Jared Leto Interview with Italian Vogue

As taciturn, or rather, enigmatic during interviews as he is wild onstage. The actor of Requiem for a Dream and Alexander now wants to focus on music. Which "makes him feel good," as he says. And the same goes for his - countless - fans




Jet lag perfectly suits Jared Leto. After a 12-hour-long flight, the American front man of rock band 30 Seconds to Mars (which on July 4th will play at Venice Heineken Jamming Festival) grants us a lazy interview. With him silences are long, and so are pauses and looks. However, even measuring out words, the singer and actor in films like Alexander, The Thin Red Line, Fight Club and Requiem for a dream, manages to express himself, allowing us a glimpse of his "martian" world.


With 30 Seconds to Mars you created a parallel world, can you tell us something about it?

My band and my fans are a unique entity, which I named Echelon. Echelons are spread throughout the world, and they are divided into armies of love. And the Italian army is one of the warmest.


You even involved your fans in the recording of your new album, This is War, didn't you?

Yes, we put an announcement on the forum of Echelons, where we explained that we wanted to organize some summits in Los Angeles to record voices, choruses and sounds they created. And the album cover was actually released in 2000 versions, with as many pictures of our fans.


Why this war title?

...


Let's change the question: is it a personal or general war?

You smell nice, you know that?


You aren't answering my questions, you know that?

(He laughs). Let's say both. We've had some problems with our record label, for an issue about rights to be payed. But you just need to have a look at what is happening in the world to understand that the battle could involve anybody. Economic crisis, pollution, violence... do I have to go on?


And in everyday life, how do you fight these things?
I'm a vegan. I respect the environment and I do my best to spread the importance of such an issue.


What's the tattoo on your arm?
(Jared smiles and pulls the sleeve of his glitter jacket down, but I can't see anything) Have you got any tattoos?

Maybe, why?
If you show me yours I'll show you mine.


Do you always need to hold the reins of the situation?
I wouldn't mind.


I noticed. Is your personal style more 'glam-rock' or 'emo'?
Oh no, please, don't call me 'emo'. Glam rock is OK. The Velvet Goldmineperiod was very fun.


You're always on set or on tour: what do you do in your free time?
This is my free time...


Sorry abut that. Are you happy?
I don't think much about happiness. But I know that playing music makes me feel good.


As you don't have any free time, how should your woman be?
Maybe she should be a journalist...

Carlotta Pianforini

Published:
05/11/2010


credit : jared leto online