Johnny Marr: The Smiths Legend on His Creative Chemistry with Morrissey, Playing with Modest Mouse, and Changing Guitar Music Forever
Oct 17, 2023
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Johnny Marr, member of The Smiths, discusses his fruitful partnership with Morrissey, joining Modest Mouse, finding inspiration, and doing his best creative work under pressure.
Johnny Marr emphasizes the importance of chemistry in creating great music and reflects on his fruitful but short partnership with Morrissey from The Smiths.
Constant practice and dedication are key to honing skills as a guitarist, and the satisfaction comes when everything comes together in a song.
Marr highlights the importance of productivity, creativity, and doing the work, rather than relying solely on outside inspiration, in his solo career and songwriting process.
Deep dives
Influences and Early Years
Johnny Marr discusses his early influences, such as Patty Smith and Motown girl groups. He talks about his passion for the guitar, which began at a young age and his drive to constantly improve as a musician.
Joining Modest Mouse
Johnny Marr recounts his experience joining Modest Mouse after being invited to jam with them. He recalls how they quickly clicked musically, writing the song 'Dashboard' on the first night they met. Marr reflects on the importance of chemistry in creating great music.
The Creative Process
Marr emphasizes the importance of practice and dedication in honing his skills as a guitarist. He shares his belief that constantly striving to create something great is what motivates him, and that the satisfaction comes when everything comes together in a song.
Johnnie Marr's Solo Career and Musical Inspiration
Johnnie Marr discusses his solo career and the inspiration behind his music. He reflects on the importance of productivity and creativity, emphasizing the need to do the work and not rely on outside inspiration. Marr also talks about his musical collaborations and the challenges of branching out as a solo artist. He shares insights into his songwriting process, including the creation of iconic guitar sounds in songs like 'How Soon Is Now?'. Marr also discusses the influence of guitars in his music, including a guitar gifted to him by Seymour Stein of Sire Records. Overall, Marr expresses gratitude for the opportunity to create and perform music and the joy of connecting with audiences.
The Relationship Between Johnny Marr and Morrissey
The relationship between Johnny Marr and Morrissey is briefly touched upon. Marr states that he feels fortunate to have been part of something that resonates with so many people, but notes that the chemistry between them is no longer present. He emphasizes that the relationship no longer matters to him and that he has plenty of other friends and collaborations in his career. Marr does not delve deeper into the complexities of their relationship or the potential for a reunion, but makes it clear that he is content with his current musical endeavors.
Johnny Marr of The Smiths went from working in a clothes shop to founding one of the most influential bands of the past 40 years... as a teenager! Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest guitarists, Johnny sits down with Guy to discuss his fruitful but short partnership with Morrissey, how he wound up joining Modest Mouse and making a #1 album, where he finds inspiration, and why he's done some of his best creative work when his back was against the wall. Johnny's new is book is called Marr's Guitars.
