About this interview
In a 2008 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Max Cavalera of Soulfly reflected on his musical journey, spirituality, and the challenges of the music industry. He discussed his collaborations, including working with Dave Grohl on Probot, and admitted he was envious of Grohl’s idea to record an album with his musical heroes, jokingly calling him a “bastard” for thinking of it first. Cavalera took his contribution seriously, aiming to create something Grohl would be proud of.
The conversation delved into deep topics, including Cavalera’s thoughts on death, which he described as both frightening and liberating. He expressed a belief that life’s struggles end in death, but emphasized that he tries not to dwell on it. Instead, he focuses on making a mark through music, ensuring that his contributions to metal leave a lasting impact.
Cavalera also discussed his early days in Sepultura, recalling how they were once hated in Brazil, labeled as violent and unskilled. He admitted that criticism fueled him rather than discouraged him, using negativity as motivation to push forward. Even after Sepultura’s split, he remained determined, stating that losing everything and starting over with Soulfly was ultimately the best thing that happened to him.
Spirituality played a major role in the discussion, with Cavalera clarifying that being spiritual does not mean being religious. He shared his belief that music serves as his own form of spiritual connection, comparing it to a religious experience. He also recalled witnessing voodoo rituals in Brazil, where he saw people, including his own family members, become possessed and speak in unknown languages—experiences that deepened his belief in the mystical nature of life.
Despite years in the industry, Cavalera maintains a forward-thinking mindset, stating that he doesn’t dwell on past accomplishments. Instead, he focuses on the present and future, always working on new music and keeping his creativity alive. He expressed pride in his career but emphasized that he is still hungry to create and evolve, never content with simply resting on his legacy.