Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme on their latest album, loss and embracing emotion
The rock musician joins Q’s Tom Power to discuss vulnerability in his music
Josh Homme grew up in a world where physical violence was completely normal and often encouraged by his peers. "It was so commonplace that the fight would break out and people would put their arms out and say, back up, let them finish," he tells Q's Tom Power.
"It's a terrifying way to spend a Friday" says the Queens of the Stone Age's frontman, "and also, I think it gives you an incorrect vision of what being a man is too — that there's a brutality attached to it."
During the chaos of growing up the young musician found solace in playing music. At 13 he performed his very first gig at a party with people twice his age. Music brought out a tender side to Homme that he did not know existed.
"[Problems] need to be solved with a gentle hand and by listening," says Homme. "My way of dealing with things that were difficult … was by playing music." Playing the guitar taught Homme what he described as "formal discipline," something that he never had until then.
The Queens of the Stone Age's latest album, In Times New Roman, showcases a more vulnerable side of Homme and the band. The record reflects on the loss of The Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, as well as Homme's divorce and his recent battle with cancer. " I don't think I've ever grown as much in a short period of time," says Homme. In Times New Roman, is meant to be a new chapter for the band. "This new record is just the start of something else," says Homme. "I have a new appreciation, which I'm enjoying now."
The vocalist unpacks the big moments of his life through music. "It's all I've ever known," he says. So while the last three Queens of the Stone Age albums were focused on the desire for "corruption and revolt," says Homme, in Times New Roman, that "has turned to seeing where this experience of being able to play music and mine your own emotions and your own difficulties — where does that go?"
"Singing about things that are difficult or scary for you. I'd rather hear about that at this point in my life."
With the release of the new album, Homme is preparing to go on tour with the band across Canada starting on April 1. "We've been so blessed to do so well, which is always a shock to me," says Homme. "But that success can turn you into a bitter old crank." It is important to the guitarist that his shows feel different and special each time. "They have to be just for tonight and they have to feel real to me," says Homme. The show is something that … I want to feel proud to be part of."
The full interview with Josh Homme is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Interview with Josh Homme produced by Mitch Pollock
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