Alain Johannes:
The purest path to sensing the Divine

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Alain Johannes is one of those mythic characters whose name can be always seen associated with big musical projects, either as a producer, colaborator or invited musician.

Together with his wife, Natasha Shneider, he led one of the most interesting and unknown bands of the nineties, Eleven. This band produced amazing records such as "Thunk" (1995) and "Avantgardedog" (2000), among others. Two fundamental pieces in the nineties, gaining followers around the world to the point of positioning the band as a cult band.

When you have listen to Eleven, it is impossible not to love its music, with Alain as a guitarist and voicals, Natasha as the bassist, vocals and in the keyboards, and Jack Irons as the drummer (position also shared with Greg Upchurch).

These days, Alain is releasing "Spark" his first solist work, after a tour with the great band Them Crooked Vultures. In his free days we had the opportunity to talk with him about his current work, his collaborations with other bands, the production of records like Chris Cornell's "Euphoria Morning" and Arctic Monkeys "Humbug".

This musician, born in Chile and Peter Rock's nephew, opens his memories and consciousness doors in order to share with us his thoughts and impressions. With you, Alain Johannes.

Alain Johannes

Alain, we are going to take you back in time, when you worked with Chris Cornell in that wonderful CD called "Euphoria Morning", which is for many the best Cornell's solo work record. Such record has a very typical Alain Johannes sound. How do you remember that collaboration with Cornell, and how was the production of that record and the work you did together like?

It all started when Natasha and I helped Chris arrange and demo his songs as well as writing some new ones together. Daniel Lanois was set to produce the album and when it fell through at the last minute Natasha said "let's start recording here at our home studio", so there wouldn't be a stop in the energy flow. We did it in secret for months. It was a real creative bond the three of us shared. Very easy and fun. We'd experiment with guitar tones for hours in this relaxed manner which a home studio affords. We had our drummer friends come in and track together. From there exploring textures and counterpoints to bring the songs to life. It's one of my favorite creative periods and we felt proud to be a part of it.

Listening to Eleven's music, in records such as "Avantgardedog", can take you to some euphoric moments like a health boost of energy and optimism, with lines like "if this is my life it's okay" or "you're not alone". Which was the message that Eleven wanted to give with its music?

Natasha and I made music that we wished we could hear out there as fans. We filled the void by making our own. It's the expression of our joined perception of life, a way to cope with it's difficulties, our hopes and dreams for the future both of the world and our own, and a general desire to kick ass.

Experts say that "in the sound is where you can feel closer to God". What feelings does that statement arouse in you? whatever concept you may have about God...

To me Music is potentially the purest path to sensing the Divine without man-made politics getting in the way.

Alain Johannes - Spark

We know that you have been working with Arctic Monkeys and lately you have been on tour with Them Crooked Vultures. Which is your view about the current music scene? Which bands are you identified with? In a previous interview you said that the last band that surprised you was Radiohead. What can you tell us about Tool, QOTSA or Arctic Monkeys?

I love all those bands. QOTSA is like a beautiful family that I feel drawn to visit as often as possible. Working with the Arctic Monkeys was wonderful. They are creative badass sweethearts.

This year you will release "Spark", your first solo album from which we have already listened to "Endless Eyes", dedicated to your wife Natasha, who, of course, we remember gratefully. What new things can you tell us about that record? Which will its sound be and what will the lyrics be about?

The album is an expression of love and gratitude to Natasha for the incredible 25 years we shared. It's also a cathartic release and exploration of the intense process of surviving loss. I can intellectualize it now that it's done but the process of creating it was almost like being in a trance or a dream. I felt her presence so strongly in those four days it was as if we were collaborating again making music.

Checking your curriculum, we always see you associated to big musical projects, behind very good records but keeping a low profile... Have you ever felt as a rockstar? Have you ever thought, dreamt or imagined being one once? From which place do you see the music?

I've always wanted to make amazing music and contribute to the history of music as a whole. The rockstar thing was never consciously there. My desire was never for fame but for quality and relevance. On the other hand being a rockstar equals fame and I do wish the music I've made was better known especially Eleven.

Alain Johannes

A different project that you have been part of has been the "Desert Sessions" What were those sessions like? If you could tell us details about your experiencies in them.

The most fun you could have with fellow artists. It's an intense yet relaxed experience where in just a few days a whole album is created. It's egoless, experimental and an amazing environment to share ideas and learn things about yourself and about how other artists create.

Finally, I have to ask you about this: What is your position about the interchange of music by Internet?, considering that many people have met Eleven through Internet downloads, What do you think about this?

I don't have a problem with it as long as it's a way for the music to reach it's audience. I don't like the entitlement some people feel that it should be free all the time. It's the only thing that is somehow okay to not pay for. And it's such an incredible gift it should not be devalued. I understand when it's the only way to hear something or one cannot afford it. But one always finds money for a sandwich right?

Alain, we thank you for this interview. Wishing you much success with your solo album and what the future holds you ... Thank you!

Thank you very much.