Eels' Mark Oliver Everett Discusses 16th Album 'Cookie Happened' and Touring Hiatus

Mark Oliver Everett, known as E, the creative force behind Eels, has released the band's 16th studio album in 30 years, titled 'Cookie Happened'. The album's title is derived from a Cookie Monster quote: 'Me no cry because cookie's finished, me smile because cookie happened.' In an interview, E explained that he wrote the songs individually before realizing they all dealt with different facets of being human, and he adopted the quote as an overarching theme. He clarified that the opening tracks, 'Clobbered' and 'Cap in Hand', are written from the perspective of a character who is regretful and seeking redemption, not from his own current state. He stated that he is actually a happy person, glad to be alive. The song 'Dum Dums' was inspired by the current political climate in America and everyday encounters with rude people. E finds comfort in some of his own songs, such as 'One Razzle, one Dazzle', which deals with aging; he is 63 and feels young inside despite his body aging. 'All Is Forgotten' addresses mortality and the eventual forgetting of all human endeavors, which E sees as a brave and beautiful attempt to live fully. Eels have not toured since autumn 2023, and E cited economic reasons, the mental and physical toll of touring, and his desire to stay home with his nine-year-old son Archie as reasons for the hiatus. He suggested that touring might resume when Archie is old enough to join. The interview was conducted by Steffen Rüth for kulturnews.de.