It has been three decades since Beck introduced his breakout song “Loser.” Over the years, Beck aimed to break free from the slacker image associated with him and venture into more refined music genres. This summer, he will express his admiration for the refined skill and precision involved in performing classical music through an orchestral tour, potentially marking a milestone in his career evolution.
Beck, aged 53, has always valued the unique and “spiritual” aspects of classical music, influenced in part by his father, composer David Campbell. The orchestral tour, which will culminate at Carnegie Hall, features arrangements crafted by Beck and his father. Before his performance at The Hollywood Bowl, Beck discussed his routine visits to the LA Philharmonic, his upcoming collaboration with Orville Peck, and his thoughts on the artistic possibilities of artificial intelligence.
Beck shared his experience preparing for the orchestral tour, noting the minimal rehearsal time and the magical aspect of bringing numerous musicians together to perform flawlessly. Compared to his usual rock shows with more production and kinetic energy, this tour allows for a more focused appreciation of the music and the orchestra’s sound.
Reflecting on his regular visits to the LA Philharmonic in the past, Beck described it as a personal pilgrimage that added depth to his life, noting the spiritual impact of the music on him. Working with his father on the orchestral tour, Beck highlighted their seamless working relationship, rooted in an unspoken understanding.
Regarding his collaboration with Orville Peck, Beck mentioned their friendship and shared excitement for creating music together. On the topic of artificial intelligence in art, Beck expressed a willingness to explore unexpected outcomes akin to chance encounters in music production, rather than seeking predictability.
When asked about future music releases, Beck expressed his constant music-making endeavors, aiming to complete and share his projects when time allows. While not confirming a live album for the orchestral tour, Beck acknowledged the uniqueness of the experience and the opportunity to showcase deeper cuts from his repertoire in a new light.
