In simple terms, this quote suggests that musicians often appear self-important or overly serious when discussing their work and the issues they address through their music. They may come across as contradictory because while they express strong sentiments about various topics, their public persona might not fully align with those messages.
At a deeper level, James Iha's statement critiques the tendency of artists to convey intense emotions and profound ideas in their art but then seem less genuine or consistent when discussing these themes outside of their creative work. This can create an impression that they are merely playing roles rather than truly embodying the values they espouse through their music. However, it also raises questions about whether this perception is fair or if it's a necessary part of being a public figure who uses art to convey complex ideas.
James Iha is a musician known for his work with the band Smashing Pumpkins and later as a solo artist. He has been both a songwriter and guitarist, contributing significantly to alternative rock music in the late 20th century and beyond. His perspective on musicians and their public personas likely stems from his extensive experience in the industry and his reflections on how artists are perceived by their audiences.
