“The Cure” is one of the most prominent musical bands that contributed to shaping the pop and rock scene since its emergence in the late 1970s. Led by Robert Smith, the band succeeded in presenting a unique blend of music between alternative rock and pop, making it an icon in the music world. In this article, we explore the developments in the band’s career, especially after a 16-year hiatus from releasing albums, to discover what sparked Robert Smith’s enthusiasm to return with new art. We will delve into the new album “Songs of a Lost World” and the impact of its somber themes, alongside the challenges faced by the band, whether in recording or dealing with modern music industry practices. Join us in exploring a world that is both clear and dark at the same time, as “The Cure” redefines creativity and perseverance with every new note.
The History of The Cure and Its Musical Impact
The Cure was founded in 1976, but they released their debut album “Three Imaginary Boys” in 1979. The band was led by guitarist and vocalist Robert Smith, who remains the most consistent member of the band. The Cure managed to blend various musical styles, ranging from post-punk to new wave, earning them wide fame and significant influence in the music scene. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the band achieved unprecedented commercial and critical success, continuing to produce successful musical works.
While their previous albums like “Disintegration” and “Wish” achieved great success, the band’s musical output began to slow down after their thirteenth album “4:13 Dream” in 2008. However, the band did not stop live performances and recordings, inspiring new generations of artists and music lovers. In 2019, The Cure was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reflecting its significant status in the music world. This honor was not surprising, as the band is considered one of the most influential groups globally and has maintained its fan loyalty over the years.
The Cure’s Return After a Long Hiatus
After a 16-year absence between albums, The Cure released their latest work “Songs of a Lost World”. This return was surrounded by many expectations and questions about the reason behind this long break. According to Robert Smith, he went through a phase of uncertainty and creativity, feeling that he had written everything he needed. However, there was a large collection of songs ready for years, and it seemed that the surrounding situation due to the COVID pandemic amplified his feelings of busyness and inability to finalize recordings.
The songs in the new album carry a dark tone with hints of reflection on life and death, as some songs address themes of sorrow and loss, contributing to an overall atmosphere of contemplation. The Cure aspires through this album to meet the expectations of its loyal audience, who have eagerly awaited its return. The new album consists of 8 songs, completed after a long selection process, serving as a clearer and stronger musical statement that represents that long period.
The Album’s Themes and Depth of Content
The album “Songs of a Lost World” revolves around the concepts of loss and change, reflecting Smith’s feeling of the weight of time and life experiences. Although it is not specifically an album about death, themes of loss form the essence of the songs. The emotional impact of aging and the difficulty of witnessing how things change around him is depicted through the music. This contemplation of time is directly related to the experiences of younger generations, whom the band sees struggling in a complex world filled with challenges. This is evident in the song “I Can Never Say Goodbye,” which discusses the loss of a close one for the guitarist.
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The idea of connecting with the world around us becomes clearer, as Smith deals with his personal experiences and the suffering of the current generation through his song lyrics, highlighting the sadness and exhaustion resulting from tough times. Smith believes the main idea is recognizing the reality that these feelings are part of the human condition, and that music provides a refuge for complex and numerous thoughts.
The Cure’s Future Plans and New Directions
Robert Smith has indicated that he already knows what the upcoming albums will look like, as he has a collection of timeless songs waiting to be released. His plan is for these albums to represent a shift from the dark tone of the new album to something more hopeful and positive. This transition is characterized by a blend of sad songs they are looking to mix with more appealing tracks.
This ambitious future plan showcases the ability to renew after a long hiatus, instilling hope in their audience. Smith sees that artistic experiences encompass many trials and failures, but he finds that his confidence in himself and his songwriting abilities is returning after the release of the new album. It is clear that The Cure is not just a band, but a cultural symbol regaining its energies to face future challenges and rediscover the ideas and feelings that resonate with the audience.
Song Experience and Audience Interaction
The experience of live performance is a crucial element in defining how well an artist connects with their audience, as the magic of concerts lies in the unexpected ability of songs to capture attention and create significant interaction. Many artists wish that some of their lesser-known songs would capture the audience’s interest. For example, tracks like “From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea” and “Pictures of You” represent those songs that the audience enjoys despite not having anticipated them. These moments bring the artist comfort and joy as they see these songs becoming fan favorites, reflecting the success of their artistic creativity.
It is worth noting what are called “obvious songs” like “Close to Me,” which were expected to achieve great success from the start. Knowing that one of their songs will gain radio play is no easy task for an artist, but positive audience interaction confirms the validity of such expectations. There are also discoveries like the song “Alone,” which received more radio play than some of the singles, which was a pleasant surprise for the artist and the music they create, even performed during their tours. In recent years, artists have tried to lower ticket prices, such as efforts to offer tickets at $25, aiming to provide a better experience for audiences that has allowed them to continue performing for longer periods.
Pricing Issues and Competition in the Music World
Many artists have faced issues related to high ticket prices, as it has become clear that some companies exploit both artists and audiences, leading to what has been termed a “battle” with the ticketing system. The main aspects of these issues stem from the artists’ frustration regarding obscure or unclear additional costs for the audience, raising many concerns about the level of transparency those companies selling tickets should adhere to. Artists may complain that they do not benefit from these extra costs, which instead are added to the budgets of large corporations.
The artist’s struggle with Ticketmaster is linked to a deep desire to amend the market monopoly and ensure that profits return to the artists instead of large companies. This is reflected in the artist’s understanding of his personal experiences at concerts he attended as a youth, and how that affected him. For example, he recounts a David Bowie concert in the seventies, where he experienced dissatisfaction after spending money but not feeling enough enjoyment. This experience introduced new concepts for the artist regarding the importance of the musical experience and the role of an aware audience in that.
The Path
Temporal Aspects of Voice and Preserving It
Many people discuss issues related to how to preserve voice over the years. There is a prevailing belief that genetics play a significant role in vocal health, allowing some artists to continue for as long as possible without deterioration. Despite aging, some artists maintain their distinctive voices as they were in their early days, possibly due to changes in lifestyle. Some artists tend to follow a specific routine to preserve their vocal cords, especially before live performances.
In recent years, the majority of artists are encouraged to interact with their live audience, which helps maintain their mental health and enjoy what they do. Positive interaction from the audience contributes to reaffirming emotional and psychological benefits, generating a continuous passion for playing and singing. Furthermore, some artists have shared their experiences of maintaining a healthy routine to preserve the quality of their voices; however, concerns about vocal deterioration remain, and they continue to perform professionally regardless.
Defining Identity and Artistic Personality
Some artists have specific perceptions of their identity and artistic personalities that form over time. This identity may be related to their artistic works or personal inclinations, and aging may lead to some transformations in their self-image. An artist may enjoy their overall appearance and personality that does not change with time, but their audience may be surprised by new realities about their daily lives. Many artists take on various social roles, from caring for pets to engaging in simple daily activities, showcasing another side of their lives away from the spotlight.
Emphasizing the relationship between artistic identity and personal life helps artists remain authentic before their audience. They do not live in a separate world; instead, they must integrate their experiences with their artistic identity. Interestingly, many artists do not take their self-perceptions seriously, adding more humanity to the artist’s character. These transformations are part of the artistic lifestyle, where ideas and works intersect with daily life, contributing to the creation of unique and diverse works.
Source link: https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5111807/the-cure-robert-smith-interview-songs-of-a-lost-world
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