Interview with Henry Rollins

1. - When you started in the music industry, why did it appeal to you? Does it still appeal to you?

The industry itself was nothing that ever appealed to me. It was being in a band: that was what I was wanting to do. The industry component didn't factor into my life in a major way for several years. I guess you mean just being in the world of music, perhaps. It was a place I could go with all my energy and unreasonable insanity and put it somewhere that wouldn't get me arrested or shot, hopefully. It is the industry part that will kill music for you. It is the anti-music. Best to stay away from that part of it as much as possible, lest it make you hate what you're trying to do. Leonard Cohen once told me that the balance one strikes between art and commerce is the toughest part of the whole thing.

2. - What do you think about the current state of the music industry?

The industry, like American Idol and all that Mylie Syrus [sic] business isn't on my radar, so that isn't anything I can comment on. As far as music, there are a ton of great bands and artists all over the world doing great work. Music has always been fine. There has always been excellent music and musicians. There has also been a ton of filler. This never changes. You never have to listen to the weak stuff. When someone tells me that music is boring these days, I tell them they are boring these days. Music is just fine.

3. - What is the hardest part about being a musician in today's society?

Probably the same thing that made it challenging at any other time. Getting your band out there, getting people to check you out, getting on the road and making that work, not breaking up, trying to pay the bills, etc. It's all pretty unwieldy and hard to pull off. You have to be extremely dedicated. That’s the part a lot of aspiring musicians can’t hold onto because it is so damn hard.

4. - What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date?

Still being able to do it. That’s all, really. I just want to do the work and I am allowed to, so that is great.

5. - Who are some of your favorite artists right now?

Ty Segall, White Fence, Thee Oh Sees, Marnie Stern, VUM, the Anti-Job, Fuzz, Running, High On Fire, Uton, Virginia Genta, Vlubä, My Cat Is An Alien.

6. - What is/are your next project(s)?

Working on a new book of travel writing. That’s almost in its final draft. New book of photos in the works. New television series just finished, about to start a film. All that along with the radio show and weekly/monthly writing deadlines as well as other writing projects of my own keep me at it all the time.

Photo Credit: Heidi May