The 24 star says he was self-conscious about being an actor making music.
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland says he was self-conscious about the stigma actors face when making music
– His fourth studio album, Grey, is scheduled for release on May 29, 2026
– Sutherland said years of touring and songwriting helped him feel more confident in his songs
Kiefer Sutherland knows some people are skeptical when actors move into music, and he has felt that pressure himself.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Sutherland said he was very self-conscious when he first started touring because he understood the stigma attached to actors making music. That concern shaped his early approach, including a personal rule that he would perform outside Los Angeles rather than chase attention close to Hollywood.
Sutherland said he has now been touring for about 15 years. Over that time, he has built a close bond with the musicians around him and developed more confidence in his songwriting.
His fourth studio album, Grey, is set for release on May 29. Sutherland said he now feels the songs are strong enough for people to spend time with, marking a different level of comfort in his music career.
The actor also reflected on his long-running connection to the guitar, which dates back to his years playing Jack Bauer on 24. He said that period kept him so focused on the show that he felt technology moved ahead without him.
Sutherland admitted he does not own a computer and prefers not to spend his nights answering hundreds of emails. He said part of that choice stems from wanting distance from technology, while another stems from feeling nervous around it.
For Sutherland, music has become more than a side project. It is now a creative space built on friendship, storytelling, and the confidence that his songs can stand on their own.
