Pat Metheny, renowned jazz guitarist and leader of the Pat Metheny Group, is known for his unique approach to music and for working with iconic figures like David Bowie and Joni Mitchell. Despite his impressive career, which includes 20 Grammy awards, Metheny has always maintained a distinct, independent path in the music industry, leading him to feel he has “zero relationship” with mainstream music culture.
In a candid interview, Metheny explained, “I would say my relationship to the culture is zero. I have never thought of doing anything except what I’m thinking of doing. All I’ve ever done is piss people off [in the music business] because I’m only going to do what I’m going to do. I don’t know what the word ‘commercial’ means. I guess I’m commercial because I’ve sold a lot of records – but, I mean, the tracks are 20 minutes long.”
Metheny’s unique musical style often diverges from conventional trends, and he reveals that his creative process has never been about appealing to the masses. His latest solo album, MoonDial, released in July, is just one example of his ongoing commitment to his own artistic vision.
When it comes to live performances, Metheny is equally nonchalant about audience reactions. He likens performing to “research,” indicating that he doesn’t concern himself with whether the audience approves of his work. “The audience I have almost nothing to do with – I don’t mean that in a snotty way. That’s something I have no control over. Maybe they’re going to like it, I hope they do… I’m grateful that people come because I can continue the research,” he explains.
At 70 years old, Metheny’s career is still going strong, and he reflects on how his approach to performing has evolved. “It’s not that different for me now than at the very beginning. The main difference is that it’s a lot more fun, because I play a lot better and I can really count on getting to the shit. I am 100 percent — no, 1,000 percent — confident. It’s definitely going to be better some nights than others,” he adds, showing his unyielding confidence in his musical abilities.
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