Duff in BassPlayer mag March 04

[Falcon]

Falcon, come on! Maybe Axl is just doing what he likes for christ sakes!! He has released one studio song in twelve years. You have no idea what he is doing, how the album will sound and what trend if any, it will follow. It is natural for Slash but not Axl??? Horseshit. Again, no sides chosen here but don't pigeonhole Axl because of a few songs played live.

Chill out dude.

No sides were chosen here either.  Axl was mentioned briefly in one sentence, showing the perceived two sides of the coin concerning his "growth" as a musician.  

As for Slash and company, their choices were calculated as well, no doubt about it.  This said, with what we've heard so far, the perception of their choices will not be looked on as chasing any trend.  

From a marketing perspective it's "not just rockn roll, simple as that" anymore.  Groups are pidgeonholed whether we like it or not.  Perception is reality and it looks as though VR have made the right choices to overcome the prior perceptions of two of it's members and their previous band while the jury is still out on their former bandmate and his musical vision.

As for the "What the fuck is "modern" about STP/Weiland and the Cult" comment, it's again, perception.  STP came at a time when alternative rock exploded into the mainstream.  No more, no less.  The Cult have been very lucky, never being pidgeonholed into one genre.  They evolved from the post punk scene as a leader in the gothic rock movement, moving effortlessly into the British alternative scene before coming to America and morphing into a full on hard rock outfit.  Credibile within multiple genres and regarded as seminal within their peer group, always a step ahead.
 

[Doc Emmett Brown]

Basically Slash didn't want his previous bands to try new things. GN'R should be GN'R according to him, Snakepit wasn't exactly groundbreaking, Blues Ball played covers. His fourth band since joining GN'R are hoping to be something else than the traditional bluesy hard rock bands that he's been in so far.

You don't think that's interesting?

You're basically asking why Slash would rather evolve with VR than with GNR?
I think Slash answered this: as he repeated in numerous interviews concerning VR: "There are no dictators here".    

GNR evolved greatly while Slash was part of it.  

He has said it is a pleasure to work with Weiland.  I'm sure when you're happy in a band, you're more likely to be open to exploring different directions.

Plus, he, Duff and Matt have cleaned up considerably in the past few years. I'm sure that is another reason they are feeling refreshed, and want to show that in their music.

[madagas]

That is my problem-perception is not my reality. Reality is my reality. I am not here to debate the Cult's relevance or irrelevance in rock and roll but I think you are stretching their abilities a bit by saying they have always been a "step ahead". A friend of mine is a big Cult fanatic as well and I have heard all their music. Nothing that was on the cutting edge of anything. Just good solid rock and roll. Do you really think Axl or Slash really cares about what their music is labeled as or what crap radio station plays their songs? No. They care about album sales and their track record in that department was pretty good-during the alternative years or the hair metal years.

[Falcon]

Do you really think Axl or Slash really cares about what their music is labeled as or what crap radio station plays their songs? No. They care about album sales and their track record in that department was pretty good-during the alternative years or the hair metal years.

I absolutely believe Axl cares how his music is labeled, how he is perceived by the music press and his peer group and what radio station plays his songs.  His rants against other bands, genres and journalists that haven't accepted him prove that emphatically.

Slash has obviously gone a different route in his path to a a new fanbase.  Do you actually believe VR could have reached that audience, MTV, KROQ et al with Bach?  Hardly.

As for album sales, they sold a ton from 87-93, together.  Last time I checked, that was 11 years ago and in no way, shape or form does that translate to any success in 2004, apart.  

So far, I'd think you'd have to agree (without taking sides) that 1 of the two
has executed a plan both musically and perception wise to allow a shot at success somewhere outside of a classic rock station or a "Flashback Friday" segment.

[madagas]

Well, it is the name only that may drag the new Gnr into a classic rock format because as far as I can tell, there is NOTHING on the radio that sounds like this band.  I don't see any particular trend in Rhiad, Chinese Democracy, or Madagascar. They are very unique sounding songs as there is no one element that clearly dominates (industrial, classic, old school Gnr, alternative, etc) In my opinion, you are in a much better position for success if you are unique instead of sounding like a mix of Gnr and STP. We pretty much know exactly what the Velvet Revolver album will sound like. We have no idea what the Gnr record will sound like.  

[Top-Hatted One]

I have know idea what the VR album is going to sound like. I just know it's going to be great no matter what! I can't say the same for new-gnr yet since only 2 out of the 6 news songs are worthy of the gnr name.

[Doc Emmett Brown]

Well, it is the name only that may drag the new Gnr into a classic rock format because as far as I can tell, there is NOTHING on the radio that sounds like this band.  I don't see any particular trend in Rhiad, Chinese Democracy, or Madagascar. They are very unique sounding songs as there is no one element that clearly dominates (industrial, classic, old school Gnr, alternative, etc) In my opinion, you are in a much better position for success if you are unique instead of sounding like a mix of Gnr and STP. We pretty much know exactly what the Velvet Revolver album will sound like. We have no idea what the Gnr record will sound like.  

I agree with you that newGNR has a great & unique sound. But (IMO) VR is in a better position for success.  Slash, Duff, & Matt go out and jam with other musicians and there is also Weiland's STP fan base.  

Matt's Camp Freddy is bringing the band a lot of good press. I cant say the same about Tommy Stinson's solo work...

The grunge revolution happened whether you like it or not.  VR does (most) things the right way b/c they act like a down-to-earth band that plays in clubs and does regular, friendly interviews such as this one.  They dont have the ranting/raging/recluse/rockstar image associated with them.

[Falcon]

Well, it is the name only that may drag the new Gnr into a classic rock format because as far as I can tell, there is NOTHING on the radio that sounds like this band.  I don't see any particular trend in Rhiad, Chinese Democracy, or Madagascar. They are very unique sounding songs as there is no one element that clearly dominates (industrial, classic, old school Gnr, alternative, etc) In my opinion, you are in a much better position for success if you are unique instead of sounding like a mix of Gnr and STP. We pretty much know exactly what the Velvet Revolver album will sound like. We have no idea what the Gnr record will sound like.  

Rhiad, Maddy and CD might show diversity to some, to others it shows a lack of musical direction.  No identity.  As for them not following trends, I'll debunk that theory rather quickly.  Maddy is a typical Axl epic power ballad, could've easily been on UYI.  CD (although a great song) is grunge with synth.  As for Rhiad, that song is virtually unlistenable.

Again, this is not taking sides.  I can't wait to hear CD when/if it ever comes out.  I hope it's a strong, focused collection of songs that shows where Axl is musically today, not a foregone mismash of trends long gone by.

 

[madagas]

I am concerned about focus on the record as well. I imagine that is what he has struggled with over the years, getting a cohesive sound out of the hours and hours of tapes with varying musicians and styles. I agree the six songs we have heard would not go together on an album. But, maybe that was his point playing wildly different songs live-to get a feeling for what the fans want.Who the fuck knows what that maniac is thinking?? ps I love Rhiad..sounds like Immigrant Song meets Trampled Under Foot meets the year 2004. To each his own.

[Rebecca Duff Rose]

                                 

OMG!!!!!!!!!
ITS DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH AUNT GYPSY!!!! {hee hee I found the thread! lol!}  

                             

WHAT A MAN!!!!!
OOOOOOOO!! Hey you guys its DUFF!

Hee hee! How gorgeous does he look on those incredibly sexay photos!
Phwoar!

Oh yeah great interview too!  

DUFF IS GORGEOUS! ROCK ON!
Aunt Gypsy you rock!              

I'm Gunner be smilin' for days on end now! {well thats what i do anyway but still......}

[darkmonth]

Thanks for typing that out Gypsy.

Did Slash change his mind about Pro-Tools or did he just let the others use it anyway?


I read something about [your use of] ProTools [audio editing software] on one song, and said you couldn't even look at the computer.

Oh, yeah. I had this thing on a song called "Speed Parade" where I wanted a car sound on it. So where do you go and find a car sound? For me, it's go to the video store, pick out a Clint Eastwood movie and just loop or dub it in there somehow.

And they said, "No, they have these books of nothing but sound effects." ... So it took a while to find it, and the way they applied it was using ProTools. Once I saw that I would just sit behind the computer, I couldn't stand to look at it. It was just so f---ing tedious. That was my first--and pretty much last--introduction to ProTools. [laughs]


http://www.livedaily.com/news/2282.html

---

Another thing, Duff says Matt wants to keep the sound modern.

Didn't Slash quit GN'R because he didn't want them to change?


There was most definitely a clash of attitudes. ?Axl had a vision that GN'R should change and Slash had an attitude that Guns N' Roses was Guns N' Fucking Roses and that?s who they were,? Zutaut realises, ?I don't think they could get over their breakdown in communication.?
Total Guitar, June 2003


Or maybe he just accepted Pro-Tools and the idea of change since Snakepit and since he left GN'R...

It just seems like Slash has changed his opinion on some things or just let the others do what they want.


Oh, and this isn't about Axl. So no need to tell me it's all Axl's fault and how he's an asshole for making Slash leave GN'R.



/jarmo

Jarmo... I expected more of you than this.  You surely aren't going to be this childish?  And when Booker quoted and answered back?  Well... I agree.  Slash didn't say he dismisses protools.  He said he doesn't like using it.   So fine... he doesn't have to.  Plus, read what Duff said... he said they recorded to tape and used ProTools aswell, and that most of it was all recorded in one go.  Also, Axl's direction change is far from a simple modernisation of the sound... I think this is a crazy comparison.

[jarmo]

Oh yeah, it's childish to even dare to ask a question like that....  

I should've known that's the reply I'd get from the two of you.


Slash said he didn't like Pro Tools, yet it's being used on his albums. That' just something we have to accept since you guys don't think it's even an interesting thing to discuss.  

You also ignored the fact I thought it was a positive thing if he decided to try something new instead of doing Snakepit v.3......


/jarmo

[Booker Floyd]

Oh yeah, it's childish to even dare to ask a question like that....

I didnt say it was childish, so dont include me in that.  

 

Slash said he didn't like Pro Tools, yet it's being used on his albums. That' just something we have to accept since you guys don't think it's even an interesting thing to discuss.  

Slash said he doesnt like using Pro Tools himself...And all indicators suggest that hes not using himself on the new record...So I fail to see why its an interesting thing to discuss.  Find a quote where he says "I refuse to have Pro Tools used on anything I do" and youve got yourself a point.  Right now youve just got a quote detailing Slashs peronal distaste for using Pro Tools, and a more recent quote by Duff that basically backs that up.  What inconsistency!

All I see is you grasping at straws to point out Slashs contradictions/inconsistencies , as you often do - thats fine, but its easy to see that theres nothing in the quotes you posted.

                                                                                                                             

[darkmonth]

Oh yeah, it's childish to even dare to ask a question like that....  

I should've known that's the reply I'd get from the two of you.


Slash said he didn't like Pro Tools, yet it's being used on his albums. That' just something we have to accept since you guys don't think it's even an interesting thing to discuss.  

You also ignored the fact I thought it was a positive thing if he decided to try something new instead of doing Snakepit v.3......


/jarmo

Erm, well, sorry.  But I think considering you will jump on people for making points about new gnr, you are acting a tad hypocritical... especially considering how insignificant and miniscule the points you are trying to make are.  Sorry if I offended you.  And if you look through my history of posts you will notice that I am quite even when it comes to my love of GnR and VR.  It just so happens that most of the important posts I have made are defending Slash and co, because some of the newbie GnR fans get a bit over the top sometimes.  You make out that I am a blind one road follower.  I am not.

[jarmo]

Slash said he doesnt like using Pro Tools himself...And all indicators suggest that hes not using himself on the new record...So I fail to see why its an interesting thing to discuss.                                      

I'll say it once more:

Slash isn't exactly known as a guy who uses technology.  He says he doesn't like Pro Tools, we agree on that.

I'm saying maybe he should try it? Maybe VR's idea of sounding contemporary will bring out something interesting out of Slash? Nah, I'm just saying that because I hate Slash, right? You guys know me so well so you can make that assumption....  

You two make it seem like I'm bashing Slash when I'm not.

When he says he doesn't like something and yet it's being used on his albums, I do think he's compromising somewhat. For example, if you don't like a horn section or a guest rapper, are you still gonna use one on your album? I guess I have to point out one more time that this isn't a bad thing!

Instead of doing things the same old way, sometimes you need to look for a new way to keep things interesting.

Maybe the guy is just happy to play his guitar and let the others bring in samplers and stuff just as long as nobody touches his guitar parts....


Maybe we should just go back to discussing how great Weiland is instead of trying to have a normal discussion about a guitar player who says he doesn't like the use of a certain software, but it's still being used on albums that has his name on them?  


BTW "OzzyCat", I jump on people who "make points about new gnr" just because many of them can't make a point without adding something like "you're a moron for liking the new band" into their posts. I couldn't care less if you think Adler's Appetite is the real GN'R.....


/jarmo

[Booker Floyd]

Slash isn't exactly known as a guy who uses technology.  He says he doesn't like Pro Tools, we agree on that.

In the quote youve given, he says that he doesnt like using Pro Tools.  I dont know what his personal beliefs on the idea of incorporating Pro Tools somehow through someon else are, but facts would dicate that hes open to it.

I'm saying maybe he should try it?

It sounds like he did and wasnt interested.

Maybe VR's idea of sounding contemporary will bring out something interesting out of Slash?

Maybe but I have no clue what that idea of contemporary is.

Nah, I'm just saying that because I hate Slash, right? You guys know me so well so you can make that assumption....  

I never said that.  However you do have a habit of pointing out supposed contradictions when it comes to this band, especially Slash.  And like I said - thats fine, but youre off the mark here.

You two make it seem like I'm bashing Slash when I'm not.

But youre pointing out contradictions that dont exist.  Youre pointing to the use of Pro Tools on the VR album as if its inconsistent with that Slash quote you posted, when its clearly not.  Especially when Duff indirectly points out that Slash doesnt really have a part in it.

When he says he doesn't like something and yet it's being used on his albums, I do think he's compromising somewhat.

Again...

He said that he doesnt like using it...The comments about the tediousness of sitting on a computer make that clear.  Where in that quote do you see him stating a fundamental objection to the use of Pro Tools at all?  You dont.  So you dont have a point.  Its nearly the same sentiment as Axls "inadequacy with modern machines" comment, only he chooses to work directly with them and Slash doesnt.  Slash doesnt want anything to do with it, that has no bearing on his opinion of others using it.  

But assuming you did have a valid point (you dont), and it was a compromise, then I would just simply remind you that this is a band...of course theres likely to be compromise.  If Slash had an overall aversion to Pro Tools like you seem to think (even though theres nothing to support that, and plenty to debunk it), then using Pro Tools on Contraband would be a compromise.  But some bands are dictatorships and some compromise.  I doubt this is a dictatorship.
 

For example, if you don't like a horn section or a guest rapper, are you still gonna use one on your album?

Do I need to point out the silliness of this comment?  I I guess so...

A horn section/guest rapper/any addition or modification to the actual music is an entirely different concept than methods of recording or editing.  Come on now...

I have to point out one more time that this isn't a bad thing!

No, more like an irrelevant one.

Instead of doing things the same old way, sometimes you need to look for a new way to keep things interesting.

Okay

Maybe the guy is just happy to play his guitar and let the others bring in samplers and stuff just as long as nobody touches his guitar parts....

Maybe...

Maybe we should just go back to discussing how great Weiland is instead of trying to have a normal discussion about a guitar player who says he doesn't like the use of a certain software, but it's still being used on albums that has his name on them?  

There you go...

Are you really incapable of discerning "the use of" with "the personal use of" because theyre obviously two different concepts that youve turned into one and the same.  

I dont get the Weiland thing...Ohhh, I like Weiland...okay I get it now.  Hilarious, and clever!

[Falcon]

Using contemporary methods of recording and sounding contemporary have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

From what we've heard so far, Slash has gotten away from the bluesy guitar and has taken his riffing to another level.  His solos are shorter while remaining emotive, dropping subtle bombs that elevate the songs, not dominate them.  He seems to have finally realized that he doesn't need to be loud to be heard.

Who the hell cares if he likes using Pro Tools or not?

[metallex78]

I can understand what Jarmo is saying, but I'd also like to add that by using Pro Tools I don't think it means that Contraband will come out sounding like electronica, it's just a different means of recording.
As opposed to analog recording, it is digital and parts can be recorded and edited quicker.

I don't know if Pro Tools ties in with VR wating to sound contemporary either, I think it's their actual musical style that Matt wants to keep contemporary, not their means to record the album.
A good example - Metallica's St. Anger was recorded and edited together with Pro Tools and it's one of the most raw/garagy sounding albums I've ever heard.

[jarmo]

Are you really incapable of discerning "the use of" with "the personal use of" because theyre obviously two different concepts that youve turned into one and the same.

Mmm-kay, I think it's funny when somebody says he doesn't like something and it's still being used on the products he's putting out... HE doesn't use it, but HIS name is on the album anyway..... Sorry for offending you with that.


Falcon and metallex78 seems to be understanding what I'm trying to say. The fact that VR is interested in using Pro Tools and stuff might make Slash do something new. That to me is more interesting than hearing another Snakepit album.  



/jarmo

[Falcon]

Falcon and metallex78 seems to be understanding what I'm trying to say. The fact that VR is interested in using Pro Tools and stuff might make Slash do something new. That to me is more interesting than hearing another Snakepit album.  



/jarmo

Agreed.  

Slash seems to have grown as a musician, he's no longer stuck in the Joe Perry mode anymore while remaining true to a "rock" orientated vision.  

I've always been drawn to guitarists like Dave Navarro and Billy Duffy, both are never mentioned on "Best Guitar Player" lists but have styles that lend themselves to sounding current while remaining uniquely their own.  Though Slash is undoubtedly higher on the guitar food chain than both, he's never ventured outside of the blues based style he's accustomed to.  Whether it
be the use of different recording/editing techniques, Matt relentlessly reminding to "keep it modern" or just playing with the likes of the 2 mentioned above in Camp Freddy, something seems to have clicked.  Slash seems to have tried something different outside his comfort zone and from what we've heard, I think it works.

Much more interesting than a Snakepit record for sure...