Good Charlotte: On the new album they explore their feelings
With "Generation Rx" the pop-punk of Good Charlotte put on their second album after the comeback in the year 2016. An album that is a liberation strike for the band around Joel (39) and Benji Madden (39), as they revealed in an interview with the news agency spot on news. In addition, the twins talk about how society stuns their feelings with drugs and how to find the right balance between tour and family life.
What does the title "Generation Rx" stand for?
Joel Madden: The abbreviation "Rx" is an abbreviation that can be found in the US on prescription drugs. So it stands for the generation that can prescribe drugs for everything. It also includes less a particular age group, rather than our entire society.
Benji Madden: We numb our emotions and run away with medications in front of them. We wondered if we are really connected to our feelings these days. That's what we wanted to explore on the album. It is like an exercise to be aware of our feelings - to know them and to accept them.
Therefore comes the idea for the cover. Do people hide behind masks?
Benji Madden: It can be interpreted in many different ways. The one with the masks is the first level. But for me, the cover is also connected to the idea that the people of Good Charlotte have. But the first look at the cover makes it immediately clear that it will be a completely different experience.
What has changed compared to your last album?
Joel Madden: We finally said goodbye to the idea of trying to please everyone. This process has started with the last album. Nevertheless, it has happened. We just want to make people and our fans happy, that's how we are. But at some point we realized that if we do not make the album primarily for ourselves, nobody will build a true connection to the music.
Benji Madden: This is the final phase where we really get free and say exactly what we want to say and make exactly the music we want to do. No matter what anyone thinks about it.
What role does the social media and all the technology that is available play in the process of emotional stunting?
Joel Madden: People use social media to spend a lot more time on what they want to portray externally than to deal with their feelings. They build an image of how they want to be seen instead of working on themselves and living in the here and now.
Benji Madden: That's a bad side of social media. But they also have good sides. We honestly do not know yet whether all technological advancement is more of a curse or a blessing. We'll find out someday. But I am very impressed with what the kids can do with technology today. For example, to edit videos.
They are considered the great fathers of pop punk. Do you see this as your legacy and what do you think of the scene today?
Joel Madden: The pop-punk scene is thriving with bands like Neck Deep and others. Of course, we feel very honored when one of these bands calls us influence. But if there is our legacy, we will not know until someone has made a day of it.
In 2019, you will be on tour again in Germany. Joel, you are married and have two children. Do you find the time to spend some qualitiy-time with your family when you're on the road?
Joel Madden: Usually we set it up so they can ride. Maybe I'll be away for a week here and there, but then they'll come later. My family is always the priority, so we always find a way to find a balance.
Your children are now a bit older. Do you like your music?
Joel Madden: They love me so they somehow love the music too. They think the whole thing is pretty cool. My son likes "I Just Wanna Live" a lot because he finds the video cool. My daughter likes the introverted songs.
