Artist Direct have today published an in-depth interview with Mike Patton. It focuses mainly on Mondo Cane but there are encouraging words too on the Faith No More reunion.
Sample quote:
“Given that Faith No More is back now, what does the band and its catalog mean to you after all of these years?
[Patton] Well, it’s strange, you know? To be honest, I never thought that I would ever revisit that stuff again. After some reflection and speaking with the guys, I realized, “Well, wait a minute. I’m not embarrassed about it [Laughs]. It’s still good music! Is there a way that we can still pull it off and do it justice?” So we rehearsed! When we rehearsed, I realized this is good and I feel great about it. After that, we decided to do some shows. The interesting was also kind of staggering. Basically, there’s more interest in us now than when we were an active band, which is really strange, kind of haunting and maybe a bit morbid, but it also inspired us. We thought, “Okay, for some reason people are really interested in this. Maybe we should take it as seriously as they are?” [Laughs] You know what I mean?”
FNM 2.0 can only ask, seriously enough for a new record?
Wow)) “The next day Russia” – I hope that wasn’t just said for example ))))) We’re truly exited about Mondo Cane here)
JDub, this will be a first time FNM show for me; and it wouldn’t kill me if they didn’t play either of those songs. I want to hear the weird stuff!
Sounds good to me! Thanks again for hooking me up.
Sorry…that was for you Steve…
You got it!!!!!! I will talk to you before I leave the country. How does that sound?
Ti mort, are we still down for some pints on the 13th? Two more weeks!
So what is a “high five evening”? I take it as a lot of chatter in between songs and a lot of B-sides and stuff they rarely play live, and maybe some new covers. This would be great, I don’t need to hear Easy or Epic again. I guess they have to play them since this will be a first fnm show for some fans.
Hey Mark…no worries…check your e mail!!!
“You rehearse with them one day, and then you play concert. Next day, Russia! ”
Does this really mean that Russia is in the scope for Mondo Cane show?
Would be absolutely great.
I like these parts –
“Well, that’s the point when you’re doing covers. This is a record of covers, and I believe firmly that you have to make them your own. There is a very fine line to tread. You have to treat a song with respect, yet twist it up, fuck it up and somehow make it a part of your own voice. That was a real challenge with this stuff because a lot of it, in my opinion, is sort of untouchable. There are a lot of songs that I left off of this record that I could’ve done but I was too afraid to approach.
All I’m doing on the Mondo Cane record is giving my take on already great, written, orchestrated, well-thought out musical plans. I take the blueprints and maybe I adjust something. Perhaps, I put this wall over here or raise this roof over there. Maybe, I’ll put a door on the east side instead of the west side. One of the great things about music is anyone can have a million interpretations. I took some liberties here with this record, but I also tried to really be respectful. It’s hard though, man. It’s hard [Laughs].”
For as much as he projects himself as a 100% Fuck-You kind of guy and for all the shit he talks about other rock stars, it’s easy to forget that Patton is incredibly respectful to other musicians and the music itself. I’ve always liked that about him.
sorry to hijack the responses section, ti mort are we still on for the spare tickets you have to the gig on the 14th? Tried emailing you but haven’t had a response as of yet.
This is probably one of the best Patton interviews I’ve read; you can see how introspective and likeable he can be. To be honest I wasn’t too jazzed about Mondo Cane at first, but now I am really looking forward to the release. Can’t wait for the “high five” on the 14th!
Yeah Nick, for sure. I enjoyed Anonymous as well…..but it lacked something that I was really hungry for. To be honest all can be erased with a new FNM album. AH….dare to dream.
I agree Ti Mort! I’m dying for new tomahawk n fantomas albums. As great as “Anonymous” was I’m craving a return to the first 2 Tomahawk albums. Great interview none the less
Hmm. I gotta say…although I am excited for yet another Mike P album…it doesn’t get me pumped up like a new Bungle, Fantomas, Peeping Tom or Tomohawk album would. Don’t get me wrong…I’m sure it will be great. Obviously, my glass is half empty…cause I felt like he was almost blowing off the Warfeild shows. All will be revealed soon!!!!!!
Thanks for the link to a great interview. The thought of Mondo Cane possibly coming to the US is an exciting one, for sure.
So excited for A) it’s going to be a high-five type of evening and
B) Mondo Cane might tour the USA because this project is making me pee my pants
And C) he’s a huge Bernard Hermann fan. I always suspected…I even hear a bit of his scores in Patton’s work
thanks for the link – great article
cheers,
Lusty