Jessie David from Metal Wani chatted with Tom Morello. Morello has been working on a new solo project called The Atlas Underground which will be released on October 12th. The new album will feature guest appearance by Portugal. The Man, Gary Clark Jr., and Mumford and Sons’ Marcus Mumford, rappers Killer Mike, Big Boi, Vic Mensa, and GZA and RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. The 12-track collection also includes EDM producers Steve Aoki, Bassnectar, Knife Party, and Pretty Lights.
Morello describes the album as a sonic conspiracy, a collection of diverse artist who have come together to form an all new genre of music. The idea was to push himself as a guitarist and create a new genre of music that hasn’t been done before.
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When you hear Tom Morello and EDM together in the same sentence, its natural to be confused and even slightly concerned. During the Interview Jessie asked about the challenges that come with working with so many artist and why he has decided to go in a more Electric Dance sounding direction. Tom said, that he was always against EDM music but there was a section of it that hit him the same way that really good metal hit him. It was the sonic delivery that hooked him in. So the concept here was to replace the synthesizers with his electric guitar. Tom said “That in the same way we forged a brand new kind of music Rage where we combined metal, hip hop, and punk, well we wanted to do that again” He wanted to create heavy guitar music but in a brand new process.
This album tells the stories of heroes of the past to shed light on the future. Tom Morello has always been involved with music that touches on social justice events and in these collaboration he was able to find like minded people.
Besides being busy finishing a new solo album and planning a tour for the Atlas Underground release. Morello also has been working on a new Prophets of Rage album. This will be their second studio album. There is yet to be a release date or album name but they have released a track called “Heart Afire.” Morello said that the band are still writing more songs and are in a very fertile stage
Tom Morello was on Tour with Bruce Springsteen. The two were friends for 8 years before they ever played together and one day the two crossed paths at a studio and Springsteen told him to come jam sometime. During the interview Tom touches on how that meeting evolved into the relationship they have now.
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That last part of the interview focuses on the possible impeachment of Donald Trump and Morello’s thoughts. He said “we live in very dangerous times and dangerous times demands dangerous music.” It all circles around to the release of his new album ‘The Atlas Underground.’ Everyone comes together in a form or solidarity and love. Tom Morello continues to stand up and make a statement.
Tom’s next challenge is taking the new album on tour. The Atlas Underground will be released Oct 12th