Chris Cornell talks new album and NZ tour

Musician Chris Cornell.

Soundgarden's frontman Chris Cornell talks to Chris Schulz about his latest solo album, Higher Truth.

Timeout: Were the songs on Higher Truth written for a solo album or for Soundgarden?

Chris Cornell: It's pretty much been separate since 1998. The songs I had for this album I wanted to represent the solo acoustic tours I'd been doing because it's who I've become as a solo artist and I've grown into that identity. I wanted new songs infiltrating the set list instead of the show becoming a look-back or nostalgia. That was the focus and I feel like I've totally got that down.

What format will your New Zealand shows take? Greatest hits, or more of the new album?

A bit of both. I'll probably dig a bit deeper into the back catalogue and play some songs that are favourites I know people will want to hear. And as much from my new work as makes sense. Every now and then I'll play songs that just occur to me.

Where do you feel more comfortable, fronting Soundgarden or performing solo?

They're the same, in terms of comfort level. At the beginning of a Soundgarden tour it's [weird]. A couple of shows into it, it's just as natural and normal as can be. With acoustic touring it just seems like an insane thing to do, to walk out in front of a theatre full of people where I'm the only person entertaining them for the next two and a half hours. What the f*** am I doing? Once I walk out there all that goes away.

Are Soundgarden fans surprised by how funny you are when you're performing solo?

The rock bands I've been in have always been serious in terms of the themes, lyrics and persona. I can get away with it sometimes but it always feels inappropriate to go up and front Soundgarden, play a song and throw out funny quips and one-liners and get the crowd laughing. Solo is a completely different approach and one that I didn't have any idea I was capable of. I don't follow a set list, so nothing is planned.

Why no set list?

If you're the kind of performer who's been touring for years you might as well take advantage of the fact you're in a form where you can stop in the middle of a song, start another song, or play five songs in a row you didn't plan on playing, just because you can. Anything can happen on the night, in that moment, and the catalyst could be somebody yelling something. Nobody really knows what's going to happen, and that's about as exciting as it can get.

Where does your solo career leave Soundgarden?

We're already working on new Soundgarden songs. We've been writing and recording, progress is being made. There are so many possibilities in that band and everybody really still wants to keep making music. I'm definitely looking forward to it.