‘57th & 9th’ is due out Nov. 11
No lutes here.
Here, he takes EW behind the scenes of his creative process.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You recorded this album in less than four months.
Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation
Were you feeling extra inspired?
There was a spontaneous freedom about it and a fun element about it.
I think that you hear that.
On the tune 50,000, you sing about the death of rock stars.
It all seemed to topple on top of each other.
I think wisdom only comes when you might navigate both.
[Laughs] Its because Im in Elsinore [Denmark].
Another major theme is climate change, and on One Fine Day you take on global warming skeptics.
I pray that climate skeptics are right.
[Laughs] Id like the scientists to be wrong!
But I think its happening.
This is my ironic take on that whole thing.
Why did that occur to you that it should be the title?
I do a lot of my thinking on the move and its an inspiring city to be in.
The walks is very much a part of the process.
Where else do you hunt for inspiration?
I read a lot, I go to movies.
I read the papers, Im kind of concerned about the world.
It makes you think, Okay, what am I going to do?
Whenever you return to rock music, fans draw comparisons to your work with the Police.
Does that bum you out?
I was in a very successful rock band.
Im never going to feel anything but pride about that.
What motivates you to keep creating after so many decades?
Just to have fun.
I dont even admit to myself that Im making a record.
