In a recent interview with Howard Stern, producer and guitarist Andrew Watt shared an exclusive story about the creation of Waiting for Stevie, one of the tracks on Dark Matter, Pearl Jam’s twelfth studio album, released on April 19, 2024, and produced by Watt himself.
The idea to involve Stevie Wonder actually originates during the recording sessions for Earthling, Eddie Vedder’s 2022 solo album. It’s the summer of 2021, and as Vedder and Watt work together on songs for the album, Eddie has a decisive moment of inspiration: to reach out to the other Pearl Jam members and begin recording new material. This creative spark marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band, which ultimately takes shape in Dark Matter.
At this time, Vedder and Watt envision having Stevie Wonder as a guest on a punk rock-sounding track, adding his harmonica to the mix. However, Wonder’s arrival is delayed: he was supposed to show up in the late afternoon but doesn’t arrive until 11:00 PM. During this wait, Watt and Vedder start to improvise in the studio, turning the delay into a moment of pure creative energy.
It is during this moment that Watt plays a guitar riff that immediately catches Vedder’s attention. Eddie’s reaction is instinctive: “Did I show you that riff?” The similarity to an idea Vedder has had in mind for years – perhaps since the No Code era – is striking.
The two continue to play, naturally blending their ideas until they create a solid and inspired structure. When the rest of Pearl Jam joins the process, Jeff Ament adds a bassline that brings depth and cohesion to the sound.
Watt also praises Josh Klinghoffer, former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and a long-time collaborator with Vedder. He describes Klinghoffer as an extraordinary musician, capable of bringing sensitivity, versatility, and creativity to every track. His contribution becomes fundamental to the Dark Matter recording sessions, adding nuances and details that further enrich the album.
The most magical moment arrives when Vedder begins to sing: the melody and the chorus come together instantly, as if they had always been there, waiting to emerge.
The title, Waiting for Stevie, comes directly from the wait in the studio for Stevie Wonder’s arrival. The result is a track that captures the energy and cohesion of Pearl Jam, encapsulating the spontaneity and chemistry of an unforgettable moment among incredibly talented musicians.
With Dark Matter, Pearl Jam once again demonstrates their ability to evolve without losing the essence that has made them one of the most influential bands of their generation. The album fits into their discography as a mature and powerful work, blending experimentation with tradition and offering fans a new testament to the creative vitality of the band.
Born in Reggio Emilia in 1980. He created pearljamonline.it in 2001 and wrote the first edition of “Pearl Jam Evolution” in 2009 along with his wife Daria. Since 2022, he is behind 2 podcasts: “Pearl Jam dalla A alla Z” and “Fuori Orario Not Another Podcast”. He has collaborated with Barracuda Style, HvsR, Rolling Stone, Rockol and Il Fatto Quotidiano. He continues relentlessly to try to find “beautiful melodies that say terrible things”.
Favorite song: Present Tense
Favorite album: No Code
Favorite bands/artists other than PJ: Tom Waits, Soundgarden, Ramones, Bruce Springsteen, IDLES, Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, Dead Kennedys, Mark Lanegan, Cat Power, R.E.M.