dUg Pinnick remains one of the most distinctive voices in modern rock and metal, and in this conversation we dig into both his creative present and his long, winding history. We open with his newest work — a brand-new solo album that he’s just wrapped — and the candid way he describes the vibe behind it. Pinnick talks about chasing raw energy, leaning into funk-heavy grooves and hard-rock punch, and blending the influences that have lived inside him since he first picked up a bass. He’s honest about the process too: he writes constantly, piling up countless demos over the years, and chooses the ones that speak loudest when it’s time to make a record.That creative overflow is something that’s defined his entire career. Born Douglas Pinnick in Illinois and raised in the Midwest, he cut his teeth in gospel, soul and R&B long before the rock world found him. Music became both a refuge and a compass, and by the late ’70s he crossed paths with Ty Tabor and Jerry Gaskill — the partnership that would become King’s X. Their chemistry was instant and undeniable. After years grinding on the Texas club circuit under different names, the band finally broke through in the late ’80s with a sound nobody else had: thick grooves, big harmonies, spiritual introspection, and Pinnick’s unmistakable voice tying it all together.King’s X went on to release a run of genre-defining albums across the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, influencing everyone from Pearl Jam to Dream Theater. Their catalog — from Gretchen Goes to Nebraska to Dogman to Ear Candy — built their reputation as one of the most respected musicians’ bands in rock. Pinnick talks about that legacy with both pride and humility, acknowledging how many artists cite them as a foundation while also admitting the band has always followed its own compass regardless of commercial trends.Today, he’s in a full creative swing again with his latest solo album completed and out in the world. He describes it as loose, funky, riff-driven, and honest — everything he enjoys about working alone, where he can chase any idea without compromise. He hints that if the stars align he’d love to bring some of the material to the stage, but he’s not pressuring himself with a schedule. For now, he’s simply enjoying making music that feels alive.And looking ahead, there’s real motion in the King’s X camp. All three members have talked about recording again, and Pinnick confirms they’ve been exchanging ideas and discussing a new album with an eye toward 2026. Nothing is locked in — King’s X will only release something if it feels meaningful — but the desire is there, and the songs are beginning to take shape. For fans, that’s enough to spark real hope. Between renewed solo energy and the possibility of another King’s X record, dUg Pinnick is entering yet another inspired chapter of a career that refuses to slow down.