Guitarist Kim Thayil recently confirmed that a new album from Soundgarden featuring previously unreleased recordings from the band’s late frontman/guitarist Chris Cornell is indeed a possibility. The group had been forging ahead on a new record prior to Cornell‘s suicide back in May of 2017.
Appearing on SiriusXM‘s ‘Trunk Nation LA Invasion‘ recently (see below,) Thayil had the following to say when asked if an album featuring the songs Cornell and the band were working on prior to his death could ever emerge:
“It is entirely possible, because that’s what we were doing… We definitely have another record in us. Stuff that’s written, stuff that’s demoed and recorded — certainly. All it would need is to take the audio files that are available. I’d tighten up the guitar stuff that’s on there, add other stuff. Ben [Shepherd] does the bass.
Matt [Cameron] is able to get the drums he wants. We can get the producers we want to make it sound like a Soundgarden record. And yes, we can totally do that.”
When asked if there was anything standing in the way of such a release, Thayil replied:
“There shouldn’t be — there really isn’t — other than the fact that we don’t have those files… And I think that will happen. It would be ridiculous if it didn’t. But these are difficult things — partnerships and property.”
It is presumed that Cornell‘s recordings for the album are in the possession of the Chris Cornell Estate, an entity that handles business interests related to his works.
Unfortunately certain aspects of that estate are currently the subject of a legal battle between Cornell‘s widow Vicky and his ex-wife Susan Silver.
As for whether or not Soundgarden could continue on with a new frontman or, Thayil offered:
“Reasonably, you’ve got a big part missing. So, I think in terms of the Soundgarden catalog, that’s still gonna be active as best as it can be.
In terms of unreleased recordings, live material, I’m still gonna attend to that; that’s my gig. I love that. Let’s make records.
I do not see, given the commitments that other band members have, given our sentiments and love for Chris, I do not see us reconfiguring a tour or anything, as other bands have done in the past, without him.”
“This is really complicated, but I’ve known Chris since I was a kid, basically — we grew up together, our early 20s.
You want to honour the work and legacy you did. Is it best to regard it with dignity and let it rest? Do you want to honour it by celebrating the music and work that he’s done?”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the fate of a new album from Soundgarden, it seems two members of the band have been working together lately.
Both Thayil and the band’s drummer Matt Cameron have been spotted in the studio working on a new track with The Pretty Reckless for their next album.
Momsen previously performed live with Soundgarden during this past January’s ‘I Am The Highway: A Tribute To Chris Cornell‘ concert.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2019
Source – Trunk Nation LA Invasion.
