Despite an impressive musical journey that spans over 40 years and boasts the sale of more than 14 million albums, the members of Tesla find themselves in a financial situation that is surprisingly challenging. This reality highlights the often-overlooked struggles faced by long-standing rock bands in the industry.

In a candid discussion with Sonic Perspectives, guitarist Frank Hannon revealed that the band’s extensive touring schedule is largely driven by their financial needs. He shared, “We’re a lot older now, and we have to tour a lot to make a living. We’re not rich. We never became millionaires.” This statement underscores the harsh truth that even successful artists need to constantly generate income to support their livelihoods. Additionally, Hannon explained that this necessity has led Tesla to pivot towards releasing singles rather than full albums. “We still have to pay our bills, and it makes more sense to release music while it’s fresh and enjoy it,” he emphasized, reflecting on their evolving approach to music production.

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Hannon elaborated on the significant financial strain the pandemic imposed on the band, noting that they are only beginning to recover from the consequences of being unable to tour for two years. “We took such a huge loss being grounded for two years that we’re still barely pulling ourselves out of that hole financially,” he expressed, painting a vivid picture of the challenges they face in the wake of global economic disruptions. This situation has compelled Tesla to adapt their strategies in response to the shifting landscape of the music industry.

“However,” Hannon continued, “the silver lining has been that when we focus on a song like our recent single, ‘All About Love,’ or even last year’s ‘Time To Rock!’, we can really commit to it and then perform it live while it’s still buzzing with energy. It tastes better,” he said, comparing the experience to savoring a freshly prepared meal. “It’s like eating a meal as soon as you get it off the stove — that’s when it tastes good. So, for us, we can write a song, bring it to life, and then hit the road to play it. Honestly, I prefer this process.”

Embracing the Shift: Why Tesla is Focusing on Singles

While some fans may lament the shift from album releases to singles, Hannon and his band members have fully embraced this new direction. “The days of taking a year off and spending countless hours in the studio arguing over 10 songs that won’t receive the attention they deserve are behind us,” he stated firmly. “The best way to create songs is to let them mature over time, trying them out during shows and refining them based on audience reactions.” This approach allows for a more organic development of their music, catering to the evolving tastes of their fanbase.

“Therefore, if you notice, many bands today, including ourselves, find that not every song on an album is as strong as it used to be,” Hannon observed. “The process of dedicating excessive time to perfecting every track has become unrealistic. It’s much more effective for us to concentrate all our energy on one or two songs, ensuring they’re the best they can be, and then taking them on the road while they’re still fresh in our minds.” This strategy not only revitalizes their creative process but also enhances the live experience for their fans.