Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer discussed recording at John Frusciante’s home in a recent Josh Mail on Josh-Klinghoffer.org.
A fan asked, “Hi from Australia. I thoroughly enjoy listening to your band, Dot Hacker. I have a question about a song, my favourite, Discotheque. I just wanted to ask how that song came about if you remember. I am constantly listening to it on repeat and am mesmerised by the lyrics and sounds. Love your creativity with words. Thank you ? p.s please come to Aus again!”
Klinghoffer responded, “That’s one of my favourites too! I’m glad you like it. I believe that song was born, in John F.’s garage. I think I may’ve just been round his house making demos whilst he was out of town. It was just the initial four chords and the baseline at first. For years, I had this little recording. When Dot Hacker formed, I showed them and it became a song. We added the other parts, where the chords change, etc. That’s always one of my favourites live too.
The lyrics, I’m glad you like them. I know what I’m thinking when I say them, but I feel like that’s a wonderful example of me being either too fearful to be more direct with lyrics so I opt for real obscurity in both content and articulation. ‘That look in your apocalyptic eye’ makes me cringe to say. I wanted to say ‘That look in Europe, I…’ Rather than actually following the lyrical path I wanted for the song, I stopped for lunch, or started doing something else. I still love that song, but…I don’t know. Maybe I’ll tighten up the lyrics for the Inhibition 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. I like the line “We’ll dry off in the reign,” but you can’t even hear it on the record.”
