James Villa-Interview and Photos by James Villa-
Stone Temple Pilots on again, off again lead singer, Scott Weiland, is back on tour with his new band, The Wildabouts. After a recent sold-out stop at Dallas’ historic Trees we sat down with Weiland to discuss his newest project, his past and what lies ahead.
On Tour Monthly
So, you’ve been playing music for three decades now.
Scott Weiland
Not quite, actually longer. Over four decades, if you are counting choir.
OTM
Yeah, that’s right. “Counting your choir,” that was in your book.
I read your book by the way.
SW
Thanks. I haven’t read it myself! Ha!
OTM
Are you happy with your career?
SW
Yeah, there have been a lot of changes, and it’s been an amazing ride, an amazing journey. This is like a completely new beginning again in a sense. And there’s that excitement in making a new album with a new band.
We are a four-piece, making a sound of our own. Admittedly, we play a few of the old STP hits. But, you know, the STP tracks in our sets are different renditions than the originals. On this tour we are sort of preparing our fans, with a brief new outlook of how The Wildabouts album is going to go, by revisiting the past from time to time.
OTM
The music industry has changed a lot since you started playing; download-torrent-streaming sites, etcetera—a running list of offerings that make music free and readily accessible to fans. Do you think that is a good thing, or a bad thing?
SW
I think it makes it easier for the brand new bands. If you’re lucky, and in band that’s been around since the early-90’s like STP, it used to be that you had to start on a independent label, or put out your own CDs to sell yourself, and then go on to a major label. That’s not the way things work now.
It is a whole new world completely, not just brick and mortar distribution, so for brand new bands it definitely works in their favor. For old men, like myself, it means more touring, and that’s fun, but honestly, you miss your family.
OTM
You have been through a lot in both your personal life, and professional career; and it can be said that adversity makes us stronger. Do you think those struggles have made you a better person?
SW
I think it’s made me a tougher warrior, but sometimes more jaded.
OTM
Every artist has their personal influences. With a band do you find it harder to explore your personal influences versus when you’re calling all the shots as a solo artist?
SW
I don’t know. Tom Petty and I had a long conversation about this—The Wildabouts and the Heartbreakers—and after that conversation I woke up the next morning and came to the conclusion that unless you’re writing songs for other people to play, then collaborating is the only way to go.
OTM
Speaking of The Wildabouts—was this a pre-existing band, or did you form them just to back this new venture?
SW
We had already been playing together on and off six years prior to now. Currently, this band is our top priority. It’s been a lot of fun.
OTM
You guys played a lot of new songs tonight. Are those going to be on the new album? Has a release date been scheduled?
SW
Yes they will be, hopefully we’ll be done and released before Christmas. That’s our plan.
OTM
The current tour consists of 24 North America dates, with you playing some shows in Canada. Can we expect more U.S. shows later in the year?
SW
Yes, internationally as well. We want to hit a lot of markets and play new stuff, prepping those for when the full album hits.
OTM
So, last question, what other projects are you working on besides music?
SW
I’ve been getting my studio, LAVISH, ready for me to go record, weather it’s for vocals for VR, STP or solo stuff. Its the hub for SOFTDRIVE Records; a place that is commercially viable for other producers and writers to come rent out too. It is a great space and I think people will really enjoy it when they are there recording.
OTM
Will it be an analog or digital studio?
SW
Both.
James Villa
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