Rock vocalist avoids being pigeonholed with multiple bands
Between touring with Tool and Puscifer this year and making the rounds with A Perfect Circle last year, how in the world does singer Maynard James Keenan keep all of his projects straight? According to the frontman, the organization has to do with simply keeping things separate and focusing on one project at a time.
“I definitely, absolutely try to do one thing at a time,” Keenan said in an interview with Omaha.com. “I’m not writing a song and deciding what group it’s going toward. In general, you’re right. I don’t cross streams.”
Commenting on the diversity between Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, Keenan explained that he feels better able to mature and develop by juggling different projects, each with different styles. “It’s partly that being in that chaotic space is where you learn and grow,” he said. “After a while there’s an expectation that’s attached. Having the different outlets keeps that fresh and builds on ideas.”
Keeping his art diverse is key to Keenan’s musical trajectory. “I think most people, they enjoy some success based on sound or a movement they’ve made and they build on that,” he said. “They go with what they know. After a while, you’re kind of pigeonholed in that sound and you can’t move around without criticism.”
In Tool news, drummer Danny Carey recently revealed to Metal Insider that the prog-rock gentlemen “have the framework of at least five good songs” ready. He also stated that they are shooting to finish recording the next Tool release by the end of 2012. Previously, Carey had stated that Tool would hopefully “get in the studio by June or July and start tracking.”
- Slash Reveals If Guns N’ Roses Plan to Play the Las Vegas Sphere - October 26, 2025
- Foo Fighters Unleash ‘Asking for a Friend,’ Announce 2026 Tour Dates - October 23, 2025
- Kiss Members, Rock Peers Honor Ace Frehley - October 17, 2025