Iggy Pop, the legendary punk icon, isn’t resting on his laurels or just revisiting his classic hits. In a recent interview, he shared his philosophy for staying sharp in his 70s: actively seeking out and embracing new music. This isn’t just passive listening; it’s a deliberate act of discovery, a “mining for diamonds” as he puts it, that keeps his mind engaged and connected. His enthusiasm is infectious, particularly when he describes the thrill of finding a track that truly excites him, like “Chaise Longue” by Wet Leg. He praises its cheeky energy, wicked groove, and especially the unique, almost metronomic vocals, highlighting how distinctive and unforgettable truly great songs can be.
Iggy Pop’s vibrant stage presence reflects his enduring passion for music and performance.
From Bowie to Kraftwerk: Shaping Iggy Pop’s Musical DNA
Iggy Pop’s open-minded approach to music isn’t new. He recounts his teenage years, marked by a strong reaction against what he considered “trite” music on the radio, and an equal appreciation for groundbreaking sounds. He credits David Bowie with introducing him to Kraftwerk, a band whose innovative electronic music profoundly impacted him. Meeting Kraftwerk, he expressed his admiration, telling them he fell asleep to their music – a sincere compliment that was initially met with German skepticism. He specifically praises Florian Schneider’s “mental balls” for daring to create such unique melodies amidst a commercially driven music industry, a philosophy of trusting the audience to appreciate innovation that resonates with Iggy Pop’s own artistic journey.
Rediscovering Musical Passion and Embracing the Contemporary
The 1990s presented a challenging period for Iggy Pop, marked by professional dissatisfaction and personal turmoil. During this time, he retreated to the comfort of familiar “oldies,” finding solace and a sense of grounding in the music of Miles Davis. This period of musical introspection paved the way for a renewed engagement with contemporary music when he filled in for Jarvis Cocker on his radio show. This experience motivated him to create his own show focused on contemporary music, determined not to become a nostalgic figure. Now, hosting his own show on BBC 6 Music, he immerses himself in a vast landscape of sound, playing around 1,200 tracks a year from across the globe. He actively seeks out new music from diverse sources, from Jamaican newspapers like The Gleaner to recommendations from friends.
The Allure of Repetition and the Excitement of the New
Iggy Pop’s radio show embraces a “semi-doctrine of repetition-based music,” a nod to his own iconic tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Dog.” He playfully addresses criticisms about repetition, asserting his right to continue performing and exploring themes until they are fully realized. However, the true excitement for him lies in discovering young artists pushing musical boundaries. He appreciates music that sounds distinctly “now,” and finds particular enjoyment in juxtaposing contemporary tracks with older music, creating unexpected and illuminating connections – like pairing jazz records with the band Goat Girl.
Synth Sounds and Modern Jazz: Iggy Pop’s Forward-Thinking Taste
Iggy Pop dismisses the criticism of “old boys” who decry the use of synthetic instruments in modern music. He champions the creative possibilities of synthesizers and other electronic tools, recognizing how they are being integrated with traditional instruments like guitars and horns to create exciting new sounds. He cites the Moses Boyd remix of “Pace” by Nubya Garcia as a prime example of fantastic contemporary music that is both advanced and emotionally resonant. He also expresses his admiration for artists like Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming, highlighting the vibrant and innovative landscape of contemporary jazz. For Iggy Pop, staying curious and engaged with the latest musical innovations is not just a professional endeavor, but a vital aspect of staying young and connected at any age. You can catch Iggy Pop’s insightful musical explorations on his show Fridays at 7pm on BBC 6 Music, a testament to his enduring passion for discovering and sharing great music, both old and new.
