Jeff Tweedy (Wilco): “Rosalía makes visionary art, like Bob Dylan”

Few artists outside the mainstream command the kind of respect and influence Jeff Tweedy (Belleville, IL, 57) does. From Uncle Tupelo to Wilco and the band Tweedy – his duo with his son Spencer – he’s released cult albums like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and written anthems like Jesus, Etc. and Everyone Hides. Before kicking off an expansive tour across the US, Latin America and Europe – including stops in Barcelona, Madrid (as part of the Alma Occident series), Granada and Valencia – he spoke with AS by phone about his music and the world around him. You can check out dates and tickets on his official site.

Are you looking forward to the tour?

Yeah, absolutely. (Laughs.) We’re going to have a great time.

Do you think people are going to more shows since the pandemic ended?

I don’t really know. I guess it depends on the country. The audience seems a bit younger now, maybe because older folks are more vulnerable and avoid these things. But it’s true that every time someone plays Chicago lately, the place is packed. So maybe.

Let’s go back to the early days – No Depression with Uncle Tupelo. You were with Jay Farrar, then your paths split. What’s your relationship like now?

We haven’t spoken in a long time. That was 40 years ago. Can we talk about something more recent?

Your second Wilco album, Being There, was a double album sold at the price of a single. Was that inspired by something like The Clash with London Calling or Sandinista?

I’ve always been a big record buyer, and as a kid I appreciated bands who seemed to care about fans. That’s what I was trying to do – be considerate. Sometimes we play big venues we know we won’t fill, just so there are more tickets available and they’re easier to get. I just like when bands are thoughtful.

“I appreciated bands who seemed to care about fans.”

Jeff Tweedy

Summerteeth had a more classic pop sound – maybe your closest to a Beatles vibe. What inspired that direction?

Back then, it felt like each album led to the next. That one was us experimenting with a different kind of music – a really exciting process. We wanted the studio to be more than just a place to record. We let ourselves be more creative with how we wanted to sound. We were aiming for The Beatles, the Beach Boys – our heroes. When you aim for that, you usually end up somewhere else entirely. But it was beautiful.

You’ve made some of the most revered alternative records of the past few decades – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, for instance. Do you feel like an influence?

It’s not something I dwell on. It doesn’t feel real. I know other musicians have told me that my music inspired them, and I’ve come to accept that maybe my music has done for others what theirs did for me. But anyone who’s been doing this as long as I have is going to create something that people hold onto.

“I’ve come to accept that maybe my music has done for others what theirs did for me.”

Jeff Tweedy

You wrote about addiction in your memoir – which covers the time when you were making Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and A Ghost Is Born. Were those your most creatively inspired years?

No. Not at all.

Some people associate you with the “tortured artist” image based on those lyrics.

Lyrics always reflect what you’re going through.

You’ve said you love Spain – why?

Spain is beautiful and diverse. The people are incredible – they bring amazing energy to shows. It’s not like that everywhere. We’ve spent more time in Spain than probably anywhere else. The food, the crowds, the beauty... it’s everything.

You’ve compared Rosalía to Bob Dylan. What about her reminds you of him?

To me, they’ve done the same thing – taken traditional forms of music and turned them into visionary art. Rosalía understands flamenco and Spain’s musical history like Dylan understood American roots music. He started with country and folk and didn’t fear change. Neither does she. She’s reached audiences who didn’t even know she existed before. Her music is vibrant, exciting.

“The [Spanish] people are incredible – they bring amazing energy to shows. It’s not like that everywhere.”

Jeff Tweedy

When your label refused to release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, you uploaded the songs online – and then another label released it. I seem to recall you once said artists would end up paying people to listen to their music. Do you still think that?

Did I really say that? Doesn’t ring a bell.

I think so.

I don’t remember saying it exactly like that. But my thinking then is still pretty similar now. Artists need to be compensated for their work – so they can keep making it. Back then there was all this debate about free music online. I felt it was a waste of energy trying to keep people away from your music. It’s a ridiculous idea.

Do you see yourself as a streaming pioneer because of that?

Not really. It’s just that my career has overlapped with a huge shift in how people consume music. Maybe we embraced it a bit earlier than others, but I wouldn’t say we were pioneers. It was going to happen no matter what.

You’ve recorded albums with your son – were those the easiest sessions?

We’ve recorded a lot together. Three solo records, one under Tweedy, and Spencer’s played drums on several others. This past year I’ve also been working with my younger son, Sammy, on a project. I feel really lucky to make music with my family. I don’t know if any recording is really “easy” though. They’re all tough. (Laughs.)

“Even the songs you hate teach you something.”

Jeff Tweedy

You wrote a book about the songs that changed your life. Have any changed it for the worse? Are there any you can’t stand?

A few made the book. Some are hugely popular, and my picks were controversial – like The Star-Spangled Banner. But I don’t think any song made my life worse. Some hurt to hear at certain moments, yeah. But even the songs you hate teach you something.

Most exciting moment on stage?

Primavera Sound. Power went out mid-show and the whole crowd sang Jesus, Etc. with us. I didn’t think a non-English-speaking audience could pull that off. I’ll never forget it.

A few years ago, you embraced Judaism. What’s your view on what’s happening in Gaza?

Why ask me that?

Because you matter to a lot of people.

I don’t think I do.

I know many who care about your opinion.

It’s horrific. A terrible situation. And I find a lot of what’s being said about it very upsetting. I don’t believe either side will wipe the other out. And I absolutely reject genocide in any form. I just want peace. I want the people caught in the middle of this to be freed from the horror of living through destruction.

Are you into baseball?

Of course. I love it.

White Sox or Cubs?

Cardinals.

Didn’t see that coming.

I’m from southern Illinois, near St. Louis. Gaza and baseball… wow.

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