Kraken Newspaper (March 1997)
Interview with Tony Kanal
Last March 5th, I had the chance to talk with Tony Kanal, No Doubt's bassist. With 600 000 albums sold in Canada (100 000 sold in Quebec) and more than 6 millions worldwide, the album Tragic Kingdom gave the band its chance to take a stand in the music industry. "Don't Speak" stayed #1 on the charts for 4 weeks in Quebec and is actually #1 in a lot of country like New Zealand and Australia. The band from California (Anaheim) is formed by Gwen Stefani (vocals), Tony Kanal (bass), Tom Dumont (guitar) and Adrian Young (drums).
You're about to go back on the road in a few days. Did you have time to spend some time with your families?
Yes. After a year and a half of non-stop touring, we took 4 weeks of vacation. Now we're in London to give interviews before we start touring in Europe.
How do you live this new lifestyle? Is it difficult?
It's a crazy life but we get use to it. It happened so quickly. The tour for Tragic Kingdom started in August '95, three weeks before the release of the album. Quickly, we were asked to do more shows and now we're back in Europe for the second time since last summer.
You also played in Montreal last summer, did you like the experience?
Montreal is an extraordinary city. The people are extremely warm. We really adored it!
No Doubt has fans all across the world now. You're also acknowledge by the industry. What is worth more for you between the love of the public and the trophys?
It's really evident that all form of acknowledgment has its value. We're happy to be nominated along with people that we admire and respect but nothing is worth the love of our fans.
The band exists for 10 years and I presume that your musical orientation has changed over the years?
In its origin, No Doubt was a ska trio. Gwen, Eric Stefani (Gwen's brother) and me. When Tom and Adrian joined the band, their influences that were more rock brought a new musical dimension. Since, we're growing in diversity. We love to explore and mix styles.
Who are the artists that influenced you in when you were young?
Gwen always idolized Madness (Our House). She loved show tunes (Sound of Music, Annie). Tom had a thing for heavy metal and rock (KISS). Adrian was the '70s rock (Hendrix, Steely Dan). In my case, Prince was one of the artists that really influenced me in my teens.
Did you have the chance to meet some of your idols?
We had the opportunity to work with Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers). We also met Billy Idol, Dave Grohl and Tasmeer of Foo Fighters. Gwen is suppose to meet Madness because of common friends.
Were you ready to face to success?
YES!!! We worked hard for 10 years. We gave concerts in bars, the studios...We always knew that the potential was there, we always believed in our music. We did went through tough times but we never stopped believing.
Just before you offered us Tragic Kingdom, you released an independent album, I think?
Yes! The Beacon Street Collection where you can find songs that didn't make the cut for Tragic Kingdom. Not a lot of copies were made.
How can we get that album? It must be worth a fortune now?
I don't think so, no! It is possible to find it in certain underground music stores.
Tragic Kingdom contains 14 songs that are really varied. Will the songs on your next album will be more defined?
Impossible to foresee! I think it'll be the still varied. That's No Doubt!
What do you like the most in all the aspects of your career?
To be able to give concerts across the whole world. It's when we give concerts that No Doubt is at its best. That's our strength.
Are you interested in cinema?
Absolutely! Gwen already was offered a lot of roles. When the moment will come, I think she won't hesitate to accept the offers.
What challenge is left to No Doubt?
Loads of 'em!!! First, always to write better songs, to grow, to create a music that will survive through trends and time. A music that will stay unique. To still give concerts, travel, meet people.
After 25 minutes of conversation, it's him that thanked me for my time. What a guy!!!!