A new Cure; Robert Smith on his band’s changing lineup, new sound and aging.
by Gelu Suluguic - Interview
The Cure front man Robert Smith spent Christmas in the studio, writing lyrics for 33 new songs before picking the final cuts for his band’s 14th studio album, due in stores in May. With a founding member returning after 13 years and without a keyboard player for the first time in decades, The Cure gave fans a taste of the new band by releasing “Festival 2005” this month, a DVD of last footage from European shows.
How’s the recording going?
The last four Cure albums have really stalled on my lyric-writing. I think it’s worthwhile because they end up better than they otherwise would have been. I never worry about writer’s block — I figure if I don’t have anything to write about I shouldn’t be writing.
What will the new album sound like?
I like the idea of it being more in the style of the “Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me” album with different things happening. I wanted to let the band play live and then write words to what we played, which is why I’m finding it a little bit hard. It has more color, a lot more style. There are no overdubs on it; it’s just a four-piece band playing. Some songs have what one might call mistakes in them but they sound great and that pushed me to not try to refine everything all the time.
Porl Thompson is back on guitars, while keyboardist Roger O’Donnell and guitarist Perry Bamonte are out. What happened?
I’m always the driving force of the band and I’m not very good at compromising when it comes to music and art. I just find it ridiculous that I should have to do something I don’t want to do, so it leaves everyone only one option, to leave. That’s what happened to Roger and Perry.
How’s your relationship with Porl now?
Porl married my younger sister a long time ago, he’s part of the family. I think we want the same things now as a band, which is why he’s back. He’s such a fantastic guitarist — the new record is showcasing what Porl does.
Why didn’t you get a new keyboardist?
An awful lot of keyboards on Cure albums are played by me. The new album sounds great without a keyboard player, so why bother putting one in?
You’re 47 and already retired once. How much longer are you going to be playing music?
I personally find it slightly upsetting to see seriously old people performing contemporary music. I haven’t quite reached that very old-person stage, but I’m aware that time is moving on. When I can’t stand up and sing for three hours, then it’s probably the time to sit down and start making film music.