In a candid interview with Paul Cashmere of Noise11, Jeff Gutt, the frontman for the iconic rock band Stone Temple Pilots, has revealed that the debut album for his long-gestating recording project, We Are Not Machines, is nearing its final stages of production. This project, a collaboration with Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, has been in development for a decade, and Gutt expressed a deep personal commitment to bringing it to fruition.
“I’m right now finishing that record, after 10 years, that I was starting, ‘cause I got it halfway finished,” Gutt stated, as transcribed by Blabbermouth.net. “And I’m in the studio daily here in L.A., finishing that up. [I’ve] got a guitar player flying in in a couple days, and we’re gonna see how that goes. And I don’t know – [I’m] just winging it and putting it together.”
The sentiment of seeing a project through to completion is a recurring theme for Gutt, who described himself as someone who “needs to finish things.” The protracted timeline for We Are Not Machines, he admitted, is a testament to this drive. “I can’t make half a record and then leave it, and it’s been 10 years, so it’s like… And it’s a different producer now, so we’re trying to make all this mash… It’s crazy,” he explained. “But whatever, man. We’re just gonna do what we wanna do and make music for ourselves first, and then see where it goes with that… Will Hunt’s in that, and he’s been in it for 10 years, so he’s been a believer the whole time. He’s been in it longer than that, actually. So, we’ll just see where it goes. It’s something I need to do in my life, is finish that record. I can’t just leave it halfway done. I have OCD like that.”
This dedication to completing the We Are Not Machines album underscores Gutt’s commitment to his creative endeavors beyond his primary role with Stone Temple Pilots. The project’s longevity also highlights the dedication of its co-architect, Will Hunt, whose consistent belief in the project over a decade speaks volumes about its potential.
A Decade in the Making: The Genesis and Evolution of We Are Not Machines
The genesis of We Are Not Machines can be traced back approximately ten years, a period marked by Gutt’s burgeoning role as the frontman for Stone Temple Pilots and Hunt’s established presence as the powerhouse drummer for Evanescence. While specific details regarding the initial spark for the collaboration remain undisclosed, the project’s extended gestation suggests a careful, perhaps even organic, development process. The involvement of a new producer in the current phase indicates a potential re-evaluation or refinement of the project’s sonic direction, aiming to coalesce disparate elements into a cohesive final product. Gutt’s candid admission of “winging it” and assembling the album suggests an approach that prioritizes artistic instinct and flexibility, even at this late stage.
The collaborative nature of We Are Not Machines, involving musicians with demanding schedules in prominent bands, likely contributed to the album’s prolonged production. Gutt’s commitment to finishing the record, driven by a personal need for completion and a sense of artistic responsibility, is a key factor in its current progress. The mention of a guitar player flying in for sessions further illustrates the active, hands-on approach being taken to finalize the album.
On the Horizon: Plans for Live Performances
Beyond the studio, Gutt also addressed the potential for We Are Not Machines to translate its music to a live setting. When questioned about touring opportunities following the album’s release, he expressed a clear intention to bring the project to audiences.
“Yeah. I’m sure we’ll get out there and do some festivals or do some tours,” Gutt confirmed. “‘Cause I have STP and [Will] has Evanescence, and any other people that get involved, we’ll have to work all that out. So there’ll be small windows where we can do it. But, yeah, it’s something I would like to grow and see where it goes.”
This forward-looking statement indicates that We Are Not Machines is envisioned not merely as a studio project but as a viable live entity. The practicalities of coordinating schedules with Stone Temple Pilots and Evanescence, along with any other musicians involved, will undoubtedly be a significant logistical undertaking. However, Gutt’s enthusiasm suggests a willingness to navigate these challenges to share the music with fans. The potential for performances at festivals or dedicated tours implies a strategic approach to touring, likely capitalizing on available time slots that do not conflict with their primary band commitments.
The Stone Temple Pilots Context: A New Era
Jeff Gutt’s confirmation of the We Are Not Machines album arrives at a significant point in his career with Stone Temple Pilots. He joined the venerable rock band nine years ago, stepping into the considerable shoes of vocalists who have left an indelible mark on rock history. Gutt, a 50-year-old native of Michigan, brought with him a diverse musical background, including a stint in the early 2000s nu-metal act Dry Cell and a notable appearance as a contestant on "The X Factor." His selection to front Stone Temple Pilots was the culmination of an extensive search that began over a year prior and reportedly involved an estimated 15,000 hopefuls.
The official announcement of Gutt’s integration into Stone Temple Pilots was made on Eddie Trunk’s SiriusXM radio show, Volume 106. His live debut with the band followed shortly thereafter at an invitation-only concert for SiriusXM subscribers in November 2017 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band, following the tragic passing of original frontman Scott Weiland in December 2015 due to a drug overdose, and the subsequent departure of Chester Bennington in early 2013, who left to focus on Linkin Park before his own untimely death in July 2017.
Gutt’s tenure with Stone Temple Pilots has seen the release of two studio albums. His recording debut with the band was on their self-titled seventh album, released in March 2018. This was followed by their first all-acoustic album, "Perdida," which arrived in February 2020. The continued creative output of Stone Temple Pilots, with Gutt at the helm, demonstrates the band’s resilience and their commitment to forging a new identity while honoring their rich legacy.
Broader Implications for the Rock Landscape
The impending release of the We Are Not Machines debut album, coupled with the potential for live performances, signifies an intriguing development in the contemporary rock music scene. For fans of both Stone Temple Pilots and Evanescence, this project offers a unique opportunity to experience the distinct talents of Jeff Gutt and Will Hunt in a different collaborative context. The fact that the album has been a decade in the making suggests a deep well of creative exploration and artistic evolution within the project.
The success of We Are Not Machines could further solidify the trend of established musicians exploring side projects that allow for creative freedom and sonic experimentation beyond the confines of their primary bands. This not only provides artists with new avenues for expression but also enriches the musical landscape for listeners by offering diverse sonic palettes. The ability of Gutt and Hunt to balance this ambitious project with their commitments to Stone Temple Pilots and Evanescence, respectively, will be a testament to their dedication and passion for music.
The implications for Stone Temple Pilots are also noteworthy. While Gutt’s primary focus remains with STP, the successful launch and touring of We Are Not Machines could potentially elevate his profile and artistic range, bringing a fresh perspective and renewed energy to his work with the iconic band. Conversely, the creative output from We Are Not Machines could influence or inspire new directions within Stone Temple Pilots’ future endeavors.
The music industry, particularly in the rock genre, has always seen artists evolve and diversify their creative output. Projects like We Are Not Machines, born from long-standing creative partnerships and a shared artistic vision, are indicative of a dynamic and evolving genre. The commitment shown by Gutt and Hunt to see this project through, despite the challenges of time and logistics, speaks to the enduring power of creative ambition and the drive to bring impactful musical ideas to life. As the album nears completion, anticipation builds for what this decade-long endeavor will ultimately deliver to the world of rock music. The blend of Gutt’s distinctive vocal style and songwriting prowess with Hunt’s powerful drumming and production sensibilities promises a compelling listening experience. The industry will be watching to see how We Are Not Machines carves its niche and contributes to the ongoing narrative of rock music’s evolution.
