PHONE INTERVIEW: First telephone interview with the Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy
Perhaps it was because I am personally a huge fan of Muse, but speaking with their frontman, Matthew Bellamy, was both an incredibly moving and "difficult" experience. Being a fan made me more cautious, and I also worried that the conversation might leave a lingering, unpleasant aftertaste if he fell short of my expectations. However, what made me anxious the most was hearing about his "notorious shyness" from a British acquaintance. Given his history of canceling interviews multiple times and the fact that he would ramble incoherently even when an interview was finally arranged, it was quite a reasonable concern. But what did that matter as long as the interview happened? I would've considered it a relief as long as he didn't run away after scheduling the interview. However, ominously, the scheduled interview time kept getting delayed on the day. Finally, after a long, torturous wait, I received a call from Muse's management. And only then was I finally able to greet Matthew.
Hello. It's nice to meet you for the first time. It seems like this is your first interview with a Korean media outlet… Where are you right now? Are you in London?
Not in London, no. I'm currently at a hotel somewhere. It's nice to meet you like this.
You must be incredibly busy ahead of the release of your third album, Absolution, at the end of September… Moreover, this album is the most talked-about rock release in the UK this second half of the year. Perhaps that is why it has been generating so much buzz even before its release, with so many stories circulating. If I recall an NME article I saw earlier this year, the album title was The Smallprint, not Absolution. Why was the title changed?
Actually, the title of this album was Absolution from the very beginning. It was like that from the start of the production. I wasn't paying any attention to it, but it seems Muse's fans didn't. Talk of the new album came up on the band's official website and various fan sites, and it looks like fans spread rumors via messages that the title would be The Smallprint. Even though I never once mentioned that title, nor did I ever change the current one. Even when those rumors were spreading, I had absolutely no idea that was happening. So when I later saw the article in NME stating that the album title was The Smallprint, I was really surprised. On the one hand, it was quite funny, too. I suppose it’s proof that everyone is very interested in Muse's new album.
There are quite a few reviews regarding this album saying it has become heavier, more positive, or feels different from the past, so I get the feeling that you might have changed your direction a little bit. To talk a little more about the NME article, I also heard that this album is related to the Iraq War.
Uh, not really. While there is a bit of that content in it, this album encompasses everything about my life. Like, it is an album about the things happening in my life. You might feel that this album is somehow different, but fundamentally, nothing has changed. My thoughts haven't changed from the past either. However, if there is a difference from the previous albums, it is that this one captures my diverse emotions. The previous albums, expressed emotions and sentiments in a single direction, but in this album, I tried to express emotions from different perspectives as well. As you mentioned, some of the songs on the album have a positive feel, but of course, there are songs that aren't. What I tried to capture in this album is everything I have felt and experienced — like, relationships with people, new relationships, fear of the wrongdoings committed by the nation and the government, and fear of God, and so on. This album is a very sincere one about myself.
I see. We did talk about the reviews saying it has become more positive, but a significant number of people, including myself, also feel that this album has become more commercial than the past.
Well, I don't really know about that. There might be some songs that feel commercial, but this album isn't just a collection of singles like other commercial rock albums. I think of it as a complete album aiming for a single, cohesive whole. Hmm… I'm not sure if this album should count as commercial. I haven't really thought of it that way. Commercialism is something mainstream, isn't it? If you think about it that way, we have never once been commercial or mainstream from the past until now. In the mid-90s, Britpop was the mainstream of the UK rock scene, but we played music that was completely different from that. After that, Nu-Metal emerged as the mainstream, but they were different from us, too. Recently, Garage Rock — that is, bands like The Streets and The White Stripes mixing hip-hop, punk, and blues — has become mainstream, but we are completely different from them as well. We've always stood outside the mainstream just like that. We never cared at all what music was coming out as mainstream; we just made our own music. So, we have always existed as an alternative to mainstream rock. Personally, I am very proud that we were able to do that.
I get the feeling that the producer's influence played a significant role in creating the distinct feel of this album, too. Rich Costey, who handled the mixing for Audioslave's albums, served as the producer for this album. John Leckie worked on Muse's last two albums, right? I imagine there must be a significant difference between the two.
John Leckie has a very loose and relaxed style. Compared to Rich Costey, he is much more laid-back. John Leckie's weakness was that he didn't deeply understand band's music. That was true for our music as well. Meaning, rather than working with the mindset that he needs to bring out the band's individuality based on the kind of music they play, he works according to the direction he likes. As a result, the albums John Leckie has worked on tend to be soft and easy to listen to. I suspect that he developed this stubbornness because he has only worked with rock bands until now. On the other hand, unlike John Leckie, Rich Costey has worked with musicians of many different styles. He has worked with rock bands like Audioslave, but he has also collaborated with avant-garde musicians like Philip Glass and artists like Fiona Apple. Perhaps that is why he seems to understand the music the band wants to make very well. He captures exactly what the band wants and works accordingly. And that's also why this album has become such an honest work.
Let's talk about the song Stockholm Syndrome from the album. This single was released exclusively online. This is not common, especially in the UK, so I'm curious why it was released only online.
It was because of the fans. There are so many Muse fans who use the internet. You can tell that through the official website and countless fan sites. That is why we decided to release Stockholm Syndrome exclusively online. I, personally, believe that eventually, all media will move to the internet. I also think that in the near future, the medium for listening to music will also shift from CDs to MP3s.
The first single is Time Is Running Out. Why did you choose this song?
Time Is Running Out is a very heavy song that also feels very deep. When I listened to other bands' tracks released as singles on MTV and radio, as well as our own, I realized that we had been taking the easy way out and had only chosen songs that were too easy to listen to. I even felt sorry for our fans. Of course, Time Is Running Out isn't an unpleasant song to listen to. It is a song I personally like, which is why I pushed for it as a single. I mostly considered various other aspects. I wanted to choose a song that was not only pleasant to listen to but also satisfying for our fans and something we ourselves would like as our first single. Of course, when deciding on the next single, we'll probably use different criteria.
So the second single hasn't been decided yet? Do you happen to have a track in mind?
The second single isn't settled yet. There are candidates... it could be Sing For Absolution or Hysteria. I think we'll just have to wait and see.
Then personally, what is your favorite song on this album?
Hmm… that depends a bit on the situation. My favorite song to play is Stockholm Syndrome. Other songs are good for listening, but Stockholm Syndrome is a song that really makes you want to play it.
I see. Then let's move away from questions about the new album and talk about something else. I have a question about emerging guitar bands in the UK. Both the press and music fans are reacting positively to their playing, which has become noticeably heavier lately. Personally, what are your thoughts on these young guitar bands?
To be honest, I don't know much about new guitar bands. I'm not really interested in them, either. I usually listen to other music rather than guitar bands.
Then what kind of music do you listen to?
I enjoy listening to Liszt's piano works. Also a lot of other classical pieces and jazzm too. And other than that…
No rock band music at all?
I do listen to The Flaming Lips these days. Oh… Audioslave, too. But are there a lot of good bands among the young guitar bands? Which bands are they?
There are so many bands receiving really good reviews these days. A prime example is The Coral. They topped the UK album charts with their second album. Besides them, there are The Music, Hundred Reasons, Lostprophets...
Oh, right. That's true. I like The Coral too. I saw their performance in LA last time, and it was really good. Guitar bands these days play such a diverse range of music, and I think that's a positive trend.
What about progressive rock? When I listen to Muse's music, I get a progressive rock vibe. Do you like that kind of music, too?
Progressive rock, especially 70s progressive rock, was literally nothing but technical music. It was music that felt like a lump of machine —completely devoid of emotion. But our music is different from that. Of course, our music has a technical aspect, but we strive to create music that balances technology with emotion. Progressive rock is not like that at all. I don't really like that kind of music.
I see. Now, let's talk about something that might seem a bit odd. It's a question about your personal reputation. I once spoke with Ben Gautrey, the vocalist of The Cooper Temple Clause. He mentioned that they performed as a support act for Muse at Brixton Academy back in 2001, and he described Muse as the kindest and nicest band he has ever met.
(Laughs) Really? Hearing that makes me feel really good (laughs). I don't think we treated those friends any better than usual back then… I think we just treated them like we normally would. But I'm really grateful to hear that. Actually, they were very kind and friendly too (laughs). There are people who think highly of us, but it doesn't seem like everyone is like that. People usually have many sides to them, you know. You might be seen one way by one person and that way by another, but the important thing is that your reputation can change completely depending on the other person's personality or the situation. So, there are people who don't think much of us, too. Anyway, it's nice to hear that.
Now, here's another silly question. (Laughs) I'm going to talk about Muse's die-hard fans. Muse is famous for attracting passionate fans all over the world, and I've heard that there are even quite a few stalkers.
(Laughs) Yes, there are fans like that. I really encounter a lot of them, especially when we are on tour. I’ve experienced fans chasing us in cars quite often. There were even people who surrounded the tour bus or even hid behind it. I couldn't understand those fans at first. Their behavior was so strange, and I wondered why they were acting that way. Let me tell you a story about a really odd fan. It was a female fan. She was a fan who followed us around constantly; I don't know how she knew where we were — whether it was the concert venue or anywhere else — but there wasn't a place she didn't show up. And while she was following us around, she was always crying (laughs). She would show up during sound checks to look at us and cry, and she would even come right up to the front of the dressing room to cry. I was so scared of her (laughs). She was genuinely terrifying. But now, I don't feel that uncomfortable around fans anymore. It’s just because they like us, you know. I can't say they aren't a burden at all, but I’m okay with it now.
Wow, that's amazing. Why on earth are so many people obsessed with Muse?
I honestly don't know the reason (laughs). Maybe they fell for the emotional side of our music. You know, there's something about it that really stirs up people's emotions.
Craig Nicholls, the frontman of the Australian band The Vines, also told me that he is a huge fan of Muse.
Oh, really? (Laughs) That feels good. Does he really like us? I feel like I'm hearing too many nice things today (laughs).
Then let me share another good story. As I mentioned in the introduction before the interview, I've personally seen Muse perform a few times. Muse is a band renowned for having some of the best live acts. I, too, felt a sense of wonder every time I watched you guys perform. In particular, watching your fierce playing and explosive performances, I got the impression that you pour all your energy onto the stage. I even fear that doing that must be incredibly difficult, and that your body wouldn't be able to handle it.
I think I'm still holding up pretty well (laughs). When I step onto the stage, I feel like I become a different person. I really love playing on stage. We move around a lot more than other bands, so we expend a lot of energy, but honestly, I don't feel that tired while playing or even afterward. I just don't realize it's hard because I'm doing something I love.
I see. Then, let me ask you a few fundamental questions about making music. I asked similar questions to several musicians I've met: what drew you into rock?
The boring life in a small town made me that way. The place where I grew up was a really small rural village. It was a truly monotonous and tedious place with absolutely nothing to do. Living in a place like that, naturally I had to look for something exciting and thrilling, and that was rock music. Making music was my only joy and a kind of escape. I couldn't help but fall for rock.
What made you walk the path of a musician?
Music is what I'm good at, you know (laughs). I've loved doing music since I was young. I really enjoyed it. I think it just happened that way because doing music at home was so natural. My family all liked music and played it themselves, too. So whenever I came home, I could always hear music.
You must have been very nervous during your very first performance. How did you overcome it?
You mean the performance I did when I was very young? I don't know. How did I manage back then? (Laughs) Because I was so young at the time, I was completely frozen. When I stepped onto the stage, I couldn't see anything. I couldn't even see who was around me; it was as if my mind had momentarily left my body. But once I started playing, the tension gradually eased, and I was able to concentrate. When you perform, you get so immersed that you forget everything else. It was the same back then. And then I came down from the stage. I don't freeze up like I did back then. Of course, standing in front of people is still scary and difficult. But now, I get much less nervous.
This story seems like it's going to be even more bizarre than the ones I've told before. I heard you're a really good dancer? I have a Mushroom UK employee I know personally, and she told me that you are.
(Burst of laughter) Who said that? Who is it? (Laughs) The product manager?
International Promotion Manager. She has left the company now, though. But while talking to me about you, she said you were a really great dancer (laughs).
(Laughs) Oh really… I can't believe she said that... I'm not really sure if I'm that good at dancing (laughs). I do like just dancing. I do it when I feel like it. But I definitely don't dance like in a good or a grand way, you know. I don't dance that often. Just very occasionally when I feel like it.
Starting the UK tour in November, isn't that too late for the fans who have been eagerly waiting?
Actually, we will be doing small-scale performances before that. We are planning to do them in London and Devon.
Is that so? When do you plan to do it?
The exact date hasn't been set yet. It is certain that it will be in September, though. It will likely be right before or right after the album release. We usually hold concerts alongside album releases, and it will be the same format this time. We plan to distribute tickets to fans via a lottery system rather than selling them. After that, we will tour Europe starting in October, followed by a UK tour. Following that, we expect to go to Japan and Australia starting in late December or January, but the exact schedule hasn't been finalized yet.
Have you heard anything about Muse's concert in Korea by any chance? There are rumors that it is currently being pursued.
(Laughs) Yes, of course I want to go to Korea and perform. I did hear a talk about that. If we do end up going to Korea, it would likely be sometime between late December and February, when we'll be performing in Japan and Australia. However, since the schedules for those shows aren't set yet, I don't really know how things will turn out. I do have plans to do an Asia tour during that time and perform in countries I haven't been to before, like Korea or China. But given the current situation, I have absolutely no idea if that will actually happen. Of course, I want to go and perform, but there are various factors involved. I also have to consider what kind of performance it will be. As of now, I can't give you a 100% definite answer.
It would be great if you could really come to Korea. Would even a performance at a small club in Korea be okay?
Of course. Absolutely. As long as we have fans who like us, we aren't bothered by such things at all. The only question is whether or not we actually get to perform.
It was really nice meeting you. I hope we can meet again, whether in London, Manchester, or Korea.
I really enjoyed it too. I hope we can meet again later. Thank you.
As I had anticipated, Matthew was a very shy person. Although it wasn't evident in the article — or rather, it was difficult to reveal — he displayed extreme nervousness from the very beginning and even stammered considerably while answering. However, as time passed and as I asked a series of quirky questions, his tension eased considerably, and we were able to finish the interview on a pleasant note.
A person as pure as a child, who is excessively shy yet possesses a tremendous passion and pride for music. That was the impression I got from my conversation with Matthew. And above all, Matthew was the person who knew how to laugh the most and the loudest among all the musicians I have met. While this might be proof that he is a very sentimental person, Matthew's hearty laughter certainly put me in the best mood possible.
Interview & translation: Jaei Kim Photos: Warner Music
