Part 3: Truth
Let's talk about 'All Your Lies' which was released somewhat randomly through your MySpace profile. Is it on the new record?
Yes.
YAY! I fucking love that song.
Me too, it's one of my favorites. It's like this weird, dark circus ride. That one was written about...well no one in mind specifically, but someone who has no remorse and doesn't care about anything but themselves.
You know, I find myself quoting it a lot in this political season. Your lyrics have been very good for characterizing certain aspects of this election. 'Insects" for example...I know you didn't write it about Hillary Clinton, but you easily could have. [laughs] It's about a deceitful bitch...it could absolutely be about her!
Are you political at all?
I follow it loosely. I mean it's all over the news right now, so you can't escape it. I wouldn't consider myself political, really. I mean there is no one left that actually likes what Bush has put us through. The war, the economy. You can ask any kid on the street and they'll say 'fuck Bush.' We all watched that movie
Zeitgeist. Man, that will change your fucking life.
Hey, be careful with that. I saw that movie too. Some of the 'facts' are backed up by very little, but overall it's good for kind of rocking that foundation of what you perceive as truth. Like with anything, take it with a grain of salt.
Yeah, the religious part of that movie is a tough pill to swallow. I was raised in a really religious family. I really want to believe that there is more to this world...but who and what, I have no idea. There is so much shit in this world you can't help but ask 'is this really it?'
You've toured the world with 10 Years and met people from all walks of life. Are you proud to be an American, or just glad you live in America?
That's a really tough question. After going to countries like Japan and all of these other places, the respect level is much greater... I am proud to be in this country because of the freedom we have, but I don't agree with so much of what we do. The big bully mentality of the US. I am not one of those 'patriotic' people who say we should kill all of the Islamic people in the world. That's ignorant. They don't know anything about the Islamic people and their culture. When you travel, you learn so much about the world. I am glad to be an American because you don't have to deal with that third world stuff. The poverty here is like upper class to some countries. We live comfortably by comparison, but only by comparison. I am not proud of what we stand for. When you travel, you can't help but think 'stupid American.' You know other people are thinking it. I could easily live in Japan, though. I love it there.
Expensive though, right?
Very. But they pay people more, so it evens out.
With this new record, I think you have made it abundantly clear that you don't sound like A Perfect Circle...
Thank you!
[laughs] Are you looking forward to that comparison finally being silenced?
I don't think it will ever be silenced. When you're describing something new to someone, you have to give them points of reference. I have a tonal quality in my voice that is similar, but we aren't trying to copy anyone. We aren't trying to sound like anyone. Of course you're going to pull influences from all over the place, but with my voice sounding the way it does...I mean, what can you do?