Gavin Rossdale: Rebel with a Cause

Mister Rossdale, we’re calling this issue of ramp “More Than Machines”. That’s thanks to you – it’s a song by Bush from three years ago. What was the inspiration behind that song?

Obviously, it’s about AI – probably the fastest-growing technology and one that is going to affect us the most. Still, it’s really amazing – used in the right way. I use it all the time myself and it’s really cool. And even though it’s hard to imagine how far it will reach into our lives, you can never substitute the human experience. That’s really what the song’s about. 

Your new album came out this summer. Tell us a bit about it.

Sure. I wrote it at the beginning of last year. I took my time and thought about a lot of things: my life, ten records! I think bands that stay around have one common link: their lyrics connect with people. So I just thought about how can I be of most service to anybody that’s ever liked a Bush record. What would they want me to do? And I thought: be honest and exciting. Try to give the most advice without saying I’m perfect myself. And I’ve always had themes of loneliness in my music, ever since the very first songs. And I touch on it “I Beat Loneliness” too. Maybe I’ve been writing just one song my whole career and it merely changes shape.

So what makes a song good?

Well, it has to be moving in some way. For me, a song either is like a magnet or it’s not. Some songs you just hear and they pull you in. Other songs, not so much. And the genre doesn’t even matter.

Which of the new songs do you enjoy playing live the most?

That’ll be “I Beat Loneliness”, the title track from the new album. It’s really fun! Because, you see, the better I get at the guitar, the better the lines that I write. Of course, they’re also harder to play and sing. It's annoying! (laughs) But with this song, I can just sing and be free.

Since our magazine is also about cars – what kind of music do you listen to when you’re driving?

I love listening to new records by bands that I like. I also listen to the pop charts to see what people are doing these days. One band I really like is Wet Leg. They’re cool. Super cool! The Deftones also had a new record come out recently.

So you’re more into whole albums than playlists?

Not necessarily. It’s just that I know what goes into a record. And I just think if anybody dares to make one or has the heart to make a whole record, then you just want to connect to that and give them the time. ( ... )

→ Read the full interview in the upcoming ramp #69 "More Than Machines".