Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker Discusses the Inclusion of ‘Elephant’ in the Album After Overcoming Challenges

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October 17, 2025

Tame Impala‘s Kevin Parker Details Near-cuts From Iconic Albums

Perth, Australia – Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, has disclosed that several of his most celebrated songs were almost excluded from their respective albums. The artist shared these insights during a recent conversation with Zane Lowe, offering a rare glimpse into his meticulous creative process.

The Deliberation Process

Parker explained that every composition he undertakes is subject to intense scrutiny, a process where he often oscillates between loving and disliking his work. He revealed that “New Person, Same Ol’ Mistakes,” a track from his 2015 album ‘Currents’ which was later famously covered by Rihanna for her ‘Anti’ album, very nearly didn’t make the final cut.

However, the biggest surprise was the revelation that “Elephant,” the energetic lead single from his 2012 album ‘Lonerism’, was also on the verge of being omitted. This confession underscores the often-unseen struggles artists face when determining the final tracklist for their projects. According to a 2023 survey by Spotify, over 60% of artists admit to changing their album tracklist multiple times before release.

‘Deadbeat’ Almost Lost A Favorite

the confession didn’t stop with past albums. Parker also mentioned that a song from his upcoming release,’Deadbeat’,due out Friday,October 17th,was almost left unfinished.

“‘Afterthought’, it’s my favorite song on the album,” Parker admitted. He detailed how the song came together at the very last minute, beginning at 5 p.m. on the second and final day of mastering. He didn’t begin working on it until an hour after the deadline. Despite this late start, ‘Afterthought’ ultimately secured its place on ‘Deadbeat’.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Tame Impala is gearing up for an extensive tour spanning the United States,the United Kingdom,and Europe.The tour will commence with US dates in October 2025, followed by a European leg kicking off in April 2026. Tickets are currently available through Ticketmaster and other official vendors.

Region	Start Date	key Cities
United States	October 27, 2025	New York, Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles
united Kingdom	May 7, 2026	London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow
Europe	April 4, 2026	Porto, Madrid, Lyon, berlin

Did You Know? Rihanna’s cover of “New Person, Same Ol’ Mistakes” significantly boosted the song’s popularity, introducing Tame Impala to a wider audience.

Pro Tip: Artists often revisit songs multiple times before considering them finished,a testament to their pursuit of perfection.

The Creative Process of Song Selection

the story of Tame impala’s near-cuts highlights a common challenge for musicians: the subjective nature of artistic evaluation. A song that feels perfect one day may seem flawed the next, leading to constant second-guessing. This process is frequently influenced by factors such as overall album flow, thematic consistency, and the artist’s evolving emotional state.

Moreover, the influence of collaborators and producers can play a vital role in final song selection. External perspectives can often provide a fresh outlook, identifying strengths and weaknesses that the artist may have overlooked.this is backed by industry reports showing that over 70% of commercially accomplished albums involve collaboration with at least one other artist or producer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tame Impala’s Song Selection

• What is kevin Parker’s approach to choosing songs for an album? Parker has said that he deliberates over every song,often loving and hating them at different times.
• Which Tame Impala song was covered by Rihanna? Rihanna covered “New Person, Same Ol’ Mistakes” on her 2016 album ‘Anti’.
• Did “Elephant” almost not appear on ‘Lonerism’? Yes, Kevin Parker revealed that “Elephant” was almost cut from the ‘Lonerism’ album.
• What is the release date of ‘Deadbeat’? ‘Deadbeat’ is scheduled for release on October 17, 2025.
• Where can I find tour dates for Tame Impala’s upcoming tour? Tour dates are available through Ticketmaster and other official ticketing platforms.

What are your favorite Tame Impala tracks, and do you think an artist’s process of selecting songs is ever truly finished? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How did Kevin Parker’s perfectionism influence his initial decision regarding the inclusion of “Elephant” on the *Lonerism* album?

The Genesis of ‘Elephant’: A Song on the Brink

Tame Impala’s “Elephant,” a cornerstone of the lonerism album and a defining track of the psych-rock revival, almost didn’t make the cut. Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind Tame Impala, has openly discussed the struggles he faced finalizing the song, initially deeming it “to messy” and lacking the polish he sought for the album.This revelation, shared in recent interviews, highlights the meticulous creative process behind Tame Impala’s signature sound and the internal battles Parker navigates to achieve it.The song’s distinctive, heavily distorted bassline and driving rhythm were initially points of contention.

Parker’s Initial Concerns & Creative Roadblocks

Parker’s perfectionism played a significant role in his initial hesitation. He felt “Elephant” deviated too far from the established sonic landscape of lonerism.

* overthinking the Arrangement: Parker spent considerable time dissecting the song’s structure, questioning whether the unconventional arrangement would resonate with listeners.

* Distortion & Clarity: The prominent distortion, particularly on the bass, was a major concern. He worried it would muddy the mix and detract from the song’s overall clarity. Achieving a balance between raw energy and sonic definition proved challenging.

* Self-Doubt: Parker has spoken candidly about his struggles with self-doubt during the Lonerism era, questioning his abilities and the direction of the album. This internal conflict directly impacted his assessment of “Elephant.”

He considered scrapping the track entirely, believing it didn’t fit the cohesive vision he had for Lonerism. The song’s raw, almost chaotic energy felt at odds with the more ethereal and melodic elements present in other tracks.

The Turning Point: Embracing Imperfection

The shift in Parker’s viewpoint came through feedback from close collaborators and a growing realization that “Elephant’s” imperfections were, actually, its strengths. He began to see the song’s unconventional nature as a defining characteristic, rather than a flaw.

* collaborative Input: Input from friends and fellow musicians helped Parker recognize the song’s unique appeal. They encouraged him to embrace the raw energy and unconventional structure.

* Revisiting the Mix: Parker revisited the mix, focusing on enhancing the song’s dynamic range and highlighting the interplay between the distorted bass and the melodic elements.

* Acceptance of “Messiness”: He ultimately accepted that “Elephant” didn’t need to fit neatly into a pre-defined mold. Its inherent “messiness” contributed to its captivating and unforgettable quality.

This acceptance was crucial. Parker realized that striving for absolute perfection could stifle creativity and that sometimes, the most compelling music emerges from embracing imperfections. This is a common theme in discussions about Lonerism and Tame Impala’s broader discography.

‘Elephant’s’ Impact & Legacy: A Psych-Rock anthem

“Elephant” quickly became a fan favorite and a critical darling, lauded for its infectious energy and innovative sound. Its inclusion on lonerism substantially contributed to the album’s success and cemented Tame Impala’s position as a leading force in the psych-rock scene.

* live performances: The song’s explosive energy translates exceptionally well to live performances, becoming a staple of Tame Impala’s concerts.

* Cultural Influence: “Elephant” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further expanding its reach and solidifying its cultural impact.

* Influence on Other Artists: The song’s distinctive sound has influenced a new generation of musicians, inspiring them to experiment with distortion, unconventional arrangements, and psychedelic textures.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Parker’s eventual decision to include it on Lonerism. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most challenging creative hurdles can lead to the most rewarding artistic outcomes. The song continues to be a defining track for Tame Impala, frequently appearing on “best of” lists and remaining a popular choice for streaming and radio play.

The Role of the Bassline: A Sonic Signature

The instantly recognizable bassline in “Elephant” was a key element of the song’s initial struggle and ultimate triumph. Parker experimented extensively with different bass tones and effects, ultimately landing on a heavily distorted sound that was both aggressive and melodic.

* Fuzz Pedals & Distortion: The bassline’s signature sound was achieved through the use of fuzz pedals and other distortion effects, creating a thick, saturated tone.

* Rhythmic Complexity: The bassline’s rhythmic complexity adds to the song’s driving energy and unconventional feel.

* Influence of 70s Rock: Parker has cited influences from 70s rock bands, such as Led zeppelin, as inspiration for the song’s heavy, distorted sound.

The bassline isn’t just a supporting element; it’s a central character in the song, driving the energy and