Alain Johannes (15/4/2011)
We were recently privileged enough to speak with Mr Alain Johannes; producer, artist, musician extraordinaire who has worked with esteemed acts such as Queens of the Stone Age, Eleven and Them Crooked Vultures.
Hi Alain, it’s great to hear from you! What have you been up to these past few months?
Well I came back from touring Spark around Christmas and started producing at 11AD my home studio. I did the new Black Box Revelation album which was a blast. Working on Mark Lanegan's new solo album, Brody Dalle's album and a Finish artist named Manna. Great rewarding creative collaborations. Worked with Chris Cornell for the first time in over 10 years on a soundtrack song which was amazing.
You’re a touring member of one of my favourite bands, Them Crooked Vultures. Phenomenally successful, what was it like to be a part of such a unique group? Can you tell us of any memorable tour moments and are their any chances of a follow up release or tour?
It was quite something really. Got to share the stage with JPJ (John Paul Jones) and Josh (Homme) and Dave (Grohl). I loved the chemistry that we had live. Fun, spontaneous and high level communication. The whole tour was memorable but it's the feeling of some of the extended jams which stays with me. To be able to connect so deeply with other musicians whom you admire and love. I truly hope we'll get to do it again.
Your career has seen you work with many esteemed acts such as Queens of the Stone Age, UNKLE, Spinnerette and even Chris Cornell. With so many great acts on your list of achievements, what has been your personal highlight so far?
My work with Natasha in Eleven because of our deep musical connection based on love, respect and admiration. We really pushed ourselves for the music to be uncompromising and as close to the source of it's inspiration as possible.
Your debut solo record Spark is a very personal and beautiful release. Thank you for sharing it with the world. As a moving tribute to Natasha, what does this album mean to you as a true ‘solo’ release?
It was truly a catharsis that made it possible for the healing to begin. Strangely I did not feel alone in the process so intense was her presence in the room. It was a blur of 4 days and I was so in a zone it was shocking when it was finished and I listened to it as if it had spontaneously appeared. I'm glad I could encapsulate even a fraction of my love for Natasha in song.
Your work spans across so many genres and styles. Who would you say has been your biggest influence throughout your life?
Natasha then The Beatles.
You work in so many diverse areas of the music industry; recording, producing albums and EP’s and performing live with a large network of bands. Do you favour any particular aspects of your work as opposed to others?
I enjoy them all. They're aspects of the creative process. I feel most alive in those moments.
What does the upcoming year 2011/12 hold for you? Can you share any insights into any upcoming projects you’re working on? Perhaps the new Queens of the Stone Age record?
I hope to be involved on the new Queens. They're my family. I'm very excited by all the music I've been working on. I'm going to do a new solo album in late summer and Jack Irons and I have plans to start a new band.
Thanks for your time Alain, it’s been an absolute privilege. We hope to see you back in Australia soon!
Thank you. Can't wait.
Luke Sutton
Follow me on Twitter! - @lukesutton