FUSE TV - Morrissey: "I'm Halfway Through My Novel"

Former Smiths frontman Morrissey released his brilliant Autobiography last year—available in the original UK version and a puritanically abridged U.S. version that excises parts about his relationship with a man—to critical acclaim and banging sales. Now, it appears a fictional follow-up is on the way.

"In 2013 I published my Autobiography and it has been more successful than any record I have ever released, so, yes, I am mid-way through my novel," Morrissey told a Morrissey fanzine. Take note that he said "novel" and not "memoir": This is a guy who chooses his words carefully, so don't expect this next book to be Autobiography: The Extended Edition.

But back to the quote: When you consider it in the context of his life, this response is somewhat surprising. He's saying that he's writing a novel because his debut book sold well, not because his muse told him to. Moz has never been known for giving the people what they want (i.e., a Smiths reunion), but it sounds like he's factoring in economics to these future literary plans.

He expounded on that further in the interview. "I have my hopes [about the novel]," Morrissey said. "The actuality is that radio stations will not play my music, and the majority of people have lost faith in the music industry… there really is no passion left in pop or rock music." But fear not, faithful Mozzers: He also revealed he's "about to record [a] new album," so he's far from done with his first passion.

Elsewhere in the interview, Morrissey continued to slam the current state of music, opining that the business is so top-to-bottom that nothing fresh can ever hit the charts again. His prediction: "You will never be taken by surprise by a hit song that sounds out of place."

Not sure about that one, Moz: Did you miss a little thing called the "Harlem Shake"?! Yes? Good. You'd probably hate it.