On Thursday’s Loudwire Nights (Jan. 30), celebrated guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell joined host Chuck Armstrong to dive into the details of his latest solo album, I Want Blood, which has quickly become one of the standout albums of 2024. To experience the full conversation and insights from this engaging interview, check out the player located towards the end of this article.

Reflecting on the journey of I Want Blood, Cantrell expressed how rewarding it is to see music leave the studio and connect with fans. “It’s always cool to have a little bit of time, you know, where it’s left the nest and people make friends with it, digest the music,” he shared. This sentiment emphasizes the deep bond between artists and their audience, showcasing the emotional journey of music creation.

During the interview, Cantrell recounted his exhilarating experiences performing tracks from the album, particularly during shows in South America and the U.S.. He reminisced about a concert in Buenos Aires, where fans passionately sang along to every word, including intricate guitar melodies, just weeks after the album’s release. “That record had only been out for maybe a couple of weeks or something, and they knew it,” he recalled, highlighting the immediate connection between his music and the audience.

Even after nearly four decades in the music industry, Cantrell’s enthusiasm for fan engagement remains palpable. “Though Cantrell has been making music for nearly four decades, it was clear he still gets a rush from fans responding to what he creates,” he admitted. This connection is vital, as it reinforces the impact of his work and the emotional resonance it holds for listeners.

Reflecting on the impact of his music, he stated, “It takes you aback, it’s pretty impactful that people connect to it.” This connection is not just a fleeting moment; it’s a profound bond that artists strive to cultivate. “You want to make something that makes you feel good to make, and then standing in front of people, playing it, and seeing them respond is always the best thing … That’s the whole game,” he concluded, illustrating the essence of live performance.

Exploring the Lasting Impact of ‘Check My Brain’ on Alice In Chains’ Legacy

In addition to celebrating I Want Blood, Cantrell took a moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of Alice In Chains. During the interview, he discovered that Loudwire recently recognized “Check My Brain” as one of the 25 best rock songs of the last 25 years. This acknowledgment highlights the song’s significance and its lasting influence within the rock genre.

“It’s always nice when anybody considers your work worth noting,” Cantrell shared, underlining the importance of recognition in an artist’s career. “Whether that’s a list or conversation or, you know, Grammys or any of that ? if you’re in the conversation, you’re doing something right.” This perspective speaks to the artist’s desire for their work to resonate over time and become part of the cultural dialogue.

He articulated the hope that every artist shares: to create music that stands the test of time and remains relevant long after its release. “You want to be part of the story,” he added, emphasizing the desire for one’s art to be woven into the fabric of music history.

Reflecting on “Check My Brain,” Cantrell described it as a pivotal moment for the band, marking a decision to continue their musical journey. “That song was an important cornerstone song for us kind of deciding to continue on,” he noted, revealing the song’s deeper meaning within the band’s narrative.

As he reminisced about the song’s creation, Cantrell recalled his first meeting with producer Nick Raskulinecz, sharing the demo of “Check My Brain.” “Within about 20 seconds he’s like, ‘I’m in,’” Cantrell remembered, illustrating the excitement and immediate connection that can occur in the creative process. “I showed him the demo and he’s like, ‘I’m in. I’m in. This is fucking great. I want to do this,’” highlighting the collaborative spirit that led to the birth of their 2009 album, Black Gives Way to Blue, the first without Layne Staley.

“That record was a new rebirth for us ? and a continuation as well,” he shared, reflecting on how it marked both an end and a new beginning for the band.

Insights and Experiences Shared by Jerry Cantrell on Loudwire Nights

• He elaborated on his decision to create spoken word versions of songs from I Want Blood for the vinyl release, explaining, “It [was] just an idea for like the B-side of the single. I don’t really come out of a record with any extra stuff. What is on the record is what I had, so it’s always tough coming up with B-sides or extra tracks … I don’t know why Jim Morrison popped in my head. I’ve been a big Doors fan and I thought, well, that would be kind of cool.”
• Cantrell vividly described his experience jamming with Billy Gibbons during his 75th birthday celebration at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, stating, “ZZ Top to me, and Billy as a guitar player, it’s one of my earliest influences … That was kind of surreal standing on the stage at soundcheck and going through ‘Rooster’ and having Billy do all the color work.”
• He shared his thoughts on quickly bonding with Tim Montana, saying, “Tim’s a great dude, man, and I think he’s a really talented songwriter and guitar player. We met when we toured together at the end of last summer with Bush and Candlebox and Bones UK, and it was really nice meeting him and becoming friends.”

Experience the Full Interview with Jerry Cantrell in the Podcast Player Below

Jerry Cantrell joined Loudwire Nights on Thursday, Jan. 30; the show is available to replay online here. Tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET via the Loudwire app, or check your local radio station to see if the show is available. You can also listen to interviews on-demand for more insights and stories.

Capturing the Moment: Jerry Cantrell at Billy Gibbons’ 75th Birthday Celebration

A Memorable Collaboration: Jerry Cantrell + Tim Montana at Billy Gibbons’ 75th Birthday Celebration