A Shift in Perspective
For fans of The Pixies, the announcement of a new album is always a cause for celebration. With Doggerel slated for a late September release, the band continues to solidify its enduring legacy. However, as frontman Black Francis recently revealed to NME, the path to this latest record was far from certain. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legendary musician found himself at a crossroads, contemplating a life far removed from the pressures of the music industry.
The Quiet Life
Living in seclusion, Francis discovered a profound sense of peace that he had rarely experienced during his decades-long career. Stripped of the relentless cycle of touring, writing, and recording, he found solace in the simplicity of domestic life. His focus shifted toward his family and an unexpected new passion: raising chickens.
“I was raising chickens and hanging out with my teenagers for a year and a half, and I wasn’t necessarily excited about going back into the world, ’cause everything finally stopped and slowed down, and I was able to enjoy a few simple things in my life for the first time. The whole end-of-the-world atmosphere aside, there was a lot of it that felt really good.”
Returning to the Craft
As the world began to normalize in early 2022, Francis faced the daunting task of reconciling his newfound tranquility with the high-octane life of a touring rock star. The transition was not immediate, but it was ultimately facilitated by a return to his creative roots. He retreated to a dedicated space in his home—a sanctuary he refers to as “Dad’s Zone”—where he could work without interruption.
It was in this monk-like environment that the creative spark reignited. Francis began writing and recording demos directly onto his phone, capturing ideas in their rawest form. By the time he emerged from his self-imposed isolation, he had amassed a significant collection of material. Reflecting on the process, he noted, “I’ve never been that prepared for a recording session in my life.” This period of reflection and solitude has clearly infused Doggerel with a unique energy, proving that sometimes, stepping away from the spotlight is exactly what is needed to find the next great sound.
