The Pretty Reckless’ latest album Death By Rock and Roll features collaborations with legendary musicians, but singer Taylor Momsen says it was the songs themselves that claimed these artists.
She admitted that, according to her, many collaborations today are marketing tools rather than true artistic projects.
On Death By Rock and Roll you’ll hear the muddy riffs of Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, and the powerful playing of Matt Cameron on Only Love Can Save Me Now, as well as the melodic ferocity of Tom Morello on And So It Went. Coincidentally, these rockers have all been in groups with Chris Cornell, whose death in 2017 absolutely devastated The Pretty Reckless.
Ms Momsen, however, told Loudwire Nights that this was unplanned – while writing the songs, she simply felt that the musicality of these artists was needed to complement them. It also helps that she has developed strong friendships with the three over the past few years, especially after performing at the Mr. Cornell tribute concert I Am the Highway in 2019.
She said:
I didn’t go into this record with the intention of staring anyone. I never do, that’s not how I think, that’s not how I write songs. Collaborations, I think, especially in today’s paradigm, can be very over the top. They can be used as a marketing tool rather than a true artistic collaboration. And that’s something that I personally don’t like.
She added:
For me, songs come first. That’s the heart of it all, that’s the whole thing. The song dictates where it should go and who should be in it, and who can elevate the song to the highest possible level.
Collaborations have become increasingly popular over the past year, not least due to everyone working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. The musicians were able to send files to each other quite easily, which created a new dynamic for the songs they create.
Interview with Taylor Momsen for Loudwire:
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