Tool’s Danny Carey: New Tracks Are ‘Long … Too Long’
Though Danny Carey recently told us that Tool were aiming for 2018 to release their long-awaited album, the disc does remain a work in progress. In a new interview with Kerrang, the drummer offered a little more insight into the creative process, which often includes some unique time signatures.
He explained [as transcribed by Alternative Nation], "Whatever those guys [Adam Jones and Justin Chancellor] play is how they express themselves. Adam and Justin aren't musically educated, so they just come up with the weirdest shit. I just try to anchor it down and make it simple."
He continued, "The cool thing is every time I think I’ve simplified it as much as I can, we’ll give it to Maynard [James Keenan] and he’ll do something even more simplified – to the point where practically anyone can sing it! It’s simple shit and it’s coming out, man. The tracks are long…too long! Definitely too long for the radio (laughs)!”
When pressed about the direction, Carey stated, “It’s all still a work in progress. We don’t even go there until the record is done. It needs to have a voice of its own – just like this new Legend of the Seagullmen record. You don’t think about that until the project’s finished and it all comes together and connects. Everything has its own voice. It’s funny how people understand it all when it comes to concepts. I know from Pink Floyd, Yes, all these bands – there was no fucking concept. Those guys would just go in there and do it until it was done…and that’s when it takes shape. At that point, it will tell you what to do, just like any piece of art ever made.”
Once again, asked about the timeline for the new album, Carey laughed, "2019? Is that what I said? Oh, 2018 (laughs) … Yeah, it’ll be out at some point in 2018.”
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