At a time when backing tracks, programmed elements and click tracks have become commonplace in live music, Taylor Momsen is proudly doing things the old fashioned way.
Speaking with Germany’s Rock Antenne, the The Pretty Reckless frontwoman opened up about the band’s commitment to keeping their live performances as raw and authentic as possible, even if that means embracing imperfections along the way.
For Momsen, authenticity starts long before the band steps on stage (per Blabbermouth):
“Like anyone, I love what I love, and I love classic rock and I love all the ’90s stuff, and I love authentic playing,” she explained.
“We don’t use the computer or anything like that to enhance anything. The computer is simply a tape machine; it is simply recording. There’s no tuning. There’s no fixing of anything. It’s about capturing a performance, because that, to me, is what is authentic.”
The singer believes that relying too heavily on technology removes the human element that makes music connect with listeners in the first place.
“As soon as you manipulate something, you’re taking the human out of it, and I just don’t see the point,” she said.
That philosophy extends directly to the stage, where The Pretty Reckless intentionally avoids the production tools many modern touring acts rely on.
“It’s fun playing music with your friends,” Momsen said. “And there is no production, there is no tracks, there’s no click track — there’s none of that. It’s just the four of us on stage. We turn up, and every night’s different, and it’s exciting.”
Perfection is the imperfection
While many artists strive for flawless performances night after night, Momsen sees things differently.
“I think the perfection is in the imperfection,” she said. “That’s the human quality that can’t be emulated, and that’s the magic. That’s what you’re striving for.”
The comments arrive as The Pretty Reckless prepares to release its fifth studio album, Dear God, on June 26th. The record follows a busy period for the band, including a lengthy world tour with AC/DC and several high profile performances that have kept Momsen firmly in the spotlight.
Whether fans agree with her stance or not, Momsen’s perspective taps into a growing conversation within rock music about authenticity, technology and what audiences really want from a live show. For The Pretty Reckless, the answer seems simple: four musicians, one stage and no safety net.
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