Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media, Inc.
Mick Jagger remarks, “This album is the Stones, but in the present moment.”
The Rolling Stones have provided an extensive interview to Rolling Stone magazine regarding their highly anticipated 24th studio album, “Hackney Diamonds.”
Officially announced earlier in the month and set for release on October 20 through Universal, this album marks the band’s first collection of original material since 2005’s “A Bigger Bang.” Produced by Andrew Watt (known for his work with Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne, and Miley Cyrus), the album was recorded at various renowned studios, including Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Metropolis Studios in London, Sanctuary Studios in the Bahamas, and New York’s legendary Electric Lady Studios and The Hit Factory/Germano Studios. The album features 12 tracks and has been introduced by the single “Angry,” accompanied by a music video starring US actress Sydney Sweeney.
Keith Richards sheds light on the album’s genesis, stating, “The thing started with Mick saying, ‘It’s important now that we make a record.’ I said, ‘If you think you have enough material that you want to sing, then I’m right there behind you.’ If the singer likes to sing what he’s singing, that’s 90 percent of the game.” This insight into their collaborative process underscores the band’s enduring creativity and commitment to their music.
Ronnie Wood, the band’s fellow guitarist, reveals that Andrew Watt was recommended to them by Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger then discussed the possibility of Watt taking on production duties with him during the band’s show in Hyde Park, London, last summer, and Watt displayed great enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Watt himself admits to being a devoted fan of the Rolling Stones, sharing, “You gotta understand, I’m a f***ing fan. If I told them how many Rolling Stones concerts I’ve seen, I don’t think they’d ever talk to me again. When we were in the studio, I’d tell them, ‘You let a freak from behind the barricade produce the album’.”
The album boasts several guest appearances, including Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga on the track “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven.” Gaga’s involvement in the album came about serendipitously while she was recording in the same New York studio and expressed a desire to join the project.
Mick Jagger vividly recalls the moment, stating, “She just walked in, in front of me, and she just curled up in a ball in front of me on the floor. And then someone gave her a mic, and she started singing oohs and ahs.” This unexpected collaboration highlights the spontaneous and creative nature of the recording process for “Hackney Diamonds.”
Ronnie Wood recalls Lady Gaga’s impromptu involvement in the recording process, stating, “She was sitting there on the floor just digging it and singing along,” and Mick Jagger, recognizing the opportunity, invited her to stand up and take part more formally, turning it into a memorable collaboration.
In addition to Lady Gaga, the Rolling Stones enlisted Paul McCartney to play bass on the track “Bite My Head Off,” which is described as the album’s ‘punk’ song. Elton John also contributed to the album, playing on “Get Close” and “Live by the Sword,” with both of these tracks featuring drums recorded by the late Stones drummer, Charlie Watts.
Andrew Watt reflects on the star-studded collaborations, stating, “Everyone’s a fan of the Rolling Stones. Just like Paul, Elton was like, ‘I just f***ing played with the Rolling Stones’.” These guest appearances underscore the universal appeal and enduring influence of the iconic rock band.
