Michael Shuman explained how Queens of the Stone Age chose to make a mellower record at a time when rock is experiencing a mainstream resurgence, a decision he describes as risky and true to the band’s nature. He discussed the creative process in an interview with DIY.
The bassist spoke about the band’s approach to recording and performing without modern studio tools, and how this contrasts with most other acts. He also addressed the songwriting collaboration between Shuman and frontman Josh Homme on the new material.
“In this modern music world, everyone has tools available to tune your vocals perfectly, especially with AI,” Shuman said. “One thing that’s really fun about our band is that we don’t use any of those things in the studio. Live, there’s no click track, backing tracks, [or] tuning of vocals. With 90% of the bands out there, that’s what’s going on. That’s maybe why it’s a unique experience to come and see us play live. We are unlike 90% of other bands.”
Shuman continued with his thoughts on the band’s creative direction. “There were moments in the record where we stopped, because it felt risky. Rock, thankfully, has been having this resurgence in the mainstream, and here we are, making a mellower record! But that’s so us. We’ve always been outsiders in that regard. A big part of the [difference] was having an open dialogue with Josh about his lyrics and how he delivers what he wants to say. He’s always had a mask on. [But] after going through all this turmoil, he’s had a lot of acceptance and got over some of the fear.”
The band’s decision to pursue a more mellow sound reflects their willingness to work against the grain even as rock gains commercial momentum. Queens of the Stone Age’s choice to record without tuning, click tracks or other modern tools underscores their commitment to a raw, live-sounding approach in the studio.
Perfecth, the ninth studio album by Queens of the Stone Age, was released on October 30, 2026 on Matador Records. The album was produced by Josh Homme along with bassist Michael Shuman and came from sessions tracked everywhere from New Orleans to Los Angeles. The material and recording sessions span several years, with the majority of the album being recorded between 2024 and 2026.
The album was inspired by the band’s experience of playing a stripped-back concert at the historic Parisian Catacombs back in 2024, which was captured for an accompanying concert film and live album. Each song was recorded live with no overdubs or edits, and the album is said to be inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery by letting cracks show. Lead vocalist Joshua Homme had dreamed of performing in the Catacombs since his first visit nearly 20 years ago, but the band waited until permission was granted to perform in the historical site.
Homme’s creative vision for Perfecth was shaped by personal struggles. He spent seven months in bed battling a health issue in 2025, and although he has not made the details of his illness public for privacy reasons, it was not his first medical scare. In 2022, he revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer the year before and had undergone successful surgery to remove it. Homme said he took writing this album to reflect how imperfect life can be.
Queens of the Stone Age announced a Spring 2027 North American tour with support from Pixies and Wheelchair Sports Camp.
