Even after all these years, frontman Rzeznik said he still doesn't fully understand Iris' lasting impact.
It's impossible to talk about Goo Goo Dolls without mentioning them. irisa hit single that became an anthem for a generation. Written as part of the soundtrack for the epic love story City of Angels, the song broke radio broadcast records and remains as loved and sought after today as it was when it was released. And that was in 1998.
Years later, frontman Rzeznik says he still doesn't fully understand. irisLasting impact. “When I was asked to write it, I just thought about what I would say if I were in that character's shoes,” he explained. “In this movie, he's immortal, but he's a guy who's willing to give up everything to feel what love feels like. I think that's a universal theme.”
It's been a great journey for the band. Formed as a cover band in Buffalo, New York in 1986 and then developing their own punkish sound, the Goo Goo Dolls first got their break less than a decade after they first got together.
called a truck nameand then iris Three years later, their reputation is solidified. their 1998 album Dizzy up the girl It catapulted them to worldwide fame and cemented their place in modern rock history. songs like slide, broadway, please be with me and let's put some love in All made the Billboard charts. The band has sold 15 million albums worldwide and received four Grammy nominations.
15 million albums sold
The band's music combines powerful lyrics with captivating melodies. “I was 19 when I started writing music for this band, and now I'm 58,” Rzeznik said. “As life progresses, people grow and change. Hopefully, the art you create reflects those stages. For me, it's almost like a photo book. is.”
This not only shaped his songwriting, but the band's forever unrecognizable sound, featuring both personal and universally resonant themes. “I read a lot of newspapers and books. I listen to a lot of music and watch documentaries and old movies. I try to look at things from an outside perspective,” he said. “Sometimes I play a character and write from their perspective.”
Also read: Coldplay's 'Moon Music': New vibes, same heartbeat
Decades later, much of Rzeznik's current work revolves around his studio and writing. That is, when the band is not touring. He also said he felt a newfound love for producing. “My process changes depending on my mood,” he said.
“Sometimes I write out of anxiety. Other times I'm in a positive space. As I worked with my collaborators, I fell in love with the complexity of production.” For him, the studio is “another place.” instrument,” allowing you to experiment with sounds and textures. “My happiest time is always when I'm in the studio,” he said.
“Some of my happiest moments have been spent in the studio.”
But as the music industry shifts from physical products to streaming, it's also impacting how artists make a living. Rzeznik has lived through this and said multiple segues in the industry have pros and cons. We've opened up a new platform, but not everything is bright. “This is extremely unfair to artists and writers,” he said.
“We've lost a lot of revenue streams because physical content is gone and record companies and streaming services aren't compensating creators fairly,” he said, adding that artists are constantly providing content. Despite this, there was little reward, which he likened to an “empty vending machine.” “The best way to survive now is to tour and build a real connection with your fans,” he added.
There's nothing wrong with connecting with your fans. Rzeznik loves it. “The biggest compliment is when someone comes up to me and says, 'That song helped me get through a bad time,' or 'That was my first dance at a wedding.' ” he said. “Knowing that I made a small contribution to people's lives is incredibly rewarding. Today is all about making a connection with the audience. That's what matters.”
Connecting with your audience is important
The Goo Goo Dolls are scheduled to tour South Africa next month. “Now that I finally get to headline, I’m going to do a longer show,” he said. “It's a good problem to have because we can dig deeper into our catalog and play all the hits. We're looking forward to reaching new audiences.” “My goal is always for everyone to leave thinking, “That was great.''
The band will play Cape Town's Kirstenbosch Gardens on December 4th, Durban's ICC on December 5th, and conclude their South African tour with a performance at Pretoria's Voortrekker Monument on December 7th. Tickets can be purchased at webticket.
Read now: Roxette, Calabash Festival set to rock SA!
