- Jamie appeared on 28 Minutes to discuss the band's latest project, The Mountain, as well as the creative journey that has shaped Gorillaz over the past twenty-five years.

- Hewlett revealed that the name Gorillaz was never intended to carry a political message. Instead, it originated from the fact that both he and Albarn were born in 1968, the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac. While Hewlett initially favoured the name Chimpanzee, Albarn argued that gorillas were bigger and more powerful, and the rest is history.

- Reflecting on his artistic influences, Hewlett spoke about growing up with Looney Tunes, particularly Daffy Duck, as well as the impact of Mad Magazine, Métal Hurlant, Mad Max and the work of animator Chuck Jones. These influences, combined with later inspirations such as Hayao Miyazaki, helped shape the distinctive visual identity for which he is known today.

- Discussing his creative partnership with Damon Albarn, Hewlett explained that most Gorillaz projects begin with music. Albarn typically arrives with a collection of new songs, and together they develop the visual world, characters and narratives around them. He praised Albarn’s remarkable productivity, joking that if left alone for ten minutes, he would probably write an entire album.

- A major focus of the interview was the influence of India on The Mountain. Hewlett described the trip he and Albarn made there as profoundly life-changing. The album was inspired by Indian spirituality and its perception of death as a transition rather than an ending. Witnessing funeral ceremonies in Varanasi left a deep impression on him, particularly the way grief and celebration coexist within Hindu traditions.

- The conversation also drew parallels with the Beatles’ famous 1968 journey to Rishikesh. Hewlett explained that he visited the same region and that the experience transformed both his artistic outlook and Albarn’s musical approach. According to him, India is a place of constant sensory stimulation, where beauty, chaos, spirituality and everyday life unfold simultaneously.

- When asked about the rise of nationalism in Britain, Hewlett defended the value of international collaboration. He argued that Gorillaz owes much of its success to working with artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In his view, creativity flourishes when people share ideas across borders rather than retreating into isolation.

- Finally, Hewlett spoke warmly about his life in France, where he has lived for around fifteen years with his French wife. Asked whether he would like French citizenship, he admitted that he would happily accept a French passport if given the opportunity, while joking that he was not as fortunate as George Clooney.