DAVE NAVARRO: 'I Have A Very Clear Distinction Between What's Art And What's Entertainment'

Katy Kroll of Reuters recenty conducted an interview with former JANE'S ADDICTION and current THE PANIC CHANNEL guitarist Dave Navarro. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Reuters: What was your ultimate goal when you formed THE PANIC CHANNEL?

Dave: The bottom line is, we got together because we enjoy playing music and we enjoy the process of writing and recording, and we enjoy the live performances. That's why I got into music to begin with — and why we made this record is no different.

Reuters: Are you concerned with finding mainstream success?

Dave: Not at all. In fact, the interesting thing is that when we got together we really didn't even intend on being a band. Things really evolved very naturally. Even (having) a song being played on the radio once probably is beyond the expectations that I had.
Reuters: Since embarking on your musical journey, what has been the biggest change you've noticed in the music industry?

Dave: That's such a huge question. There (have) been so many. I do see that the industry has refused to change with the times and has refused to keep up (with) technology and what's going on in the world. As a result, I think that less great music is getting out there. If you're not a 16-year-old girl with a reality show, you're not gonna get backed.

The one thing about file sharing, MySpace and iTunes, which are really amazing and great, is that bands now have the ability to get their music out there without the need of a major label. Most of these bands aren't going to make their living selling records. They're going to make their living touring. And if I'm screwing around on MySpace and I hear a band that I like and realize that they're playing in my city, I'm more likely to go see them.

We have the ability to control ourselves a little more, and I love that.

Reuters: Through the years you have truly become a multimedia artist. Do you see yourself this way?

Dave: I do have a very clear distinction between what's art and what's entertainment. Believe me, I'm not under any delusional impression that when I'm on the couch in "Rock Star: Supernova" that I'm involved in any creative process. I know what I'm doing. I'm listening to songs, I'm telling you what I think, and I go home and watch "Nip/Tuck" (laughs). I mean, I'm not even as invested as the viewers are.

Read the entire interview at this location.