Our today's interview guest Devin Townsend talks about his new album Powernerd and the creative process behind it, as well as how the album has changed in 2024. Devin also opens up about his feelings and influences which affect his music writing, talking about his struggle to stay true to himself and his fans on PowerNerd and Moth.
Devin Townsend's new album PowerNerd is available here - https://amzn.to/3C5rWhN
Devin also discusses Powernerd's complexity and such songs as Ubelia. We also talk about Devin's upcoming album Moth and its relationship with 2024 Powernerd.
In addition Devin Townsend also talks about his audition with Judas Priest and a possibility of replacing Rob Halford in the band back in the 1990s, as well as his love for the band. Devin also discusses his collaboration with Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) and whether he would like to collaborate with his in the future, as well as a lot of other things. Enjoy!
Note from the label:
Devin Townsend is pleased to announce the release of his forthcoming new studio album ‘PowerNerd’ on the 25th October 2024. Devin Townsend’s career is one of many distinct eras. He’s been the leader of Strapping Young Lad, the lynchpin of the Devin Townsend Project and the co-architect of country duo Casualties of Cool, all while maintaining his prolific and lauded solo project. Now, the polymath’s newest era starts with ‘PowerNerd’.
“It was a conscious thing,” Devin says of his brand-new album, the music on which he wrote in just 11 days. “I thought, ‘I’ve spent so much time overthinking every aspect of my work – what would happen if I didn’t?’ Maybe I would have the opportunity to be a bit more direct with what it is that I’m trying to do. I really wanted to see if I could cut through some of the meandering.”
Devin offers as a definition: “I would say that a powernerd would be somebody that has a tendency that society has deemed weak or not valuable, whether that’s empathy or being an insular person or an introvert, and turns that into a type of personal power. It’s like, ‘OK, yeah, I’m sensitive to this, that and the other thing, but man, I am going to pull through! I am going to do things with that sensitivity that are rooted in strength.’”
‘PowerNerd’ will be available on several different formats, including a Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook (featuring the album, bonus tracks and Devin’s first ever Dolby Atmos mix), Limited 2CD Digipak in O-card, Standard CD, Gatefold 2LP & Digital Album.
The album’s artwork was created by longtime collaborator Travis Smith
As well as express strength through adversity, PowerNerd will open the door to Devin’s immediate future. Its positivity and succinctness will soon be contrasted by follow-up The Moth – self-described as “orchestral, over-the-top, dark and uncomfortable” – and the “alien weirdness” of finale Axolotl. Both efforts have already been written, and together the trilogy will express the mind-boggling range of this man’s musical talent.
00:00 - On music as an outlet
03:27 - On music industry & honesty
05:47 - On Powernerd & authenticity
07:51 - On Powernerd's complexity
10:32 - On fear
14:03 - On nerds & Metal toxicity
16:09 - On next album(s)
18:22 - On live shows & touring
21:00 - On the Judas Priest audition
24:36 - On Ayreon & collaborations
27:14 - To all the Metal Pilgrims
Devin Townsend - Powernerd Tracklist
1. PowerNerd
2. Falling Apart
3. Knuckledragger
4. Gratitude
5. Dreams of Light
6. Ubelia
7. Jainism
8. Younger Lover
9. Glacier
10. Goodbye
11. Ruby Quaker
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Background music: "Uberpunch" Alexander Nakarada (serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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