Riffs, resistance and revolution.
The guitarist, composer and activist will perform on March 15 within the framework of the Live Latinocarrying with him not only a new single and a guitar signaturebut more than three decades of musical history that have marked generations. We talk with Tom Morello about his upcoming solo rock album, The Art of Writing riffs iconic figures, his political stance in turbulent times and what he is preparing for his return to Latin America.
Indie Rocks!: You just released a new single, “Everything Burns,” in addition to your guitar signatureand you are about to play in Mexico and Latin America. You are a legendary musician with decades of experience. How do you continue to improve your sound and stay relevant after such big projects?
Tom Morello: I have the same passion as when I was 17 and picked up the guitar for the first time. I didn't choose to be a guitarist, the guitar chose me. At first it was about acquiring the technique to express myself, but there is a difference between musicians and artists: musicians need technique; artists, ideas.
My new single, “Everything Burns”, It is part of my next album, which will be the 22nd album of my career and my first rock solo album. I wanted to make an album that encapsulated everything that is meaningful to me: riffs huge, extreme guitar solos and provocative political views. As heavy as the most intense Rage Against the Machinebut also with an acoustic nuance in the style of Bob Dylan either Bruce Springsteenwith lyrical depth.
GO!: Many consider that you write some of the best riffs of the world. How is a riff by Tom Morello? What is your process?
TM: For years it was not easy. I couldn't write music that I really loved. The big break was when I wrote the riff which later would be “Bombtrack”. The band I was in at the time thought it was too heavy. But I knew that riff it was me
when it started Rage Against the MachineI had nothing to lose. It had failed commercially. So I decided to only write what I loved. Since that day, I just follow my ear. When I hear something and think, “I want to play this at a huge festival in Mexico City,” I know I'm on the right track.
GO!: We live in an era where singles and platforms like TikTok seem to dictate the rules. How do you face that reality?
TM: I'm lucky I don't pay too much attention to that. I think the moment you design your art for explicit commercial purposes, you lose your soul as an artist.
My biggest creative breakthroughs came from failure. When I failed, when something didn't work, that's when I discovered who I really was. Sometimes hitting rock bottom is the moment where you find your true voice.
GO!: You also threw your guitar signature “I Am The Homeless” with Fender. What was that process like?
TM: Before I made the guitar Soul Power with Fendersand it was a great experience. But I was never interested in a simple endorsement. I wanted it to be my real guitar.
I drove the team crazy Fenders sending the neck over and over again until it was perfect. If it's going to be named after me, I want someone to pick it up and feel like they're playing the guitar they wrote. “Bombtrack”, “Cochise” either “Testify”.
Additionally, this guitar allows us to collaborate with organizations such as Jail Guitar Doorswho takes instruments to prisons, and The Midnight Missionwhich supports homeless people in Los Angeles.
GO!: Your music has always had a strong social message. How do you see the current political landscape and what role should music play?
TM: We live in dangerous times, especially in the United States. The rise of fascism is real. But this is not just a question of musicians. It is everyone's responsibility: journalists, students, workers.
The world doesn't change alone. We make history. If you have ideas about injustice, you shouldn't leave them out of what you do. Not being left out is essential.
GO!: You will perform in Mexico, Chile and other Latin American countries. What can we expect from the show?
TM: Will accompany me Freedom Fighter Orchestrawhich is like my E Street Band. The show will embrace my entire career: there will be songs by Rage Against the Machine Audioslave, Prophets of Ragemy work with Bruce Springsteen and acoustic material.
I know how much you miss Chris Cornell already Audioslaveand I feel a duty to honor his memory by playing those songs. Rage isn't here, but I am, and those riffs will sound loud and proud.
GO!: What makes the Mexican public so special?
TM: I have an incredible relationship with Mexico. From the shows in Tijuana in the 90s to the first big concert in Mexico City in 2000, there was a very long wait and a lot of anticipation.
Furthermore, we share a critical vision of the United States: a country with great promises, but also great problems. That connection has been very important to me.
GO!: For someone who has never heard you, what song would you recommend as an entry into your music?
TM: I would say “Know Your Enemy” of Rage Against the Machinebecause it has power and an unconventional solo.
And also my live version of “The Ghost of Tom Joad with Bruce Springsteenwhich encapsulates what a guitar can do beyond the traditional, with a strong emotional charge.
GO!: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
TM: Husband and father.
Next March 15, Tom Morello will return to Mexico to show that his riffs They continue to be weapons loaded with ideas and energy. In it Live Latinohis guitar will not only shake amplifiers: it will once again remind us that music can also be an act of resistance.
