On Thursday, July 10, renowned guitarist Tom Morello made an appearance on Loudwire Nights to commemorate the launch of his exciting new solo track titled “Pretend You Remember Me.” For those interested, you can listen to the complete conversation in the audio player located near the end of this article.

Morello shared with the host of Loudwire Nights, Chuck Armstrong, that over the past year, he has been diligently crafting what he envisions to be his very first solo rock album. “I’ve created 22 albums throughout my career, but a solo rock album has eluded me until now,” he expressed. “The past couple of years have been transformative for me as I’ve been touring and honoring my extensive musical history, and those live performances have been incredibly life-changing — allowing me to embrace my past while also propelling myself into new territories.”

In this creative endeavor, Morello aims to encapsulate the powerful riffs reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, while also balancing the intricate songwriting elements that define his diverse musical landscape.

“The single ‘Pretend You Remember Me’ resonates deeply with the current climate we are experiencing,” he acknowledged, emphasizing its relevance.

He elaborated on his experiences, stating, “I’ve actively engaged on the front lines in the streets of Los Angeles amid the ongoing immigration crisis, advocating for immigrants who face abduction at the hands of masked agents.”

To amplify the message of his new single, Morello has collaborated with The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. This partnership aims to raise critical awareness about the injustices he witnesses in his community and beyond, furthering the fight against oppression.

“I fully support efforts to target individuals who commit acts of violence, regardless of their documentation status,” he asserted emphatically.

“However, it’s crucial to recognize that some of the most significant violent offenders reside within the halls of Washington. These individuals should indeed be held accountable. But when it comes to hardworking people striving to provide a decent life for their families, if we are to consider deportation, let’s direct that towards the true injustice at play.”

Exploring the Enduring Influence of Rage Against the Machine

In addition to discussing his new theatrical production, Revolution(s), which will premiere at the prestigious Goodman Theatre in Chicago later this year, Morello reflected on the lasting legacy of Rage Against the Machine.

He remarked, “The fact that our music continues to resonate during turbulent times signifies that our contributions were meaningful and impactful.” Morello noted, “Despite only performing 19 shows in the past 14 years, it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of our albums that they remain relevant. During recent protests against ICE in Los Angeles, I noticed that many of the signs and songs echoing through the streets were from our band.”

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While Morello takes pride in this ongoing connection, he acknowledges that the fight for justice and change is far from over.

“I carry that torch daily, striving to do the necessary work in my life,” he stated with conviction.

Insights from Tom Morello’s Interview on Loudwire Nights

• Morello explained why he’s not yet ready to pen a memoir: “I see myself as still being in the midst of this journey. These years are among the busiest and most exhilarating of my life. My enthusiasm for writing, recording, and performing music has never been greater. I’m now even collaborating with my son, Roman, a remarkably talented 14-year-old guitar prodigy… I may consider it in the future, but for now, there’s still plenty of rock to be made and battles to fight.”
• He expressed his excitement for Revolution(s) taking the stage, saying, “It’s akin to a Broadway musical, but it embodies the spirit of an underground rave complete with a mosh pit, right onstage.”
• Morello addressed the surprise some listeners may feel upon hearing him sing in “Pretend You Remember Me”: “I’ve been lending my vocals to tracks since 2007, and occasionally people are surprised to discover that I have a rich, milk chocolate baritone voice. There are numerous records showcasing my singing, but it truly takes center stage in this particular song.”

Tune In to the Complete Interview via the Podcast Player Below

Tom Morello graced Loudwire Nights on Thursday, July 10; the show is available for replay online, and you can join live every weeknight at 7 PM ET, or through the Loudwire app. Check to see if the show airs on your local radio station and enjoy on-demand interviews.