By Morgan Rousseau
At times they reach a climax of chaotic release, but approach it with complete control. The band is sometimes understated, and often over-analyzed, but at the core of their raw and powerful music, these five musicians deliver eloquence in its richest, most leather-bound state of glory. Patient fans both here and abroad wondered where they went and waited as the band’s eclectic members worked on other musical projects. But truly, how long could A Perfect Circle keep us fed? It’s not that “Thirteenth Step” and “eMOTIVE” didn’t have their good points - it’s just that the true Tool fans salivated for their own distinct brand of raw musical meat.
It was finally served. Their latest album “10,000 Days,” surfaced to platinum status after its U.S. release in May of this year, and climbed to top ten of the Billboard 200 charts. But as far as we’re concerned, there’s only one thing that tops topping the charts - and that’s Tool on tour.
Though all members of the band know how to deliver chills, there’s one in particular that stands out as the strange beauty of an uncompromised communication.
His lyrics have left us breathless. A front man painted black and packed with fury - he unleashes a frenzy of emotion that if you’ve ever heard, you’ve surely felt. For a musician that craves the shadow so much more than the spot light, it’s a rare and coveted moment when he agrees to give an interview.
Lucky me.
In a conversation over the phone on Tuesday, Maynard James Keenan said a few things about their new tour, their latest album, and more.
Morgan: What was your initial intention when you set out to make “10,000 days?” Did it have a particular purpose?
Maynard: No. Nothing in particular. We just pretty much explore each other in a room and write music. The result is what it is.
Morgan: I’m sure it’s never smooth when you’re making an album, but comparatively, anyway, was it a difficult album to make?
Maynard: No. they’re all challenging in their own way. We were in the studio for about three or four months.
Morgan: Some of your songs have advocated enlightenment as the key to change. Somewhere in there is a sense of optimism. Do you maintain optimism about people and problems in the world?
Maynard: Optimism? No. I’ve never considered myself an optimist. I think that there is a balance between pessimism and optimism. You find it for yourself.
Morgan: Do you think your music has an influence over the decisions that people make?
Maynard: I’d hope not.
Morgan: Why not?
Maynard: Because if my music has an influence, then that means that other bands have an influence. And if those bands have the wrong message, then they could influence people in the wrong way.
Morgan: But what about your lyrical references to people being sheep?
Maynard: I think that some people act that way. They let anything guide them in any direction. But not all people.
Morgan: And your fans? Do you think you are reaching the same people now that you did at the time of “Opiate’s” release, or do you think your audience has changed?
Maynard: Well, after our first album, we played in front of audiences of 100 people. Now about 17,0000 people show up to our performances. So certainly our fan base has grown. As for the people ? I don’t know what kind of people are coming to our shows, but whoever they are, certainly more of them are coming.
Morgan: When you are touring, how does it compare to play the United States versus other nations?
Maynard: They’re all pretty much unique in their own ways. Every country and every venue is completely different. For every show we give, we make changes and alterations. That’s what makes each show unique. [This tour] is going great so far.
Morgan: I’m looking forward to your show this Friday in Mansfield. I’ve been to your shows before, and the performance absolutely blew me away, especially the aesthetics. How do the shows on this tour differ from the shows on previous tours?
Maynard: It’s hard to say. I’m not very objective. The differences in each show don’t really change how we relate to each other when we’re performing. But as far as what we do and how we do it ? it’s all really the same.
Morgan: Have you come to a point where you would say it’s easier now to maintain your integrity as a band who refuses to compromise their art? Or do you still encounter pressure to conform to what popular culture requires of popular musicians?
Maynard: There’s always pressure. People always want to manipulate other people in power, to seek their own power. You can’t avoid that. We still see it. No matter what, we’ll always face this.
Morgan: Are there any artists out there who you think succeed at stimulating an emotional and artistic consciousness?
Maynard: In general, people that are writing music from the heart. Nobody in particular, really.
Morgan: What’s next?
Maynard: We’re going to Europe.
Morgan: Any plans for another album yet?
Maynard: We’ve just had a baby.
Morgan: Of course.
Maynard: We have no plans yet for another baby. We’re still taking care of this baby.
Morgan: Is the band where you pictured it would be at this point in time?
Maynard: Where I pictured ? I suppose so. We’re always taking things in different directions. But yes, I’m very happy.
As published in The Massachusetts Daily Collegian
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