Michael Jackson - Ebony Jet interview 1987

Summary

In this revealing interview, the artist reflects on the journey of creating their latest album, expressing a sense of rejuvenation after a long creative process. They discuss the challenges of fame, the social statements embedded in their music videos, and their personal growth through music. Highlighting songs like 'Man in the Mirror,' 'Bad,' and 'Liberian Girl,' the artist touches on deep themes such as self-reflection, the human experience, and the need for change. With insights into their private thoughts, including their fascination with anatomy and empathy for the Elephant Man, the conversation reveals the multifaceted nature of their artistry and life philosophy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Jackson feels rejuvenated after the release of his new album, despite the long and challenging creative process involved in making it.
• 😀 The creative process for each song is unpredictable, sometimes fast and other times slow. Michael believes that creativity is divinely inspired and doesn't follow a clear formula.
• 😀 Michael Jackson acknowledges the difficulties of fame, particularly the lack of privacy, though he doesn't complain about the attention from fans.
• 😀 The song 'Bad' represents a bold statement, but Michael clarifies that it refers to being 'cool' and 'tough' rather than criminally 'bad'.
• 😀 The music video for 'Bad' is inspired by a true story about a young man from the ghetto who, after attempting to make a better life for himself, is killed by jealous friends.
• 😀 Michael's favorite song on the album is 'Man in the Mirror,' as it reflects his philosophy that change starts with the individual.
• 😀 Michael believes in looking at oneself critically and making personal changes to improve, rather than blaming others for the world's problems.
• 😀 Michael is prayerful and finds moments of connection with God through nature, such as witnessing sunsets or the beauty of a butterfly.
• 😀 The song 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You' includes sensuous lyrics, and Michael reveals that he recorded it while lying in bed, creating a deeply intimate atmosphere.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of being constantly in the public eye, Michael expresses gratitude for his fans and the opportunity to see the world through his music.
• 😀 Michael is interested in exploring the human anatomy, particularly the brain, and is also fascinated by the story of the Elephant Man, which has a deep emotional resonance for him.

Q & A

How does the artist feel now that the album is finally out after nearly four years of work?

The artist feels rejuvenated and celebratory. After such a long and challenging creative process, releasing the album feels like a victory, akin to a celebration of completion.

How does the artist describe the creative process behind the album?

The artist doesn't track the time spent on creating each song, as the creative process varies. Sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes slowly, and the artist believes the creativity comes from a higher power, not something they consciously control.

Does the artist ever regret their fame and the attention that comes with it?

The artist occasionally wishes for moments of anonymity, to experience life without the constant attention. However, they appreciate the support from fans and acknowledge it as part of the work.

What inspired the song 'Bad,' and what message does it convey?

'Bad' is a statement of confidence and self-expression, not about being 'criminally bad.' The artist explains that the song is about embracing being 'cool' and strong, which could be misunderstood as something negative but is actually meant to be empowering.

What is the significance of the music video for 'Bad'?

The music video tells a story based on real-life events, inspired by a tragic incident of a young person who overcame their background but was ultimately rejected by their old friends. It highlights themes of social pressures and the difficulty of escaping one's past.

How does the artist feel about the song 'Man in the Mirror'?

'Man in the Mirror' is one of the artist's favorites, and they see it as a call for personal responsibility. The message is that making the world a better place starts with self-reflection and individual change.

Does the artist ever feel misunderstood by the public or the media?

Yes, the artist often feels misunderstood, especially with rumors and stories that are not entirely true. However, they acknowledge that being a public figure comes with this territory, and they try not to let it affect them too much.

What is the artist's perspective on war and human conflict?

The artist expresses a clear distaste for war, emphasizing that it is a manifestation of mankind's inhumanity to man. They advocate for peace and a world where people treat each other with kindness and respect.

What motivates the artist in life beyond music?

The artist is deeply interested in learning, exploring new ideas, and understanding the human body and mind. They are especially fascinated by anatomy and the story of the Elephant Man, which speaks to their interest in human suffering and resilience.

Why did the artist choose to start their worldwide tour in Japan instead of the U.S.?

The artist felt it was important to give the international audience a chance to experience the tour first, as the Victory Tour was solely American. Starting in Japan ensures fairness and also gives the show time to tighten before performing in the U.S.