Albarn's 'Everyday Robots': A Candid Life Unveiled

Damon Albarn has released "Everyday Robots," his first solo album, marking a significant milestone after more than twenty years leading bands such as Blur and Gorillaz. The album is noted for its direct engagement with personal memories, a new approach for Albarn who typically employed character studies. Some songs, like "Mr. Tembo," recall lighthearted experiences, while others, such as a verse in "You and Me," candidly address past struggles with heroin use, a detail that has drawn attention from the press.

Albarn explains that the solo project was prompted by producer Richard Russell, and that the album concept is to write "a song about Damon Albarn." He likens tracks like "Hollow Ponds" to writing a memoir, an alternative he prefers over a physical book. The album also features reflections on his past, including the serendipitous discovery of the title "Modern Life Is Rubbish" for a Blur album in 1993 from a piece of graffiti.

He discusses the songwriting process, emphasizing that while inspiration feels like magic, much of it is hard work, likening himself to a "working songwriter." Albarn has largely separated himself from the pursuit of chart success, noting that his last attempt was the Gorillaz album "Plastic Beach" in 2010. He also expresses a likelihood of returning to make another Gorillaz record, enjoying the electronic music aspect and the excuse to acquire new synthesizers.