TOOL’s Maynard James Keenan on the Changing Music Industry: “People Aren’t Really Valuing the Work”

Despite their relatively lean discography, Tool have navigated decades of highs, lows, and legal battles that began in the mid-’90s. From prolonged disputes with record labels to other industry setbacks, the band’s journey has been far from smooth.

Even so, few bands could match Tool’s influence and standing. Known for their meticulous creative process and reluctance to embrace digital formats, the band has often taken a stubborn approach that, while frustrating at times, has become a defining part of their identity.

In fact, Tool were one of the last major acts to release their catalog on digital platforms, holding out until the summer of 2019. Vocalist Maynard James Keenan has since reflected on how these industry shifts have affected artists, particularly the challenges faced by emerging bands today.

Speaking with Double J ahead of the band’s upcoming Australian shows, Keenan shared his thoughts on the changing landscape:

“I mean everything [has changed.] Quite a bit’s changed. There used to be record labels. Now there’s like 2 left out of 500. People were willing to buy music… And you’re kind of developing this thing, and play small clubs, and eventually you put together a vinyl and people pay for it… It was a long game, now it’s so immediate, and people are so used to getting free shipping… That’s how fast people want it. So it’s hard. I think it’s changed to the point where people aren’t really valuing the work that goes into putting together an actual collection of songs on an album.

They cut corners. Touring is more difficult, because things are expensive. So it’s hard for a young band to crack that nut… That’s how you make your living now. It’s not the album sales, those are gone.”

True to his word, Tool are set to hit the road later this year, with a newly added New Zealand stop joining their schedule:

11/21 Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena
12/05 Melbourne, AUS – Flemington Racecourse (‘Good Things Festival‘)
12/06 Sydney, AUS – Sydney Showground (‘Good Things Festival‘)
12/07 Brisbane, AUS – Brisbane Showgrounds (‘Good Things Festival‘)
12/11 Yokohama, JPN – K-Arena Yokohama
12/13 Kobe, JPN – Glion Arena
12/19 Honolulu, HI – Blaisdell Arena
12/20 Honolulu, HI – Blaisdell Arena

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