A Dirty Dozen with HARLIS SWEETWATER – March 2023

According to a recent press release: “Rock N Roll / Blues / Soul Musician Harlis Sweetwater has released a new single titled “Won’t Be Satisfied.” The gritty rock n roll tune features some punk and rock n roll heavy hitters featuring David Hidalgo of the iconic Los Lobos on guitar, and John Doe of the legendary punk band X on bass. “Won’t be Satisfied” is now available on all streaming platforms via My Grito Industries.” We get Harlis to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Although I do love songs that you can listen to a thousand times and always discover something new within the music that you didn’t hear before, and I have recorded songs in that fashion, but “Won’t Be Satisfied” is a no frills, straight ahead rocker!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I have always loved and been drawn to music from the moment I heard it, even before I could song or play an instrument.  As a toddler I can remember that music was always  being played in our house and in the car. But, at the age of 7 or 8  I clearly remember my Mom asking me to come sit down and check out  a particular record  that she wanted to play for me. It was Chuck Berry’s Golden Decade Vol 1. The music grabbed me right away, but as I sat there listening and opening the gatefold album cover, the inside photo completely changed me right there and then! It was a live shot of Chuck, and it floored me. I knew right then and there  that I wanted to sing and play music.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Really it was that album that set the tone as a foundation for me and  propelled me backwards into older blues and country music and forward as well into bands from the 1960s like the Beatles, Stones,  Janis Joplin, The Doors and on and on. I discovered Punk through my brother and that was an amazing discovery as well and definitely has inspired and influenced my music in a big way.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Brian Wilson. Hands down, Brian would be the one I would like to collaborate with. He is a HUGE musical idol for me.  I absolutely love the Beach Boys and all the records and sounds they produced and especially the songs and albums that Brian worked on. A TRUE genius. The Beach Boys are definitely my favorite band of all time.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I’m always working on music in some way or another. But other than that, I guess drinking beer and hangin’ out with my friends is something that I love doing when I’m not doing something with music.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Up until recently I’ve produced music that would simply be described as Blues Rock… and that’s cool. It’s the music that I have made in the last couple of years that’s been more eclectic. But if I had to describe my own music, I suppose I would say “Soulful Rock and Roll.” I really can’t say that there has been any odd comparisons that I would cringe or disagree with, thankfully.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I’ve run through a lot of musicians over the years. Touring can really take its toll on people. But, I’m the most extroverted one in the group, usually. I’m always ready to crack a beer and put on some tunes. It’s the first thing  I do when we reach the hotel when out on the road.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I’ve never been starstruck. I mean, we are all just humans doing our thing. Though I will say that it was super bad ass to interact with my childhood idol Ace Frehley of KISS when I opened for him in 2015. That was really cool!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

There are so many “best parts” to being a musician that it’s hard to nail down just one. But playing live in front of people and connecting with them through music and energy,  is pretty amazing.  For me, the 30-90 minutes (or whatever it may be) that I’m on stage losing myself in the sound, the music, and the energy of it all is pretty awesome.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Oh I don’t think in terms like that when it comes to discussing music, writing, recording etc. I mean, talking about music with anyone and everyone is all good with me.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

No, not really. I feel lucky that I’ve been able to look back on things that I think  I could have or should have done better or differently and apply what I’ve learned to help move forward. that my “thing” you know… to keep moving forward, to  continue progressing  and now feeling more free with my music.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

That’s a great question and one I’ve never been asked! Most definitely would be Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys!  What an incredible and amazing album and in my opinion, the greatest of all time.” To have been a part of that in any way,  shape or form would have been  life changing I’m sure!

HARLIS SWEETWATER LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews