Gypsyhawk – Interview with Eric Harris

I had the pleasure of catching up with Eric Harris,the bassist and singer of American rockers Gypsyhawk for an interview. The band’s second album ‘Revelry & Resilience’ was released earlier this year.

Can you please introduce Gypsyhawk to the readers, please?

Yeah man. My name is Eric, I sing and play bass. Andrew Packer and Erik “Ronald Kirkland Houser” Kluiber are on blazing lead and rhythm guitars. And we have Ian “P.P. Rider/Gian/Pepsi Tomatohead” Brown on the thunderous drums. That’s it. Is this what you wanted?

How did you come up with the idea of the band?

I was stoned. And me and this dude, Greg, who you don’t know, were talking about cool sounding band names. I’m pretty sure every thirteen year old kid does this kind of shit.

How would you describe the Gypsyhawk style/sound?

Um, cool. And real. I like to fancy that I translate “soul” into the music I write, which probably falls way far from what I want, but whatever. So, let’s say soulful and fuckin’ fun.

How different was it recording ‘Revelry & Resilience’ to the  recording process for your first album, ‘Patience & Perseverance’?

Not that different, other than the line up. We recorded with Zack and he fucking RULES shit. Having Ron Houser and P.P. Rider ALWAYS makes for a better time though. I love those dudes.

Do you have a particular writing process for songs or is it different for each song that you come up with?

No, it’s whatever. Seriously. We’re not real organized.

Do you have a favourite track on ‘Revelry & Resilience’? If so, why?

I like Silver Queen a lot. It sounds super radio poppy to me for some reason, but it’s still grooves and shakes.

Do you have any all time favourite albums or songs?

Yes.
The Blood “False Gestures For A Devious Public”
Puke “Back To The Stone Age”
Thin Lizzy “Johnny The Fox”
Deep Purple “In Rock”
One Common Voice “S/T”

Any memorable band experiences that you would like to share?

Fuck. Maybe? If I could ever remember. We mostly just do that dumb “you had to be there” kinda shit.

What is planned next for you guys? Will we see you in the UK soon?

We’re tourin’ with The Sword in October through December. That’s a real tight fucking deal. I wish you’d see us in the UK. Ask Metal Blade to send us, they have all of our allowances. But most likely you’ll see Ron Houser getting arrested somewhere.

Any messages you would like to pass on to the readers?

Stay high, get drunk, get laid and be excellent to each other.

Many thanks to Eric for taking the time to fill this out.

Lineup:
Eric Harris – Bass/Vocals
Andrew Packer – Guitar
Eric Kluiber – Guitar
Ian Brown – Drums

Links:
http://www.facebook.com/gypsyhawkusa
http://gypsyhawkusa.blogspot.com