chris cornell looks forward with music industry

by steve baltin, spinner, november 26 2007

Don't look for former Soundgarden/Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell to be back in the fold of a band anytime soon. The singer-songwriter tells Spinner he is very comfortable going it alone. "I am in a situation where I can kind of spontaneously make decisions and do whatever I feel like doing," he says. "Any future ideas in terms of recordings or collaborations I want -- it's all kind of materializing. I'm finally realizing anything is possible."

Cornell plans to use his current freedom -- coupled with the changing face of music -- to take advantage of his recent prolific bursts of songwriting. "It's very exciting for me [to be able to put out music quicker]," he says. "I already have plans to do different projects and release different things over the next six months and over the next year."

Cornell is quick to offer his excitement over the possibilities that the new music industry affords him. "Other people are starting to do what I wasn't able to do -- either because I had issues with record company politics or issues with inner-band politics -- when it comes to things like giving music away," he says. "But, most importantly, if I have the thought or the concept to do one or a collection of songs that might not be part of an album or something that becomes a year-long campaign, I can do that. The music business is open to that now. Nobody really has a better idea. I fit perfectly into the world that's happening now."

While Cornell says that fans will hear new music soon, he continues to embrace his current album, 'Carry On,' as he believes this is the first time he's really been a solo artist, despite having released a previous solo effort. "I'm finally really doing what a solo career allows, which really didn't happen I think on 'Euphoria Morning,'" he says. "'Euphoria Morning' took a very long time to write and record. I went out and toured, but not for very long, and then that was it. With 'Carry On' -- before it was even released -- I've been on tour the entire time. I've been playing different types of shows, different size venues, gone to places I've never been before. I'm really in a great place."

Reprinted from Spinner. Originally available as an online feature here.

Chris Cornell Fan Page © Clare O'Brien 2007