Interviews: Jon Harris

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Instrumental Rock artist Jon Harris from Canada. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or came out just like that?

I decided to use my real name because the time felt right to not hide behind a moniker. If I had a stage name that I used already or had an idea for a stage name then perhaps I would have used it, though for right now, I just wanted the world to know me simply as Jon Harris.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I sat down to write the album 'Parallel Heart' with every anticipation of coming up with power metal, or some variation of power metal, however, I guess the Universe felt otherwise for me as I don't think any power metal ever showed up on the record. I learned throughout the process of writing the album to not fight what was coming to the surface creatively but rather to embrace it and own it. What ended up happening was sort of a mix of bluesy hard rock, funk, synthpop, etc. and I can only hope that it comes across as a cohesive musical journey for the listener.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I'm a solo act, so this isn't applicable.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Dokken.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I always ask myself if the riff or melody is telling a story. If the answer is yes, then I chase the meaning of the story at its core through the riff or melody. The album, 'Parallel Heart', was inspired a lot by relationships and the desire to have the time for everything we want to do in life.

6. Where was your last gig?

I don't remember the venue, though it was in Tucson, Arizona several years back when I was in a band called Insatia.

7. Where would you like to act?

Touring around Germany would be cool.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I've gotten comparisons to Joe Satriani, so that would be an honor.

9. Whom not?

No one in particular, though a genre mismatch would be odd for sure. Like if I got invited to open for a death metal band or something very different from what I've done on the album 'Parallel Heart'.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I've always felt jitters before going on stage, though thankfully never debilitating to the point where I cannot go on with the show. After about 30 seconds or so on stage, the feeling goes away. Tips for beginners, I suppose, would be to understand that it's perfectly normal and otherwise expected to have some level of stage fright. So long as it is not stopping you from performing, just try to feel its excitement.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The Beatles, CCR, Metallica, The Cure, Prince, Dokken / George Lynch

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Nothing weird to report yet, it's usually just asking how I did certain licks, riffs, tunings, gear, that sort of thing.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Obviously great people, and I'm still amazed anyone would take the time to listen to my musical meanderings, so for that I'm honestly just grateful.

14. What do you think of our site?

I like the rock-on emoji for the mouse pointer.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for reading, and rock on baby!