11.8.11 OUT100/Aaron Hicklin Interview, Queen+Adam

Think about the creative inspiration it takes to create stuff. Its not a practical thing that has a well structured plan ahead of time and follows precise deadlines for every brick laid. Its not something that can be churned out by rote (unless you want it to SOUND like that).

Artists chisel and chisel away and throw stuff out and start from scratch again until satisfaction is reached.

I know Adam and his company will be concerned that an energised fanbase will start to fade away if the album doesnt come out soon.

I know i never would - there's too much that man has going for him.

And even if some parts of the fanbase start fading, a great album will revive interest.

It really isnt about how long it takes (dont take that too the extreme I mean within a reasonable timespan) but how good its quality is.

To be honest, it bugs me when I hear fans getting upset when there's a delay in the process. It has only been ONE YEAR since he finished his tour.

You try writing a bloody good album in that time.

I thought FYE was very good for what went into it (very little time! and lots of marketing imperatives).

Now he wants to be more honest and creative. It takes time.
Delays are natural and inevtiable with artistic work.

I know fans are hungry for stuff from him, but it starts to get...

demanding.

even commodified - like ordering Van Gogh paintings by the meter.

I dont think thats a great energy for any artist we love to have to experience. Not someone who gives 110 per cent every time he performs and seems to spread so much love and regard for others!

Surely we can give him space to go deep and wide and produce something bloody brilliant?

What deadlines are pressuring us so that we feel we have to push him so?

I know A LOT of fans in this fandom of all personality types, and I don't think I know ONE who wants new music purely for their "own stimulation." They want it because they are heavily invested in Adam personally and emotionally and only want the absolute best for him. Also, because we are so invested, we have been locked into a state of limbo and unknowing and I think most of us just want that to end and get the show on the road and hear all this fantastic new music he's been telling us about for MONTHS.

We want to be a part of the ride, not the little kids left at home being told, "It's not your turn yet."

And also, many of us are artists, writers, musicians and professionals – or work or live with them closely and we "get" the creative process. Many of us have been working with it since longer than Adam has been alive.

We also get legal entanglements, timing logistics and corporate mergers. We do not live in a vacuum where our only existence is to be a fan of Adam's.

I've been listening to FYE for two years with very little fatigue; it is an excellent album that was written in a few months. Some of the best work is done on the fly for an artist – this is where instinct and guts take over and you don't have the luxury of second-guessing. Am I glad he's had this time to enjoy the process? Certainly. I just don't believe extended periods of time result in a better product. Many of these songs (we know by their working timelines) are written in a day or two, recorded in a day or two and finished up here and there. They are turned around very quickly on the average.

Now, I do believe launching a worldwide marketing campaign takes a tremendous amount of time and logistics – not to mention meeting and greeting with tons of "gatekeepers" – PDs, editors and producers. That I totally understand.

All I ask is that he keep us updated. If it's not going to happen, tell us. We've dealt with three different single delays so far. Were we frustrated, disappointed and crushed? Yes, for a few days, but we picked up and moved on and kept going. Taking forever to rip off the bandage does NOT make it better for anyone.

Ya'll have a great day. I have seen all the news I need to between playing around on twitter last night with my new droid phone (yippee!) and checking in here today. No new music for awhile? Ok, then. My dog will be thrilled. In fact I think I'm going to spend the day with her. Love to all. Peace out.