Brian Molko "I don't listen to rock-n-roll"
Interview Russia
2014 - Link
Tranlsated into
English by Xenia Gerasimova – Layout SusanneCk – Placebo Anyway
Correspondent: Since then you founded
Placebo passed nearly 20 years. What seems the most important thing to you for
this period of time?
Brian: Serious question. I would say that
the most significant thing is that the band has been very productive for a long
time, that we refuse to leave the scene.
We
are not able to do other things. I have never had a normal job. I have finished
the university and created the band, make up & compose songs. That is what
I do.
There
were so many bands who started their career at the same time with us and they
gave in and went to job. The idea that I should do the same seemed to me very
depressive. In this way we are Rolling Stones - they have enough money, they
needn't to go on tours, but they have nothing in their minds what else they can
do. And we either.
And
now the band is in a privileged position. Every time we recorded a new album,
it is interesting to people to listen to our music. Even 20 years later. It's
incredible! And I am very very appreciative for it.
Correspondent:
How your poetic habilities/attainments have changed during this period of time?
Brian: I think
I have become better in writing stories. Stories with the characters. You can hear
it in our new album LLL.
Paradoxically, but using of this literary method makes author more vulnerable, personally in his songs.
Correspondent:
How did the Internet change musical industry?
Brian: Changed
totally! Nobody buys vinyl or CD...
Correspondent: Is
it bad or good?
Brian: I think
it depends on customer, isn't it?
The whole generation has been brought up being confident
that things in which you have devoted yourself, all your efforts and money must
be free.To my mind If you don't buy music of your favourite band, then band
can't exist playing music anymore. Musicians will stop it and go to the usual
job. For example, to drive a taxi or to wipe glasses in a bar.
Correspondent:
I hope you have enough money not to leave music?
Brian: To be
honest, I wouldn't like to discuss financial questions.
Correspondent: What
do you think about Conchita Wurst -
«Eurovision» winner 2014?
Brian: Are you
really asking me about «Eurovision»?!! Are you really doing this? It's a waste
of time!! I have no TV, I don't
watch it and I am absolutely shitting on «Eurovision»!! It is even not a
cultural event. So asking me about it - a waste of time.
Correspondent: Tell us about mad actions of your fans.
Brian: When they jump on the stage, it can be
very dangerous. When they have come out on scene, then, there are accidents of
equipment breaking. We don't approve actions like this. And, fortunately, such
actions are becoming more and more rare. But people still make efforts to run
out on the stage and embrace me while I am playing a song. But, damn, guy, why
are you doing this? I am trying to work here! It is not the best time now to
hug me.
Also for these twenty years there are so many things have
been thrown at me. Bottles with urine, bullets and ham, ham boxes. It's
unbelievable! Oh, yes, and coins! Coins - it's really painful!
Correspondent:
You have a lot of collaborations with other musicians. What cooperation did you
like more?
Brian: I can't
answer this question. It would be very rude.
Correspondent: Tell
about your son.
Brian: Cody
loves me very much.
One might say, he has grown with the band. He has seen
how difficult it’s to play music and go
on tours.
Correspondent: Everybody
says your music is dark. Do you like listening something more cheerful? Pop
music, for instance? Reggae?
Brian: Reggae?
I like Reggae!
And moreover I
love classic music and opera. I
don't listen to rock-n-roll much. I don't think there is interesting stuff in
this genre of music.
My favorite rock band is The National. Also I like Queens
of The Stone Age. And girls band from California - Warpaint. I like them very much too.
Correspondent: Some people think you are alike with Jared Leto. What do you think about
this comparison?
Brian: We are
acquainted. Jared is very talented. He has won the Oscar Award (the supporting
role in "Dallas buyers' club"). He is a very interesting person. So
that, if people compare us, that is not a problem for me.
Correspondent: Are
you a happy person?
Brian: Yes,
quite happy. I am very lucky - I do, what I like doing.
Most of people are not lucky as me"
Tranlsated into English by Xenia Gerasimova – Layout SusanneCk
– Placebo Anyway
