrument without the logistical impossibility of transporting a standard 500-pound frame through city streets. By pairing this visual journey with the minimalist compositions from his 2025 EP, the film functions as an extension of the meditative, flute-heavy soundscapes he introduced on his 2023 solo debut, New Blue Sun.
Why is André 3000 pursuing acting?
While music remains his primary focus, André 3000—born André Benjamin—continues to seek out film roles that challenge his perception of performance. His filmography already includes notable appearances in Claire Denis’ High Life, Noah Baumbach’s White Noise, and Kelly Reichardt’s Showing Up.
Despite these credits, the musician told Mubi that he is searching for a "new style" of acting that feels authentic to the current era. He noted that cinematic performance shifted from the serious, stylized acting of the 1950s to the more fluid, naturalistic style of the 1970s. He expressed curiosity about what the modern equivalent might be, suggesting that the "youth" who grew up with constant digital documentation through smartphones and YouTube may be the ones to define the next evolution of screen performance.
How does this release compare to his recent work?
This project represents a departure from the high-profile, lyrical output of his Outkast career, leaning further into the avant-garde territory established by his recent solo efforts.
| Feature | New Blue Sun (2023) | 7 Piano Sketches (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Instrument | Flute | Piano |
| Format | Full-length LP | Short Film / EP |
| Accolades | 3 Grammy Nominations | N/A |
While New Blue Sun was defined by its focus on woodwind improvisation and earned an Album of the Year nomination, 7 Piano Sketches utilizes a visual narrative to frame his instrumental compositions. The transition highlights a broader trend in the music industry where legacy artists are increasingly prioritizing visual art and short-form digital media to complement non-traditional musical releases.
Key Details
- Director: Graham Mason
- Writer: André 3000 and Graham Mason
- Platform: Mubi
- Subject: Instrumental compositions from the 7 Piano Sketches EP
- Recent Acting Credits: High Life, White Noise, Showing Up
Worth a look