“Let's all go back!”
So commands Perry Farrell, lead singer of Jane's Addiction, in the band's new single, “Redemption imminent“, the first they've made with their original lineup—guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and bassist Eric Avery—in more than three decades.
When the band formed in 1985, it was at a time of “safe” music, as Farrell told Entrepreneur. “There was a lot of money to be made at the time and the music scene was completely devoid of musicians who were interested in doing something outside the norm.”
Enter Jane's, whose signature sound could go from thrashing rock to dance grooves to ethereal soundscapes within the space of a single song. They were weird in the best possible way, breaking through with major MTV hits like “Been Caught Stealing” and “Jane Says” thanks to Farrell's otherworldly alchemy of lyrics.
Despite their undisputed greatness in the studio and on stage together, the band broke up for a number of reasons. But luckily for fans, they've reunited and are embarking on a US tour this August, supported by Love & Rockets and the Crawlers. (You can find the dates here.)
Farrell says he has devoted much of his time and focus to the study of spirituality and mysticism over the past 20 years, which brings new meaning to the band's performance. The creator of the legendary Lollapalooza festival, which is now the subject of a documentary series streaming on Paramount+, says for him, shows aren't about being up there on stage being adored by fans. “Our shows bring everyone together. When I look outside and everyone is dancing and singing together, I see peace there,” he explains.This is something that everyone is creating together.”
And this is his advice to musicians and bands today: “It's not about you, not about your ego. Get over the arrogance – it's destructive. Watch your shows as if you are having a party”.
And as for creativity, he asks creators to go beyond the way things are “supposed to be.” Farrell breaks it down: “I am a good singer. I'm not a great singer. Be cool with yourself and be brave. Never feel cornered. Never feel like you're trapped because you're not. Jah created all these things. He's not trapped.” Speaking of the troubled world we live in today, Farrell says it's the artist's job to help humanity find a way out.I don't know if I will win or lose, but it will be an emotion.”
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