Tame Impala Strikes Back: Music fans are buzzing again Tame Impala is back in the spotlight, not just for his upcoming album Deadbeat, but also for his bold response to critics who claim he’s gone “commercial.” As Kevin Parker, the genius behind Tame Impala, prepares to drop his fifth studio album on October 17, he’s making one thing crystal clear: his art has never been about chasing money it’s about following passion, risk, and evolution.
Kevin Parker Pushes Back Against “Sell Out” Accusations
In a candid chat with Zane Lowe, Parker opened up about the ongoing perception that he’s turned to more commercial sounds to cash in. His response was sharp, reflective, and unapologetically honest.
“If I didn’t care about the music anymore and I just wanted to make money,” Parker said, “you’d know because I’d just do the same thing again. I’d know exactly what would happen. What radio stations would play it. Who’d like it. It would all be so predictable.”
He went on to add with a smirk, “Making a bunch of ‘Elephant’ re-dos would’ve got me on every car commercial in America.”
Parker’s reference to “Elephant” the thunderous 2012 hit from Lonerism highlights the tension between artistic integrity and mainstream expectations. While the song remains one of his most recognizable tracks, Parker insists he refuses to repeat himself just to stay on top.
Creativity Over Comfort
Reflecting on his 2015 masterpiece Currents, Parker admitted that album felt “risky” because of how different it was. “There weren’t many guitars, I was using drum machines, it was electronic, electro in some parts… it was scary,” he said. “But I remind myself that I’d far rather it this way than the one where I know everything is planned out ahead of me.”
For Parker, making the same music again would feel like artistic defeat. “If I did that, that’s how you’d know I’ve given up as an artist,” he explained. “If I ever do, it’s only because I felt like it not because it’s what’s expected.”
The honesty in his words shows a man deeply aware of his artistic journey. For Parker, risk is not a problem it’s a requirement.
The Stories Behind His Iconic Tracks
Interestingly, Parker also revealed that some of Tame Impala’s biggest hits almost didn’t make it onto their albums. “Every song… every single song has been deliberated over. I’ve loved it and hated it,” he told Lowe.
Songs like “New Person, Same Ol’ Mistakes” and “Elephant” were close to being scrapped, yet both went on to define eras of his music. The former even caught the attention of Rihanna, who covered it on her 2016 album ANTI a version Parker later said he “loved.”
New Album and Massive World Tour
As Parker gears up for the release of Deadbeat, excitement is at an all-time high. The album drops October 17, marking another bold chapter in his constantly evolving sound. Following its release, Tame Impala will embark on a huge US, UK, and European tour that stretches into 2026.
The tour kicks off this October at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center before heading across major cities like Chicago, Austin, San Diego, and Los Angeles. In spring 2026, Parker brings the magic to London’s O2 Arena (May 7), followed by stops in Manchester (8), Birmingham (9), Glasgow (11), and Dublin’s 3Arena (13).
Staying True to His Vision
For over a decade, Tame Impala has blurred the lines between rock, psychedelia, and electronic music creating soundscapes that feel both intimate and universal. And as Parker prepares to unleash Deadbeat, his message to fans and critics alike is simple: authenticity will always win over formula.
He’s not interested in chasing trends or making safe hits. He’s chasing feeling the kind that lingers long after the final note fades.
Disclaimer:This article is based on publicly available information and interviews with Tame Impala (Kevin Parker). All quotes, tour dates, and album details are credited to their original sources. This piece is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
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