Wolfgang Van Halen Reveals What Keeps Him Creating New Music—Even on Tour

Wolfgang Van Halen is already looking ahead to new music, even while spending months on the road with his band Mammoth. 

In a recent interview, the musician opened up about what motivates him to continue writing and creating despite the demands of touring.  

When asked how he stays motivated to work on new material while constantly performing live, Van Halen explained that he views touring and recording as two separate creative cycles. 

“I have two different batteries,” he said. “I have a recording battery and a touring battery. And when I’m touring, the recording battery charges, and when I’m recording, the touring battery charges. So I’m never feeling empty on either side.” 

Although Mammoth still has more touring ahead in support of its latest album The End, Van Halen revealed that he has already started thinking about future music. 

“We’re definitely past the halfway mark of the touring cycle for ‘The End’, so I’m definitely starting to just ruminate and think on ideas and stuff I have and some new stuff I’ve written,” the singer and multi-instrumentalist said.  

Van Halen also credited his longtime collaborators for making the recording process enjoyable. 

He explained that working with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette and engineer Jef Moll feels like spending time with friends. “It just feels like getting together with friends and just having a good time and writing music that sounds good to you. So, it’s always a pretty easy process.” 

The Mammoth frontman revealed that he already has numerous ideas waiting to be developed. Still, there’s no confirmed timeline yet for a new record. 

“It’s very much up in the air,” Van Halen shared. “Maybe next year, but who knows? I know we’ll probably get in the studio next year at some point, but in terms of a release, I have no idea.”