Bullseye with Jesse Thorn John Cale
May 2, 2023
John Cale, a pivotal figure in music known for his work with The Velvet Underground and influential solo career, dives deep into his journey from a viola player in Wales to a rock icon. He reflects on the creative challenges of re-recording his early works and shares amusing stories from touring, including traveling with a piano-transporting robot. The conversation also highlights his collaborations with legends like Patti Smith and reveals the tensions and artistic struggles faced during his groundbreaking era in the music industry.
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Early Influences
- John Cale's early musical influences included Bill Haley and the Comets' "Rock Around the Clock".
- He danced on stage during the film and was inspired to become a composer.
Meeting Lou Reed
- John Cale met Lou Reed while working on "The Ostrich," a novelty song.
- Reed showed Cale his more serious work, like "Heroin," which record companies rejected.
Forming the Velvet Underground
- Cale and Reed aimed to break musical rules and be successful.
- They wanted to create something unique and different from the Top 10 songs.