“SUMMER SONIC 2026
Appearance decided!
Jon Spencer discusses his new album, “Songs of Personal Loss and Protest,” a poignant work born from his confrontation with contemporary America!
Interview by YUYA KITAGAWA
“For someone like me, who has dedicated their life to rock and roll and truly loves it, it’s unbearable to watch, and it breaks my heart to see all the promises, ideals, and freedoms that this country once upheld being torn apart.”
JON SPENCER
NEW ALBUM
“SONGS OF PERSONAL LOSS AND PROTEST” INTERVIEW
What is rock and roll? Is it a means of resistance, pure self-expression, or show business? The answer will vary from person to person. However, the answer that Jon Spencer has shown in his latest work, “Songs of Personal Loss and Protest,” is remarkably clear: transforming life’s losses, anger towards society, and even the joy of living into rock and roll.
This film is imbued with deeply personal emotions, such as protests against a political crisis and farewells to loved ones. But at its core lies an absolute faith in rock and roll that has remained unchanged for over 40 years.
In this interview, we thoroughly discussed everything from the thoughts behind their latest work to the current state of the band and what rock and roll means to them. What is etched within is the happy relationship between one man and rock and roll, a relationship that will remain unshaken no matter how much times change.
I felt that the title of this work has a particularly introspective resonance compared to other works in your career. How did this title come about?
“After I finished writing the songs, recording them, and mixing them, and the whole thing came together as a complete work, this title came to me, and I was convinced that this was it! There’s a consistent theme of protest and politics running through this entire album. Right now, America is in a critical situation where the Constitution and democracy are being threatened at their very foundations.”
It’s impossible not to feel despair. On the other hand, I’m actively involved in political and social issues, and I’m protesting against the current administration’s appalling policies. But that’s the tricky part, because I’ve never been into political music (laughs). Rock and roll is a sacred realm for me, so I strongly don’t want anything extra in there…that being said! For someone like me who has dedicated their life to rock and roll and truly loves it, it’s just unbearable to watch, and it breaks my heart to see all the promises, ideals, and freedoms that this country once upheld being torn apart. As for ‘personal loss,’ at my age now, home
“I’m reaching a point in my life where family, friends, and loved ones are getting sick or passing away… I know it’s a natural part of life, but it’s still a heavy experience, and I’m expressing that aspect of it.”
Regarding the “Protest” part of the title, could you tell us about the mindset you are consciously aiming for?
“If you ask me whether a song I wrote, or a song written by someone else, can change the world, I honestly don’t know, and when I think about the countless examples of capitalism encroaching on rock and roll, music, and all art, I can’t help but feel cynical. But I still believe it can bring about change. If rock and roll has any power to bring about change, I think it starts with changing people’s consciousness. That’s why I want to send a message to the world that we should unite more than we do now.”
Having stuck to that belief and continued to play rock and roll for over 40 years, has the meaning of those words changed since you were younger?
“If you ask me if the meaning has changed, honestly, I don’t really know…”
Well, what I can say for sure is that I’ve always approached rock and roll with the desire to remain true to it. If there is an answer to the question… leading a band and performing live is what it means to me
It’s the realization that it’s at the center of my life, and that it fills me to the core… I just got back from a UK tour, and a friend asked me, “Did you have fun?” Of course, playing rock and roll shows is incredibly fun, but to just say “fun” is far too simplistic… It’s a void in my heart that nothing else can fill, and rock and roll is my way of healing my soul. I’ve never once thought about building a career or gaining money or fame from it. To those who play in bands for that purpose, go ahead, whatever you want. The reason I’m still doing this is because I don’t want to do anything else, because I’m completely consumed by rock and roll.
Even on this album, it’s the last track, like ‘No More’.
JON SPENCER
“This is the second album I’ve made with Kendall (Wind, B) and Macky (Spider Bowman, vocals). As with any band, the longer you spend time together, the stronger your bond as a band becomes, and the broader and more complex your musical language becomes. This is truly something that comes with time and experience. So, the sonic palette is different from the last time.”
While there are heavy songs about the end of life and loss, there are also songs like “Knock ‘Em Out” that are purely rock and roll and full of playful spirit. In any case, rock and roll is music that affirms life and living. At the same time, it is music that gives you a chance to reconstruct yourself.”
I see. Now, let’s talk about the sound of your latest album, which reflects your current vision of rock and roll. This album includes tracks where the bassline and sonic textures drive the band, much like in “The Hangover” and “Mr. Lion.” What process led to this breadth of sound?
It was a great opportunity to expand my horizons. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to play with these two, and especially Kendall, even though his main instrument is bass, he’s essentially taking on a lead guitarist-like role in our current line-up.”
Did the new sonic direction of the band, which we’ve just discussed, bring about any changes in you as a guitarist? Could you tell us what kind of playing style and approach you were conscious of in this album?
“As a guitarist, I always try to play with the bare minimum. I’ve always aimed to be as efficient as possible, avoiding unnecessary notes, and conveying as much as possible with as few movements as possible. That’s my goal as a guitarist this time as well.”
This might be a basic question, but what were the reasons for switching to a guitar + bass + drums lineup when you went solo?
“Right after our last album with the previous band, the pandemic hit, making it difficult to continue as a band, and Sam Coomes, who played synths, got busy with his own project, Quash, so it kind of fizzled out.”
And so… I was without a band for a while. Around that time, I was producing Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton and hired Kendall as their bassist, and I was asked if I’d like to open for Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton when they went on tour. At the time I was without a band, so I needed to put together a rhythm section, and Kendall was the first person that came to mind. Her band was also on hiatus at the time, so Spider, who was in the same band, jumped on board. At first it was just a simple, makeshift band to tour, there wasn’t really a concept, and when the idea of seriously resuming my career as a musician came to me, I decided to put together a rhythm section and tour.
That’s how we came to the conclusion to do it. When I started this project with Kendall and Spider, I was just playing songs I had written by myself. But as we continued, Kendall and Spider naturally became involved in the songwriting process, and the songs themselves started to change.”
How does your current project, “John Spencer,” which bears your own name, compare to your past band activities and what kind of inspiration does it bring you?
“After all, the two support members are in their early twenties, much younger than me. When we play live together, they’re full of energy, and I’m sometimes overwhelmed by that energy. It’s not just that it’s purely fun to play with them; they’re serious, hardworking, and have the spirit to actively take on any challenge. In addition to playing songs that I’ve written with these two, I’m also able to play songs from my past projects like Blues Explosion, Heavy Trash, The Hit Makers, and Pussy Galore with this new lineup and their energy, which is a great joy for me.”
Finally, please tell us about your aspirations for performing at Summer Sonic and your upcoming solo tour of Japan.
“Every time we play in Japan, the audience has so much energy, and it feels amazing to perform! We’re really looking forward to coming back to Japan!”
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