It’s been 14-years since A Perfect Circle graced the rock world with their unique take on prog-inflicted alt-metal. With the band now gearing up to release their long-overdue fourth studio album Eat The Elephant at the end of the month, guitarist Billy Howerdel has given fans an insight into what the creative journey that ensued between him and Maynard James Keenan during the writing process.
Howerdel mentioned that he feels “more creative” around the Tool frontman, however, like all creative partnerships, he “frustrates” him as well.
“I feel more creative around Maynard. He frustrates me, too. Just like any friend, you have both sides of it – it’s not just a one-way street. I’m sure I frustrate him in ways, and he frustrates me” as told to Kerrang, reported by Alternative Nation.
Having delved into the worlds of acting, improvisational sketch comedy, and winemaking, Maynard isn’t on to box himself off creatively, a trait Billy revealed has pushed him to move forward.
“And we hopefully inspire each other to move forward and I hopefully get him out of his comfort zone. He certainly gets me out of my comfort zone. And that comes with cuts. It’s not always so easy.”
“You’re hearing it in my voice probably now because we’re at the end of it and it’s time for me to drop and sleep for about a month.”
He also went on to describe how Maynard has helped his songwriting, enabling him to allow his truest emotions and experiences shine through.
“The great thing, in the beginning, was it was the musical diary of my whole life coming into focus in 2000 for our first record.
“Having Maynard made it so much better, so much more than it ever could have been, like if you have a sketchbook you’ve been drawing in for 10 years and having a great painter come and bring it to life.”
Listen to A Perfect Circle’s new track ‘Disillusioned’ off the upcoming Eat The Elephant
