SCOTT WEILAND Talks About Upcoming Solo Effort, New VELVET REVOLVER Album

VELVET REVOLVER is currently recording its sophomore album, tentatively entitled "Libertad", with producer Brendan O'Brien (INCUBUS, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) for a spring 2007 release. In the meantime, the group's frontman, Scott Weiland, has also been working on his first solo effort since 1998's "12 Bar Blues", which will come out in late 2007 or early 2008 through Softdrive Records, which the singer co-owns. Weiland took a few minutes out of his time to answer the following questions via his MySpace page:

Q: There must be lots of [your] songs that [you] like, but is there one song [you] have a soft spot for?

Weiland: "It's hard to pick one particular song. But there is usually one song per album that seems to strike a particular chord in me. For instance, 'Adhesive' on 'Tiny Music', 'Pretty Penny' on 'Purple' and 'Desperation #5' on '12 Bar Blues'."

Q: Can you give us any information on what your new solo album will be like? Is it similar to "12 Bar Blues" or can we expect something totally different?

Weiland: "In some ways it will be similiar in that it is not a typical rock album. It's always more of an art project. It begins with an inspiration and I follow that path wherever it leads me, never worrying about singles, radio formats or MTV. It will definitely have the same 'all-over-the-map' feel. However, it will be a lot more focused, due to the fact that the album is a lot more alive and not struggling to climb from under the covers of a narcotic blanket."

Q: What [are you] listening to lately?

Weiland: "I never thought I'd say this, however begrudgingly, I have become a fan of the new KILLERS album. Where before, on their last album, I found them a group of over-confident and two-dimensional tarts, I now respect the risk that they have taken in their drastic change in sound and overall vibe and approach. It's 'brave' to risk alienating your audience for artistic freedom."

Q: You ever sing in the car to yourself?

Weiland: "I sing in my land-speeder to myself."

Q: Do you ever foresee STONE TEMPLE PILOTS getting back together?

Weiland: "Every shelf needs two bookends."

Q: What's the vibe like with Brendan O'Brien?

Weiland: "It's been incredibly inspiring. Things have been moving ahead at the speed of light and I'm beginning to realize how amazing this record's going to be, as far as my tastes go."

Q: What was it like working with Pharrell Williams of THE NEPTUNES? Also, what interested you to work with him?

Weiland: "It was a brief experience. It was only one song. I really related with the track personally and I regard him as one of the greatest modern producers in any format."

Q: What are you looking for in a band/artist to sign to Softdrive? What's the most important specific asset that the band or artist should have?

Weiland: "First of all, innate songwriting ability. That's not something that somebody can be taught. I believe that's something that someone comes into this world with. An honest understanding of who you are, an identity and attitude that can't be swayed by current trends or pop culture."