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He knows who he is, what he loves, and that industry-sanctioned career benchmarks cant define him.
Despite this, the reclusive singer still cares deeply about his music and how it resonates with his listeners.
The name of Rexs fourth studio album,Who Cares?
On the other hand, who cares?
Its left up for interpretation by design.
Rex recognizes that he, like all of us, is an amalgamation of contradicting thoughts and emotions.
Like life, the only constant that Rex highlights through 11 songs is change.
You performed for the first time in two years at the beginning of March.
How did the audience receive the new music?It was great.
It was really nice to be back, and people seemed to like it.
Its funny when youre playing a song that no ones heard before.
Its silent, so no one is singing along.
I dont mind that.
I guess well see when it really gets released.
Was that the case withWho Cares?as well?
I noticed youtweetedthe title back in September 2020.Yeah, this was the same deal.
Like, Who cares, whats the point?
Then it expanded on its own, and Ive found that thats usually the way it goes.
Just look at it like, Who cares?
I think most people do, and thats just a cycle.
I wouldnt be putting music out if I didnt care.
So the question mark reflects who cares about me, because I want to know.
But equally, Im somebody who throws around I dont care a lot.
Have you ever said fuck that shit about somebody or something, and its not been totally considerate?
And he carried on about every example of being both sides of the coin.
Were living on a scale; theres no such thing as good or bad.
I think thats like the title.
It just means both at all times.
Tyler, the Creator is the only feature on the album.
Hes like a mentor for me.
I was having a tough time making music freely, and he gave me a lot of great advice.
So its amazing that we have a relationship.
It initially sounded like he should be on there.
It just sounded legendary to me.
I just sent him the song with the BPM, and then he got it done very quickly.
I love what he did, too.
And its about trying to be authentic to myself and always reminding myself why Im here.
I love what I do, and Im here because I put my music out and people care.
I dont have to carry on and catastrophize everything.
Really, life just isnt easy.
I absolutely do care so much, and thats why Im here.
Shoot Me Down feels like the emotional centerpiece of the album.
Does that song have any extra impact or importance to you?I definitely love that song.
That probably has the most chords on the album.
Other than that, I love Making Time.
Thats one of my favorite songs on the album.
Thealbum coverfeatures you between a bunch of Dalmatians, sitting on a rug made of grass.
It was not my house.
I really wanted to do something super-surreal, and I love animals so much.
I wanted to have a bunch of the same animal there, too.
To tell you the truth, I was down with whatever.
I saw this unbelievable photo of a Dalmatian and knew I needed them in the shot.
You were 21 when you releasedPony.
Thinking theres a certain way to do it.
I just realized there is no particular way to do it.
If you do it, and you love what you do, people are going to listen.
As long as you love what you do, the other stuff doesnt matter.
And as a person, I feel like Ive learned how to accept my feelings.
I understand the things I cant change, and Im changing the things that I can.
I cant kindly everyone.
The worst thing Ive ever said was to myself.
We only have one life to live, so just be yourself and see how that goes.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
