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The
new album Human Nature feels like a cross between Mood Swings &
Higher.
Is
that something you would agree with? If so was that intentionally?
I think “Human Nature” is
definitely more in the spirit of those records.
Hopefully we have still presented the songs in a more modern way.
In
the Harem Scarem camp how does the writing process work?
Harry and I generally start working on song ideas on our own and when we
think we have enough to
get going we and start piecing it together.
A song can start from a melodic idea, guitar riff or lyrical idea,
it’s always different.
How
many songs did you write and how many did you record for the new
album?
We
usually write just enough songs for the record. The weeding out
process happens for us before the songs are ever finished so we
don’t end up writing 20 songs and keeping 12, we usually have
exactly what we feel we need for the record.
How
come Tony Harnell of TNT ended up doing backing vocals for the record?
Harry has been talking with Tony
off and on for a while
now about working together on a
project.
We’ve always been huge TNT fans so we thought it would be great to get
him to sing on the record.
What
is your favorite lyric topic?
I think the best lyrics always
come from some place real to the writer.
Relationship songs are always a favourite because everyone can relate to
heart ache in a relationship situation.
That’s what makes love such a powerful topic.
Is
there any topic you wouldn’t want to write about?
Personally I don’t feel a need to write anything
political in nature, I tend to stick to more base human emotions and
questions that we all struggle with .
What
is your favourite Harem Scarem album?
Probably “Voice Of Reason” I think it is the most
interesting of our records.
What
is your favourite Harem Scarem song?
I don’t know about my favourite song but if I had to
pick one to play for a new listener that I thought was a good
representation of what we do I think I would have to pick “No
Justice” or “Human Nature”.
What
song from Human Nature are looking forward the most to play live?
I think “Tomorrow May Be Gone”
will be a fun live track.
I’m really looking forward to getting out there and playing this record!
How
do you decide what songs to be included in the setlist?
It gets difficult after 11 records.
We generally try to pick 3 or 4
off the latest release and the rest are fan favourites from the last
10 records.
Are
there any plans for a DVD featuring all your promo videos?
There
is a DVD available with all our videos called “Video Hits And More”
There
are some brilliant Queen-ish
choir parts on Human Nature.
Is
Queen an old favorite band of
yours?
Queen were always one of our
favourite bands.
They have so many great songs, incredible performances…brilliant
music in my opinion.
What
band or artist is the biggest influence on Harem Scarem?
Hard to say…there have been all different influences
at different points in our carreer.
What
band/artist would you like to tour together with as a great package?
Again there are so many great bands it’s hard to say.
Are
there any regrets in your over 15-year history?
I don’t think there
are any regrets but sometimes we do look back at certain things
we’ve done and understand how we’ve confused our fans.
We’ve done some strange things like change our name and really
change up our music, the “Rubber” stuff was about a million miles
away from where Harem Scarem started and we are proud of all the work
we’ve done but sometimes the path we’ve taken does seem a little
strange.
What
is the proudest moment so far in your music life?
Personally I think my proudest moment was when we first got our
record deal in 91 or when Caparison made my signature guitar.
That’s the biggest compliment to a guitarist.
What
is the plan for 2007?
Hopefully we will get out and do some playing.
We are planning to come to Europe in the spring.
Since
Sweden Rock Festival is the greatest festival in the world!
Will we see Harem Scarem there next year? Or
at least in Sweden at some point?
We have always wanted to come and play Sweden and hopefully you
will see us there!
Thanks
Andy
Cheers
Pete
Lesperance
Andy
Flash
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