Damon Albarn Talks New Gorillaz Album & Wild Stories

Spend an unfiltered, hilarious, and insightful conversation with Damon Albarn of Gorillaz as he dives into the band’s new album, unexpected creative collaborations, field recording adventures in India, the origins of Gorillaz’ animated universe, and even a wild story about Dennis Hopper. From working with Bad Bunny, Stevie Nicks, Tame Impala, Beck, and more — to imagining Gorillaz inside the Las Vegas Sphere — this interview is packed with creative wisdom, humor, and behind‑the‑scenes stories fans have never heard before. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Dennis Hopper on a Mountain A surreal opening moment sets the tone as Damon recounts the album’s mysterious intro featuring Dennis Hopper. 01:00 – The Origins of Gorillaz’ Animated World Damon reflects on forming Gorillaz with Jamie Hewlett, watching trash TV, and dreaming up a “rock and roll swindle.” 02:10 – Building the Characters & Early Weird Ideas How Russell channeling dead rappers and other cartoon‑world concepts accidentally spilled into real life. 03:15 – Satire, World Chaos & The New Album’s Themes Damon explains how global disorder inspired tracks like “Happy Dictator.” 04:30 – The Story Behind “Orange County” Damon reveals the irony, the melancholy — and why the song does connect to the real Orange County. 05:08 – Bizarrap Remix & Creative Frequencies Why the BZRP version sounds so different, and how their frequencies “aligned.” 06:00 – Working With Legends: Bad Bunny, Stevie Nicks & More Damon shares why he prefers in‑person collaboration and stories from Jamaica to the studio. 07:10 – Dennis Hopper’s Role on the Album A cryptic hint about Hopper’s voice appearing “as a mountain.” 08:00 – Live Shows, The Palladium & The Big Future Tour Playing the full album live, plus teasing the “Glass Prison” and future tours. 08:50 – Should Gorillaz Play the Las Vegas Sphere? Damon reacts to the idea — why Gorillaz may have inspired it, and the “human hallucination.” 09:40 – Damon’s Relationship With Tech (or Lack Of) No phone, an old iPod, and the struggle of releasing music as fast as he creates it. 11:00 – Recording With a 90‑Year‑Old Bollywood Legend A first‑ever Gorillaz field recording with Asha Bhosle in her home. 12:20 – Touring India & Wrapping Up With L.A. Stories Plans for the India leg, L.A. venues, banjos, and a chaotic, fun ending. STAY CONNECTED!!! ► Listen Live: https://alt987fm.iheart.com/listen ► Facebook:   / alt987fm   ► Twitter:   / alt987fm   ► Instagram:   / alt987fm   #iHeartRadio