SIMON:
You’re so big among kids. You are, you know, to the 10-, 17-year-olds, I guess,
what Bob Dylan was doing to, you know, a previous generation.
PERRY:
I’ll take that comparison.
SIMON:
Do you want to be something for them? Does it make you . . .
PERRY:
Well, I think I like to be an inspiration. I think when you set out to be an
artist, first and foremost – a musician, a rock ‘n’ roller – you don’t come
with this kind of, like, hey, I also want to be a role model that, obviously,
will let you down because I’m a human being. And a lot of people see me as a
role model but I’d like to kind of turn that around and say I appreciate that
but I’d like to be seen as an inspiration. Because a role model, I think, will
fail you. I mean, I couldn’t tell kids when it’s time for them to try things or
do things. I mean, that’s not my role. But, you know, it’s funny. I do see
myself becoming this, whatever, inspiration out of default right now, ’cause it’s
such a strange world. Like females in pop – everybody’s getting naked. I mean, I’ve
been naked before but I don’t feel like I have to always get naked to be
noticed. But it’s interesting to see . . .
SIMON:
Are you talking about anyone in particular or we can fill in the blank?
PERRY:
I’m not talking about anyone in particular. I’m talking about all of them. I
mean, it’s like everybody’s so naked. It’s like put it away. We know you’ve got
it. I got it too. I’ve taken it off for – I’ve taken it out here and there. And
I’m not necessarily judging. I’m just saying sometimes it’s nice to play that
card but also it’s nice to play other cards. And I know I have that sexy card
in my deck but I don’t always have to usethat
card. And especially like with this new song called “Unconditionally” that’s on
the record.