Joe Satriani Talks Concept Behind New ‘Shockwave Supernova’ LP

There's something about rock 'n' roll that can turn normally introverted people into wild men and women onstage. It's a power that Joe Satriani understands all too well on a personal level — and he used as a creative launchpad for his new album, Shockwave Supernova.

Satriani discusses the new LP, due July 24, in a wide-ranging interview with Songfacts, explaining that the idea for the record took root during a tour in Singapore. "I was walking out on stage, trying to remind myself not to play with my teeth anymore. And then, a few moments later, there I was, on my knees, playing with my teeth," he recalled. "I was like, 'Who is this person who does this?' It turned into a daydream that turned into a real idea for an album, which was that guy is "Shockwave Supernova," who I've been using to bring myself out of my normal shell, when I've got to go public."

That basic idea triggered an outpouring of material that was eventually winnowed down to 15 songs. Satriani admits that because it's an instrumental LP, fans don't really need to understand or even be aware of the concept behind the music, but it gave him a creative fulcrum that focused his songwriting.

"There is no narrative that anybody has to follow," he noted. "But each of the songs in my twisted view relate to this character as he remembers his whole career, and the crazy moments, the desperate moments, the wonderful moments, the moments that were just fun. They all relate to that story."

You'll Never Guess Who's Now Technically Eligible for the Hall of Fame

You Think You Know Sammy Hagar?