Ville Valo talks challenge of possible solo career

Ville Valo
Ville Valo (Image credit: Getty)

HIM frontman Ville Valo says a solo career is possible following the band’s farewell tour, but he’ll take stock before committing to anything.

The band are currently on the road and have dates planned until just before Christmas. And in this month’s Metal Hammer, Valo says he has ideas for new material, but admits he’s not sure what his next step will be.

When asked about a possible solo career, Valo says: “I don’t know what’s going to happen next. To feel better and to not be a depressed c*** you need to do something about it.

“I’ve picked up the guitar many a time and written songs for HIM that were never rehearsed because of the un-enthusiasm we felt for the collective work – and I just don’t want to be working on it right now.

“HIM needs to get out of the way for me to start afresh, and it’s going to be nice to let the songs lead the way. I don’t know if it’ll be post black-metal shoegaze stuff or not”

Valo reports he has “bits and bobs” written but admits: “I’m not sure if they’re good enough but I like them.”

He adds: “When I’m feeling down, I write music – it’s my musical meditation. It takes me away and it creates a world and this time around I’m creating a world where I can pick all the colours for it.

“I think it’s gonna be more artsy. I’ve always loved Sonic Youth and I always loved Dinosaur Jr. and Nirvana – those messy guitars. We always came more from Metallica’s world with HIM, but I love Smashing Pumpkins, too, or The Jesus And Mary Chain.

“I don’t know if it’s gonna be reggae – and I don’t care. All I can do is write a few ditties and see how life works and maybe I just need to stick a couple of new holes in my belt and eat a bit less rice every day, but I like the challenge.

“I’m a good problem solver. I miss the danger and the uncertainty.”

The full interview with Valo can be found in the new issue of Metal Hammer magazine, which is out now. Valo is the cover star, while the magazine also features Machine Head, Five Finger Death Punch, Cannibal Corpse, Amy Lee, Converge and much more.

HIM is dead: Ville Valo's final interview ever

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.