R&B singer Khalid is entering a new musical era with his most personal project yet. The Texas native, 27, released his newest single, "Out of Body," on September 26, accompanied by a music video, where he stars opposite a male love interest for the first time. "For me, it just felt ... honest. This year's been about growth, healing and really leaning into who I am. The video was a moment where I said, 'You know what? Let me stop holding back,'" Khalid exclusively told Us Weekly. "I'm surrounded by people who love me for me - my team, my friends, my fans - and that support gave me the safety to finally tell this story with the kind of vulnerability it deserves. It wasn't about a big 'statement,' it was about truth. And love. And letting that be seen." "Out of Body" is a part of Khalid's upcoming album, After the Sun Goes Down, which is slated to be released on Friday, October 10. It comes only a year after the 2024 release of his third studio album, Sincere. Khalid told Us that he "100 percent" has a better understanding of who he is now more than ever. Khalid Claps Back at Ex's 'Triggering' Pink Cocaine and Abuse Claims "I've never been more clear about who I am, and what I want to say. Sincere was me processing a lot of emotion - But once I got through that, the music just started flowing," he said. "I stopped overthinking. This new project came from a place of clarity and purpose, and that's why it came together so fast. It feels like the most me I've ever been." In November 2024, the "Young Dumb & Broke" singer was outed on social media. Since then, Khalid has had to navigate his queer identity under the microscope of the public, to which he said has been "a journey." "I'm at a point now where I don't want to live halfway anymore. I'm proud of who I am, and the love I have to give, and I think there's power in that," the "Better " singer told Us. "I won't say it's always easy, but it's freeing. And I hope just by being open, someone out there feels a little less alone in their own journey too." Khalid told Us he can't begin to describe how special the connection between him and his fanbase is, as they were very vocal in their support for him after he was outed last year. "I can't even put it into words. When everything happened last year, my fans showed me nothing but love. That gave me the courage to keep going, to keep creating," Khalid said. "Their messages, their DMs, their energy at shows ... I felt held. And now, going into this new chapter, I don't feel like I'm doing it alone. It's like we're walking through this growth together. That's a blessing." Taylor Swift Says Racy 'Wood' Lyrics Began in 'Very Innocent Place' Khalid told Us his new album was "inspired by my childhood years in Heidelberg, Germany." "In the early 2000s was where I found inspiration in pop and disco music so some of those influences like Britney [Spears] and boy bands bleed through in the music," Khalid said. "I wanted the sound to reflect that feeling of reclaiming your happiness and I want us to move more."