Shirley Manson Describes Garbage’s “Cinematic,” “Personal” Next Album
Following last year’s celebration of the 20th anniversary of their sophomore album Version 2.0, Garbage has spent most of 2019 so far working on their upcoming 7th studio album. In February, they teased the “darkness and light” and “sugar and spice” they were creating in the studio. In April, they were in the studio again. Although we’ve heard two songs from their sessions – 2017’s standalone single “No Horses” and their recent collaboration “Destroying Angels” – we know precious little about the sound of their forthcoming album. Today, NME shared a new interview with Shirley Manson about politics, the future of rock music, and, of course, their new album. She revealed that the music is “cinematic” and “pretty personal.”
Shirley spoke at length with NME’s Andrew Trendell.
Read some excerpts of Shirley’s interview with NME below:
In speaking about the band’s progress on album #7 so far, Shirley stated:
My band are really slow, and that’s just something I’ve had to accept. I have a much happier life as a result of having come to that conclusion. Other people are organized, but we’re more of a hot mess.
Shirley then spoke about the sound of the songs, saying it may not be as industrial as their 2017 single, “No Horses.”
It’s dark, of course! But I’m not sure I want it to be. I read recently that pop music has become really dark, sad and troubled, and my immediate desire was to do the complete opposite. Unfortunately, it’s just not my forte to write really upbeat and amazing pop music. I wish it was!
It’s sort of cinematic-sounding. It’s like “No Horses” because it’s a little softer, and more expansive. There are Roxy influences in there. Butch Vig [drummer and producer] of course, was formerly the President of The Roxy Music Fan Club in Madison, Wisconsin.
Finally, NME asked, “Is there any kind of thread of a message running through your new lyrics?” Shirley stated that, in contrast to her often political and socially-minded social media messages, the lyrics are rather personal.
So far, it’s all pretty personal. People think I’m going to come out raging about politics, but it’s not political at all. I’ve always talked a lot about the themes that are being talked about now, and I feel like I’ve already fucking said my piece. I’m 52 now. I’m old and watching my friends die and that changes everything. Everything changes with every season and that’s as exciting as it is heartbreaking. It feels necessary. That lights a burning torch inside you.
Read the rest of NME’s interview to hear more about music and politics.
Making the Album
Garbage first started working on new songs in spring 2017. That summer, we got a taste of their upcoming 7th album when they shared “No Horses” as a single. It was one of five songs they’d already started that year. They continued working on new songs early in 2018 and into that spring, though studio time halted when they toured in celebration of Version 2.0 turning 20.
For Record Store Day: Black Friday, Garbage shared another new song; “Destroying Angels” was released more widely this January. Whereas “No Horses” was apocalyptic, “Destroying Angels” is a murder song. It sounds like the next Garbage album will be pretty dark! Though, as they said in February, it’ll be balanced out with some light, too. And, of course, sugar and spice and everything nice.
Last we heard, guitarist Steve Marker stated that they’re aiming to release the album in late 2019 or early 2020.
Catch up on all that’s gone into making the album so far, and get ready for more studio updates as the band continues recording. As we await more news on Garbage’s upcoming “lucky 7” album, keep checking back here for all the latest music updates.
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