Table of Contents
- Damon Albarn's Emotional Journey
- Jen’s Perfect Pairing
- Time to Say ’ello to Eli
- The Week in Biz
- Dazzled by Doja
- Robyn’s Return So Sexi
- A Brum Deal for Benson
Damon Albarn has shared insights into his emotional experience while working on Gorillaz’ forthcoming album.
He and his bandmate Jamie Hewlett poured their grief from losing their fathers into their ninth album, The Mountain. Damon disclosed that he scattered his father's ashes during the creation of this collection.
Damon Albarn states that he and bandmate Jamie Hewlett transformed their grief over their fathers into Gorillaz’ new albumCredit: AFP
The band’s upcoming album, The Mountain, is their ninth recordCredit: check copyright
“Both Jamie and I have lost our fathers,” Damon shared.
“We embarked on two remarkable, magical trips to India.
“India offers a unique perspective on grief, as they maintain a very positive attitude towards death.
“In England, we struggle to cope with death.
“In a way, I believe this album is part of a tradition that honors their lives.
“I experienced things I had never done before. I swam in the Ganges in Varanasi.
“I witnessed bodies being cremated on the banks of the Ganges.
“In England, when we cremate a body, we don’t even see the bodies; they are covered immediately and placed in the fire, and the little curtains close, and that's it.
“On the banks of the Ganges, every family is present with the body wrapped in a shroud, and they are cremated. This occurs continuously, 24 hours a day, and has been happening for thousands of years.
“I took my dad’s ashes there and scattered them in the river. It was incredibly beautiful.”
Indian culture significantly influenced the album—set to be released in March—with the cover art featuring the title in Devanagari, a script used for the Indian Sanskrit language.
This time, the duo will not create their signature style; instead, they are developing a unique production.
Damon visited the River Ganges in India while creating the new albumCredit: Getty
Damon added: “We’re creating a full eight-minute piece.
“This is why we currently don’t have any videos, because it’s serious work. It’s fantastic that Jamie is focusing on producing one animated piece.
“Creating any animation is a significant undertaking. It's somewhat our Achilles’ heel since no other band invests this much time to produce even a small piece.
“So, let’s make it a standalone work of art and not rely on it for promotional purposes, allowing it to exist on its own terms.
“I believe fans will appreciate every facet of this album.”
Personally, I am eagerly anticipating it.
Jen’s Perfect Pairing
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson at the New York premiere of Die My LoveCredit: Getty
J-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her friendsCredit: Getty 
