Tipped for the top The Hara are on a roll right now that has seen them become festival favourites wherever they play. Their unique magic box of music coupled with a stage show heavy on visuals makes them a must see experience. Josh (vocals), Zack (guitar) and Jack (drums) discussed the importance of putting on a show and the new musical artists breaking through with Devo’s Gary Trueman
How was it playing at the full sized Download?
“It was absolutely thrilling. What an experience. What a feeling, you can’t beat it. We’ve been waiting a year to do it again after last year.”
You played the Pilot a year ago which was an emotional event and then again this year. Do you think the vibe has carried on a little bit?
“That hunger for live music, people just getting out and seeing stuff, it’s there now. It’s a resurgence and you can feel it. We’re just so grateful to be back. To see the tent packed out again and that energy there, beautiful!”
You’re moving forward all the time as a band. What have you got lined up?
“We premiered a new song at the end of our set and it was crazy. For the rest of the year we’ve got new music coming out. We’re in a good place right now.”
A new album maybe?
“We’re not saying the A word right now.”
There is actually quite a thing at the moment for bands to dribble singles out rather than a big body of work in one go. Fans can pick out tracks from an album so maybe this is something we’ll see more and more?
“We’ve done six Eps with that same kind of ethos. We found that it worked for us and was a really good way to build the band. We do live in that world where for us to build that community with our fans it made sense. Never underestimate a good body of work though.”
It’s important that fans understand that creatives such as musicians need to progress their work as well isn’t it? They need to be prepared for music to change.
“It’s all about that. Every song, every EP we’ve done, it’s about that progression and constantly evolving. We just want to surprise ourselves as well, to keep it interesting for us as musicians, trying new stuff, and bringing in different tastes.”
You have a great image on stage which a lot of people have picked up on. It is about the show when you’re live rather than just the music isn’t it? People want to see a spectacle?
“Someone said if you just play music then you might as well listen to the record. Like you said live music is about putting on a show and that’s something we’ve always lived by, going out there and giving the people what they want. Mosh pits, wall of death, you name it.”
You’re from Manchester which has a pretty good reputation for music. How is it at the moment? Has it been hit by all of the small venue closures we’ve been seeing?
“The scene is still great. We’ve never really called ourselves a Manchester band as such. From day one we’ve always wanted to hit everywhere. There is a good scene in the city though. There has been a couple of venue closures.”
Download play their part by booking a lot of emerging artists, the ones pushing through naturally rather than the ones the big labels want to break. So that DIY ethos can only grow if the big festivals lend their support isn’t it?
“For sure, they’ve always been a massive champion of our band. A few years ago we first got booked before Covid and ever since then they’ve been by our side. They’ve booked us ever since. It’s good that they can see past the façade of the big labels and book great looking bands like us… haha. Best band in the world!”
Best band in the world, so can you see yourselves up on the main stage headlining one day?
“Definitely, it’s happening. Give us five years.”
Seriously though there are all these young acts pushing at the door, some are here this weekend. You’ve got The Hara, Wargasm, Cassyette, Creeper, so many more. They booked Bimini this year too. They’re energetic and are bringing something new and fresh. It’s about time some of the oldies naturally faded away isn’t it?
“Yes and with those bands you’ve just mentioned, they’re bringing that energy now. It’s nice to see and it’s what the people want.”
Are you here all weekend?
“No we’re getting straight into our van and we’re driving to Prague to play a show there.”
So for the little time you are here will you have time to check out any other bands and if so who?
“Korn and Steel Panther. Those are the only two we can see. Zack is a super fan of Korn.”
Have you got any festival survival tips for our readers.?
“Drink water if it’s sunny or you’ll pass out like Zack did at Slam Dunk.”
Interview and photos by Gary Trueman