Interview with
Ministry
questions answered by Al Jourgensen
interview conducted by Mike
For those who haven't done their research yet, can you explain your upcoming release, "Rantology" and what songs we will find on it?
Rantology is Ministry's 25th Anniversary Collection, celebrating 25 years of service. There's 15 trax, a lot of them are redux, remix or update mixes, and there's "The Great Satan" which is a brand new Ministry track.
Are there plans for a tour or other promotions to get the word out about "Rantology"?
Actually, my focus now is finishing the new Revolting Cocks record that features an all-star cast of characters - Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Gibby Haynes (Butt Hole Surfers), Phildo (Original Revolting Cock and Skatenigs) and Stevie Banch (Spyder Baby), and of course, me. That's scheduled for release Feb 2006 on our new imprint 13th Planet Records, and I'm now writing the new Ministry scheduled for release April 2006. If all goes according to plan, I'll be working with Raven (Killing Joke) and Tommy Victor (Prong). Then we're all gonna get together and tour US/Canada next May through June 2006 on the MasteRBaTour featuring Ministry, RevCo and Spyder Baby.
The new song, "The Great Satan", is a taste of what's to come on your next full-length. Does that song title represent the theme of the next album?
The Great Satan is the love ballad of the new Ministry, if that helps.
I have read past interviews and well understand your criticism about George W. Bush. Do you think George is to blame for most of the mistakes and chaos created since he took office? I have also read that some people think he is just a puppet being controlled by people with even lower IQs.
People with low IQs cannot orchestrate putting someone like George W into office. Bush did not act independently, the Bush Administration brought the US into an unnecessary war...or is that now "struggle" ...that has wreaked havoc on the citizenship of the United States.
What is it going to take to fix things once Bush is out of office?
It's going to take a lot of work. Face it. The US economy sucks right now. We've got big problems - social security, gas prices, natural disasters, immigration, and obviously security issues as well. Based on how the government responded to the Katrina and Rita disasters, I don't feel that confident in our National Security.
As a fan of history, what fascinates you the most about the past?
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Is there a part of Ministry's past that you wish never happened?
Nope. It's all part of the artistic process. I'm not thrilled with some of my early stuff. Hate it. Most bands start out fighting selling out, but I started out by selling out and THEN I got to do what I wanted to do creatively. And you learn from all your experiences. Well, hopefully.
If/when you fulfill your dream of teaching a history class, are you going to add in a brief section about the history of Ministry? Who, in history, would you compare yourself too?
I don't ever see myself teaching a class about Ministry...that's for musicologists, if they so desire.
In the previous interviews with you that I have read, you never mentioned much about family. I've heard rumors that you have a daughter and have been recently married. Are either of these true? Do you get to keep in touch with family in the midst of all your projects?
I have a 20-year-old daughter, and I was recently married in 2002. My wife is my manager, so we spend a lot of time together and my daughter comes on tour with us sometimes.
When you plan on retiring from the music industry in 5 years, are you going to be able to quit all of your projects completely or is this something that will always stick with you? What else do you have planned in the next 5 years (musically)?
I don't think I'll ever retire officially, but I'd like to spend more time in the studio, producing other artists. Launching 13th Planet Records is a conduit for that. I have more freedom to work with artist that I genuinely like.
Are there any bands/musicians out there that you think will be able to take over where you left off? Or possibly create their own trend in music?
I think Joey Jordison from Slipknot is an extremely talented musician and producer and I see Joey making great strides creatively over the next decade.
Here are a few more quick non-music related questions for you.
Name a fad that should have never happened.
Swallowing goldfish
Whose mouth is on the cover of the Rantology album?
Leasha Elledge from Chicago
How do you feel about Michael Moore and his attacks on Bush?
Michael Moore rules. Without Michael, I would be the right-wing's public enemy No.1
Thanks for doing the interview with Adrenalin Fanzine. Good luck with your future projects!
You can check out more Ministry at www.ministrymusic.org
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