Fiercely independent San Pedro, CA singer, songwriter and bass player Mike Watt is nothing short of an American alternative music legend.
As a founding member of the influential ’80s punk/hardcore trio the Minutemen, he pushed the limits of what it meant to be punk by infusing elements of funk, jazz and just about everything else. As a solo artist, he’s explored the boundaries even further through a trio of highly personal and ambitious “rock opera” concept albums. Over the years he’s collaborated with everyone from J Mascis to Sonic Youth to Dave Grohl to Perry Farrell, and the list just goes on and on. And to top it all off, he’s also a current member of the iconic pre-punk band Iggy & the Stooges.
Watt is releasing two new albums in 2011; his excellent third “opera” Hyphenated Man came out in March, and his new double-bass project with Black Flag‘s Kira Roessler, dubbed Dos, will unveil a debut album in July. He spoke to the Flyer this week via telephone about all this and more.
Flyer: What is the concept behind your new album?
Watt: Well, this is my third opera. It’s really just one song, in 30 parts. It’s about me and the times I am in now, as a 52 year old punk rocker, and defining roles. I wanted to have this dialog with myself and explore the devices and roles we assume as we progress in life – the things guys do to be guys.
