The sessions made headlines for a few reasons, including Steven Tyler’s high-profile slot on American Idol, as well as the work beginning without Joe Perry on site.
Between sessions last week, guitarist Brad Whitford connected with the Boston Herald to discuss things, saying that the band is “really starting from scratch” and that the work at the home recording studio of producer Marti Frederiksen has been a revelation.
“We basically go in the studio, just stone cold, and try to come out at the end of the day with another song, and so far it’s worked great,” Whitford said of the spontaneous and collaborative writing efforts. “It has been great working at Marti’s. His whole house is basically geared toward making music, so that’s what we are doing all day long.”
Whitford said the target date is unclear, but he is encouraged by the rapid progress. “A lot will depend on how much we get done this week and when we can get back together again to sort of finalize it,” he said. “Hopefully, we will be listening to it sometime this year.”
Despite speculation that Tyler’s new role on “Idol” would cause friction within the band and further delays in recording, Whitford said he is thrilled for the frontman and what the exposure will do for Aerosmith.
“I think he’s a great choice (for ‘Idol’),” he said. “I always told him he should be a stand-up comedian because he’s one of the funniest guys I’ve ever known in my life. I think people will see that as they get to know him better. He and J. Lo will bring a lot of authenticity to what they’re doing. And it’s going to expand our audience, for sure. People who would never think about seeing Aerosmith might change their minds after seeing him on TV.”
Tyler’s TV emergence, coupled with Aerosmith’s inclusion in “Guitar Hero,” is making for a welcome renaissance for the 40-year-old band.
“It’s nice to be touching people much, much younger than we are,” Whitford said. “It’s kind of cool to see how they react to it. And I can say we are all looking forward to some new Aerosmith music.”
Check out the full Brad Whitford interview in the Boston Herald here.
Aerosmith Aerosmith – Rats In The Cellar
You Gotta Move DVD (2004)
See also:
Aerosmith: record sales are up since American Idol premiere
Aerosmith begin work on new album without Joe Perry
American Idol: Steven Tyler tops hennemusic Hot 10
Aerosmith start working on new album
Steven Tyler: American Idol is like early days of Aerosmith
