Gavin Rossdale’s Journey: Crafting Vital Music with Bush

Ahead of the highly anticipated release of Bush’s new album, I Beat Loneliness, frontman Gavin Rossdale sat down with Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong on June 17 to reflect on his extensive career in rock music. Rossdale’s insights reveal a deep commitment to creating vital music that resonates with both himself and his audience.

The Essence of Vital Music

During the interview, Rossdale expressed a profound desire to create music that feels essential. He stated, “I just want to make music that’s vital — and then the day it’s not vital, I don’t need to make it anymore.” This mantra underscores his dedication to authenticity and the emotional impact of his work.

Endless Inspiration and Competition with Oneself

Rossdale emphasized the importance of producing great records, noting, “I’ve always felt there’s never enough great records.” He believes that music lovers appreciate a wide range of outstanding albums and that the true competition lies within oneself. “I still get so inspired by the people and listening to other people…and I think, ‘I’ve got to do something like that,'” he shared, highlighting his passion for both creation and consumption of music.

The High-Wire Act of Musical Integrity

Rossdale’s candidness about his work ethic shines through in his statement, “I don’t want to suck.” He likened the challenge of maintaining quality to a “high-wire act,” illustrating the delicate balance artists must strike to remain relevant and captivating.

A Lifelong Fan of Music

In addition to his role as a creator, Rossdale is a fervent music fan. He revealed, “Someone comes out with a new record, I sit there and get the lyrics and I can tell you if there is fucking fire in that record or not.” For Rossdale, the genre is irrelevant; what matters is the emotional connection and the authenticity of the music, whether it’s from King Gizzard, Poppy, or Idles.

I Beat Loneliness: A Magnetic New Album

Regarding Bush’s upcoming album, I Beat Loneliness, Rossdale confidently stated, “We made a magnetic record. It’s undeniable. You may not like it, but it’s undeniable. It’s spirited, it’s really spirited. I love that, I love having that fire.” This enthusiasm reflects his commitment to producing music that resonates with both him and listeners alike.

Insights on the Life of a Touring Musician

• The Sacrifices of Touring: Rossdale acknowledged the challenges of life on the road, stating, “You sacrifice so much… All those things are not negative things, they are just realizations and they all propel me to do a better show, because otherwise, what’s the point?”
• Embracing Technological Advances: Rossdale expressed his appreciation for the evolving technology in music production, saying, “I like having this really weird juxtaposition of dealing with base human emotional stuff and putting it to music while existing in this incredible, advanced time for technology.”
• Changing Perspectives on Influences: Reflecting on his past, Rossdale shared his initial disinterest in Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, attributing it to his punk background. “Now I think Ozzy is a god. I love him and I love Sabbath, an incredible band. Trailblazers. They began it all,” he acknowledged.

Conclusion

Gavin Rossdale’s passion for music, both as an artist and a fan, is palpable in his discussion on Loudwire Nights. His dedication to producing vital music and his appreciation for the craft underscore a career that continues to evolve and inspire. As fans eagerly await the release of I Beat Loneliness, it’s clear that Rossdale’s commitment to authenticity and quality will remain at the forefront of Bush’s music.

FAQs

What is the release date for Bush’s new album, I Beat Loneliness?

The album is set to be released on July 18.

What does Gavin Rossdale mean by “vital music”?

Rossdale refers to music that feels essential and impactful, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his work.

How does Rossdale view the competition in music?

He believes the true competition lies within oneself, aspiring to create as many great records as possible.

What are some themes discussed in the interview?

The interview touches on the sacrifices of touring, the influence of technology in music production, and changing perspectives on musical influences.