Review Fix Exclusive: Bryan Haraway Talks ‘Alive’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Bryan Haraway, who discusses his origins and music and new track, “Alive,” off his upcoming Americana album.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Bryan Haraway: I was very lucky to grow up in a household where music was everywhere. In the corner was a guitar, by the window a piano with a clarinet leaning against it, and then my parents really committed and bought me a drum set when I was 11. And God bless them, cause the only thing worse than a drummer playing every day in your living room is a BAD drummer playing in your living room:)  And then from the stereo came Billie Holiday, Ella, Duke, Brubeck, Gershwin, BB King and a host of others. So my musical education was every day and by osmosis. 

Review Fix: What makes you unique?

Haraway: I don’t know for unique, but I do know that, in my opinion, a good artist is self effacing and self aware. I think it’s important for growth to be the person I want to be, not who I think or say I am.  

Review Fix: What was it like to work with Chad Brown? How did he make you better?

Haraway: Chad has a gazillion songs in his head that he can reference at anytime.  That allows him to throw ideas at me that I would never have thought of.  I have a song “Far Away” where my demo was this dancy-double-time thing and he convinced me to slow it down and make it spooky and man o’ man did it work. That song needs to be the opening credits of a detective show like Justified or something.  And other times he suggested some 80’s synths but I had to shut that down:)  But I will say this: Chad will make you a better record than the one you have in your head. 

Review Fix: What are your goals in music?

Haraway: The same as in life…to connect.  The power of music is amazing, weather it’s moving a large crowd, or on a 3 a.m. drive across the desert, music draws the gamut of emotions out of me.  And being able to make it and see the immediate reaction of a listener is just cool. Also playing opens a lot of doors to other people’s lives and I get to have amazing experiences and make friends I’ll never see again. But that’s the road, and I love it. 

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Haraway: I’m Americana, rock n roll, soul with a diy attitude. It’s accessible, heartfelt and honest. 

Review Fix: Why does Rock still matter?

Haraway: Rock still matters because in 100 years some 12 year old kid will hear the “Black Dog” riff for the first time and be blown away.  Of course it will be beamed into his head from Mars by President Robot-Google, but the feeling will be the same. Rock connects like a shot of adrenaline to the psyche…and libido:)

Review Fix: Who will enjoy this album the most?

Haraway: Anyone with ears and a heart.  This album is for everyone. Music lovers and musicians.

Review Fix: What makes this album special?

Haraway: All of it.  From the songs to the art.  The standout for me is definitely the players. Chad Brown and Co. make a hell of a team and everybody was stoked about the material and worked their butts off (musician-work not regular-people work:) to get it sonicly correct and take it to the next level. And then Keith Brogdon doing the art took it to another level. He’s amazing and his client list proves it. 

Review Fix: What’s the standout track? How was it written?

Haraway: I think “Alive” will connect with people. It’s got soul and a message. It’s about a past broken relationship, but instead of focusing on the negative, the song focuses on the beautiful parts. Relationships end, but somewhere, at sometime, it was beautiful; it was alive. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Haraway: Put the record out and take it to the world.  It’s one of my favorite parts of the creative process.  Make something, give it to the world, and see what the world does with it. 

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Haraway: I’ll see you on the road America!  Be truth, be kind, and be love.