The Status of Soundgarden’s Upcoming Album

Matt Cameron’s Insights on the Recordings

In a recent interview with Lyndsey Parker for Gold Derby and Lyndsanity!, Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron provided an update on the band’s long-awaited album, which includes recordings made before the untimely death of vocalist Chris Cornell in May 2017. Cameron revealed, “We are in the process of finishing it. We don’t have a release date yet, but I’d say we’re about — I don’t know — maybe 70 percent finished with all the tracking and stuff. So, yeah, it sounds killer. It’s been a really amazing and bittersweet process as well.” He emphasized their commitment to completing the album, noting the emotional weight of the project.

Creative Process Behind the Album

When asked about the timeline of the songwriting and recording, Cameron explained, “We started songwriting together, trading demos back and forth around 2015, ’16, something like that.” He elaborated that the band had some sessions in 2017 before embarking on a tour, during which they recorded rough rehearsals. The vocals featured on the upcoming album are drawn from those earlier demos, with the band building new tracks around Cornell’s original vocal performances.

Bittersweet Memories

The emotional aspect of revisiting Cornell’s vocals was not lost on Cameron. He shared, “It really is [bittersweet]. But I think we’re trying to stay focused on the overall sound of it and all the reasons for us doing it.” The drummer expressed hope that fans would appreciate the final product, describing it as a fitting conclusion to Soundgarden’s creative journey.

Upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

As Soundgarden prepares for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2023, Cameron confirmed that there would not be any new music performed at the ceremony. He stated, “I don’t think there’s gonna be anything played at the ceremony. And I think the idea is that we wanna wait until everything’s finished and then we’ll start putting out singles.” While a strict timeline for release remains uncertain, the band is close to completing the album.

Featured Tracks and Creative Exploration

One of the standout tracks on the upcoming album is “The Road Less Traveled,” co-written by Cameron and Cornell. Cameron described how he initially shared musical ideas with Cornell in 2016, and the track evolved into a collaboration that he believes fans will love. He hinted at a mix of familiar and new sounds, stating, “It has all the trademark elements that Soundgarden fans might be familiar with, as well as a little bit of new territory.” The song embodies hard rock with bluesy and psychedelic influences, encapsulating the essence of what Soundgarden is known for.

Legal Challenges and Creative Resolutions

In April 2023, Soundgarden and Vicky Cornell, Chris’s widow, reached an amicable resolution concerning the release of recordings made prior to his death. This agreement came after a tumultuous period marked by legal disputes over ownership of the recordings and social media accounts. Both parties have expressed a commitment to honoring Chris Cornell’s legacy while completing the unfinished work.

Reflections on Legacy

Kim Thayil, Soundgarden’s guitarist, expressed optimism about the band’s final album, viewing it as a collective effort that honors Chris’s contributions. “Our objective and goal was always to complete that,” he said, highlighting the band’s desire to present a finished product that pays tribute to their late frontman. Thayil emphasized the importance of completing the album not only for the band but as a gift to fans and as a tribute to Cornell’s artistic legacy.

Conclusion

The upcoming Soundgarden album represents a poignant chapter in the band’s history, intertwining the emotional resonance of Chris Cornell’s vocals with the creative efforts of his bandmates. As they navigate the bittersweet process of finishing the album, both Cameron and Thayil remain committed to honoring Cornell’s memory and delivering music that resonates with fans. With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction on the horizon, the anticipation for this final project continues to build.

FAQs

When will the new Soundgarden album be released?

While the album is approximately 70 percent finished, there is currently no set release date. The band intends to complete the album before releasing any singles.

What songs will be featured on the new album?

One confirmed track is “The Road Less Traveled,” co-written by Matt Cameron and Chris Cornell. The album will include other songs that reflect Soundgarden’s signature sound while exploring new creative avenues.

Will Soundgarden perform new music at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction?

No, Soundgarden has confirmed that they do not plan to perform any new music at the induction ceremony. They are focusing on completing the album before sharing new material.

What were the legal disputes surrounding the album about?

The legal disputes involved ownership of unreleased recordings and social media accounts following Chris Cornell’s death. An amicable resolution was reached in April 2023, allowing the band to move forward with the album’s completion.