The Rolling Stones, an iconic rock band that has been making waves since the 1960s, continues to captivate audiences with their timeless music and enduring partnership. With their latest album, Foreign Tongues, the band showcases their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the yin and yang of rock, discuss their creative process, the influence of technology, and the enduring appeal of their music.
A Dynamic Duo
Jagger and Richards, both 82, exude a unique chemistry that has fueled the band's success for decades. Their collaboration is a delicate balance of polished and relaxed, detail-oriented and free-spirited. Jagger, with his refined mannerisms, and Richards, with his laid-back charm, create a dynamic duo that is both captivating and entertaining.
"They're absolutely incredible together," says producer Andrew Watt, who worked on Foreign Tongues. "There's no Mick song that's not better with Keith in it, and there's no Keith song that's not better with Mick in it. They complete each other. It's unbelievable to watch and to learn from."
Songwriting and Collaboration
The band's songwriting process is a fascinating blend of spontaneity and intentionality. Jagger and Richards often write together, with Jagger focusing on the grooves and chord movements, and Richards weaving poetry into the music. Watt notes, "Mick is very focused on the grooves, the BPM, the chord movement, the accents. Keith is able to weave poetry out of that."
"We always planned that we were going to do [another] album pretty quick," Jagger says. "We had, from Hackney Diamonds, three songs we didn't put on purposely, because we knew we wanted to save them."
Richards adds, "I feel like Foreign Tongues is a continuation of Hackney Diamonds — not so much songs as the energy and the feel of it."
Influence and Inspiration
The Rolling Stones' influence is vast, with Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Little Walter Jacobs among their key inspirations. Jagger notes, "He definitely would be up there [on a Mount Rushmore of influences]. That's a good one. I suppose Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis maybe, Little Richard."
Richards expands, "Oh, it would have to be Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, through the harp of Little Walter Jacobs. And then you go through the old litany of the '50s and '60s and the Chicago blues roster — John Lee Hooker. An amazing period in time, the '50s, for the ways of recording."
Technology and Music
When asked about AI in music, Richards is clear: "I'd rather hear something original. Music could do a lot better than just trying to copy itself. After all, it's pretty simple stuff — this is not Beethoven or Bach, and I've no doubt AI can do that, but so what? We want new input."
Jagger agrees, "Obviously I don't want to be imitated by AI, vocally and instrumentally, and the band doesn't. I don't want people just putting stuff out there that can sound exactly like The Rolling Stones — I think that's obviously wrong."
Looking Ahead
The band is open to touring behind the new album, but they are taking their time. Jagger says, "I don't know at the moment, honestly. I would like to tour. I like touring, like going to people. If it can only be a residency, it can only be a residency."
Richards adds, "I know that this is all being kicked around. This year, we just decided, 'Look, let's get the record out, and let's not rush things.' So I see no reason why next year — I don't see anything this year, I can't rush it that much — but I see no reason why next year, good Lord willing, we shouldn't be able to, as you say, maybe a residency, something."
In the end, the Rolling Stones continue to be a force in the music industry, with their enduring partnership and ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. As they look ahead, they remain open to new opportunities and experiences, always striving to create music that resonates with audiences around the world.
