Julian Casablancas on The Voidz New Album Like All Before You | Apple Music

Summary

In a candid conversation, the artist reflects on the evolution of their music, exploring the creative process behind their new album and the significance of singles in the internet age. They discuss the balance between accessible melodies and experimental sounds, emphasizing the organic nature of their songwriting. The dialogue touches on the band's connection with fans and the unique experiences of live performances, where improvisation often leads to unexpected moments. Humor and serious political undertones in their lyrics are highlighted, along with a playful exploration of production techniques, including vocal effects and the impact of dreams on creativity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The artist discusses the slow connection music can have with audiences, often taking years for songs to resonate.
• 🎵 They initially planned to release singles but decided to compile them into an album for greater audience attention.
• 🎤 The creative process often involves both collaboration and solo work, with songs developing organically in jam sessions.
• 💭 Dreams can inspire music creation, with the artist recalling instances where melodies came to them in their sleep.
• 🔄 There's a tension between creating accessible music and more experimental work, with a focus on artistic integrity.
• 📅 Reflecting on past albums, the artist feels that the significance of older work often becomes clear only over time.
• 🎸 The artist appreciates the community built around their music, noting fan engagement with live performances and behind-the-scenes content.
• 🤔 The process of writing can involve mistakes that turn into unique elements of a song, emphasizing spontaneity.
• 😅 Humor is infused into their music, with comedic elements evident in their songwriting and music videos.
• 🎶 The use of vocal effects can enhance melodies, with some songs benefiting from autotune while others do not.

Q & A

What inspired the decision to release a new album after focusing on singles?

The band wanted to create a few songs and keep them ready, with the idea that they would eventually release an album when the time felt right. They believed that audiences might pay more attention to a collection of songs together.

How does the songwriting process typically begin for the band members?

Songwriting usually starts with an instrument in hand, but ideas can come at any moment, even in dreams. Over the years, they have sometimes developed ideas without an instrument.

What role do dreams play in the band's music creation?

The band members sometimes experience dreams that inspire song ideas. They may wake up thinking they have created a cool song, which leads them to write it down.

How do the fans perceive the band's music over time?

Fans often develop a deep connection with the band's music, sometimes only fully understanding its meaning years later. This slow release and eventual connection can change listeners' perspectives dramatically.

What challenges do the band face in balancing accessibility and complexity in their music?

The band tries to create music that is artistically powerful and inspiring while also being accessible to listeners. They have to navigate the risk of making music that is too experimental or too commercial.

What is the significance of live performances in the band's music creation?

Live performances play a crucial role, as many songs evolve through jamming and improvisation on stage. This organic process often leads to unexpected musical moments that become integral to their songs.

How does the band feel about their earlier work, particularly the album 'Tyranny'?

The band feels that 'Tyranny' is often overlooked and that people are just beginning to grasp its ideas and music. They believe that the understanding of their music can evolve over time.

What techniques do they use in the studio that may originate from live performances?

The band incorporates live experimentation into their studio work, allowing mistakes and organic moments from live shows to influence recorded songs.

How does the band view their relationship with humor in their music?

There is a sense of humor in their writing that can be darkly comic. This humor coexists with serious political themes, creating a complex emotional landscape in their songs.

What role does vocal processing play in their music production?

Vocal processing, such as using autotune, is applied selectively. Certain melodies benefit from it while others do not. This experimentation allows them to find unique sounds that fit their artistic vision.