Rejecting Rock Star INXS?

[LL]

During the Rock Star INXS show I saw you change your image and singing style. Was this under the direction of the producers?
By the end of the show you were dressing a lot more "tailored" and were screaming a lot less.
Over time I've noticed you going back to a more "casual" rocker style and much harsher vocals. Is this a conscious choice to reject the image Rock Star INXS molded you into?

[martinxavier]

This is a GREAT question LL. Very insightful.

I did learn a tremendous amount on Rockstar but it was only from the members of INXS and had nothing to do with producers, directors or stylists. I did learn that I could just stand and deliver a vocal and be comfortable with that. It made me realize that I could actually sing and not just scream. The clothing I wore on the show was mostly mine or put together by me. I liked dressing a bit more proper than rocker because it felt right given the upscale setting.

Different projects require different singing styles. Lovehammers was singing and screaming, INXS eventually got to be just singing and LA Guns is definitely more rambunxious and lots of aggressive vocals. I have been touring for 4 months and I feel like it's time to whisper.

On the record that Tracii and I recorded I did some new things for me. I sing with a really low register that I have never used before and double it up with some higher register. It was really exciting to hear a new voice. Felt like when I sang "WYWH" on Rockstar and I realized, "Hey, I think I can actually sing".

I realize that as I get older it is more difficult to scream like Kurt Cobain. Also, you have differnt ways to deal with agression or distress or energy so you aren't always walking around yelling at everyone at the top of your lungs. I trying to strike harder with my words and use less aggression. Poingnant (sp) words are deeper than any shout and clearer in making a statement.

I don't want to say that Rockstar: iNXS molded me into something. I think that more than anything Lovehammers have shaped me the most and the other musical adventures play a part. The new material I have written on the road is way more subdued. All meant to be performed in an acoustic setting. I am really looking forward to that. I find myself enjoying simplicity more than anything after such a crazy few years of performing. I don't know if there are any rafters left that I have not climbed and now I'm even starting to pray as I crawl to the ceiling! haha

I'm off to soundcheck.

Marty