U2 Discusses Defiant Joy and New Album Carnaval de Luz
Bono and The Edge reflect on fifty years of collaboration and modern musical influences.
1Fifty Years of Collaboration
U2 recently sat down with NME to discuss their sixteenth studio album, Carnaval de Luz. Marking fifty years together, the band members reflected on their enduring partnership and the creative process. They emphasized that their longevity stems from a collective ego, where individual members prioritize the band's success over personal recognition.
2The Brian Eno Influence
The band credits producer Brian Eno for teaching them to deconstruct their arrangements. During early sessions for The Unforgettable Fire, Eno encouraged them to view their limitations as creative opportunities rather than obstacles. This collaborative spirit remains central to their current work, with Eno contributing to their latest project, Carnaval de Luz.
3Concept of Defiant Joy
Bono and The Edge describe their new record as an exploration of defiant joy. Inspired by historical carnival traditions that mocked autocrats, the band views music as a form of resistance against despondency. They argue that communal gatherings and dancing are essential tools for reimagining the future during challenging political times.
4Utility in Modern Music
The band members discussed the concept of utility in their songwriting process. They aim to create music that serves a purpose, whether for reflection, protest, or celebration. By placing themselves in the audience's perspective, they hope to provide listeners with a necessary reset, similar to how they view their own creative output.
5Reflecting on Past Albums
Bono candidly admitted that he felt the band failed the mainstream with their previous two albums, Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. While the songs were strong, he felt they lacked a cohesive sound. With the new project, they abandoned commercial agendas to focus on music that felt personally meaningful.
6The Role of Ego
Addressing the challenges of long-term collaboration, The Edge noted that a band functions as a cooperative. He explained that success requires sublimating the ego to help bandmates win. Bono added that while egos are necessary for artists, they must not prevent members from asking for help to solve complex problems.
7Embracing New Generations
U2 expressed admiration for contemporary Irish acts like Fontaines D.C. and the Lambrini Girls. Bono noted that seeing newer bands achieve stadium-level success forces established artists to improve their own craft. He compared this dynamic to the historical rivalry between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, which pushed both groups forward.
8Prophetic Album Titles
The band reflected on the title of their new single, The Greatest Show On Earth. Fans may recognize the phrase from a 1992 NME cover featuring a younger Bono during the Zoo TV tour. The Edge described the title as prophetic, though the band members kept the specific reasons for this mysterious.
9Political and Social Context
The Edge highlighted the current low ebb of social cohesion and trust between different groups. He argued that it is vital to understand that having a difference of opinion does not make someone evil. The band believes their new music offers a way to bridge these divides through shared communal experiences.
10Creative Process and Experimentation
When asked about the fear of the blank page, both members expressed excitement rather than anxiety. The Edge finds his happy place in play and experimentation, while Bono suggests that even feeling like one has nothing to say can serve as a starting point for a new song or creative breakthrough.
11The Power of Protest
Bono drew parallels between the protest music of the Vietnam era and their current work. He cited the utility of both angry protest songs and joyful dance tracks. By balancing these different emotional states, the band aims to address the complexities of the modern world while maintaining a sense of hope.
12Future Stadium Tours
Following the intimate launch show at The Tate Modern, U2 is preparing for a stadium tour scheduled for next year. The tour will carry the same name as their new album, The Greatest Show On Earth. They intend to combine the history of showbusiness with their signature sound to engage audiences.
Original article: NME — U2 Discusses Defiant Joy and New Album Carnaval de Luz