Couple thoughts here. Lots of good points being made.
1. When they gave their story a few months ago, they DID say the album wasn't done and they were struggling to get string sections in to record because of Covid. They also mentioned additional drums at that point, so maybe those are done.
2. Mentioning their mixer is new, but they LOVE Andy Wallace, so that is DEFINITELY who they're talking about. Andy's last mixing credit is from 2018. He doesn't work a lot anymore, and only for bands he has a relationship with. I can't find his exact age, but he opened his first studio in 1974 and that was REALLY expensive back then, so Andy is likely in his early 70s. Andy is respected enough that if he says "I'll do it later," you're waiting until it's done later.
3. The point about touring is important for a lot of reasons. There are a couple wildcards here. We don't know how easy or difficult it will be to get those first tours underwritten. You don't tour without insurance. I don't think you CAN, but you definitely DON'T. There WILL be issues to iron out, and a lot of groups will take a wait and see approach.
3a. The other possibility is a glut of touring, tons of bands hitting tons of venues to try and recoup the losses they suffered in 2020. The global economy is still stagnant and questionable, and even in a robust economy, folks are only going to be able to afford so many concert tickets in one season. They're right in that if the album is older, the more casual fans - the ones who fill out the venue - may go for the Band of the Minute with their new album out NOW rather than 12-18 months prior. Yes, WE would all be there for an A7X show no matter what, but there aren't enough die-hards to fill every venue on a six month tour.
4. Agree with him or not, Matt's thinking is on the right side of history, like he says. Human rights always win in the end. I loved the whole interview.
5. God DAMN. Six hours a day singing? During "downtime" when they're "taking it easy?" Wow. Think about that. I haven't played guitar for six hours in one day probably since my first few years of playing in the 80s. Yes, it was a period of amazing growth, but if I tried to do that today, I'd kill myself. I love guitar, but not that much. Sometimes I wish I still did.
6. They're taking it more casual on the album because outside forces are telling them it ain't happening soon. They're getting a year with their families that they otherwise might not have gotten. Syn gets to bond with his baby girl and if 2020 hadn't been 2020, he might not be bonding with her until long after the new-baby smell wore off. That's an UNBELIEVABLE guilt trip for a parent, and I love that this is giving them the opportunity.
Okay, I think I've spent my brain. See ya next year.
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