Interview – Nightwatchman (Tom Morello)

October 30th, 2008 - by Eddie

Audio, Interview, Rock, Singer-Songwriter

“If you and I are having drinks at a bar, you’re gonna get a very jovial and charming character. But, I wouldn’t want to meet the nightwatchman in a dark alley…and I’m me.” – Tom Morello, 10.16.08

For many years, the name “Tom Morello” has been synonymous with a loud electric guitar at a concert and a raised fist in a protest out in the street. But now, there’s a different Morello out there known as “The Nightwatchman.”

We were first introduced to this new identity last year, with Morello’s solo debut “One Man Revolution,” which brought Morello’s deep singing voice and him strumming an acoustic guitar. Suddenly, Morello’s political persona merged with his political folk heroes Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and even a little of Bruce Springsteen thrown in for good measure.

It wasn’t bad. It was just different. And for some longtime fans, it was a bit jarring. But for Morello, The Nightwatchman is an outlet.

“It’s less of an alter ego,” Morello said. “It reflects a darker part of my psyche and soul, which i feel more comfortable releasing under The Nightwatchman.”

It’s interesting that Morello’s “darker” side employs an acoustic guitar and songs about fighting for a better future. But it makes sense when you take into account his past work as a guitarists, ripping seemingly impossible guitar solos with either Rage Against the Machine or catchy grooves with Audioslave.

“I’ve certainly learned a tremendous amount over the course of this,” Morello said. “Feels like it’s the greatest artistic leap for me since I learned how to play guitar solos.”

Hear Morello talk about performing on two different stages

There are no guitar solos on The Nightwatchman’s newest release, “The Fabled City,” which is a step forward for Morello after his debut release (where his first album was quiet, this one picks up the pace, as much as one can with an acoustic).

It starts with a steady beat from “The Fabled City,” where Morello sings “I’ve seen the fabled city/It’s streets are paved with gold/but an iron fence runs round it/Its iron gate is closed.”

“This song is kind of a way of looking at this music and the quest for…or the idea to fight injustice with music like this as maybe a lifeline in a real turbulent sea,” Morello said. “I believe the emotion of sadness creep into a lot of the songs.”

From there it goes to the rousing “Whatever It Takes” to the softer “Midnight in the City of Destruction,” which as a slight tinge of Springsteen Americana to it.

Overall, the album has some depressing tones and themes, which Morello says came from having lost multiple loved ones in a short period of time. But, with a close ear, you can hear a message of hope that the world can fight for a better tomorrow and when that day comes, Morello may finally be able to leave The Nightwatchman alone until he’s needed again.

Hear the entire interview. Sorry it’s in various parts.

The Nightwatchman (Tom Morello), 10.16.08, the day after the second presidential debate…

Part I

Part II