March 14, 2005

Interview with Tony Harnell

What makes a great album?  There are probably thousands of correct answers to that question but while listening to STARBREAKER I came to the conclusion that one factor is simple – Great Artists!  I also believe that the technology of today helps tremendously in making great music.  All of these pieces come together on STARBREAKER’s new album!  I had a chance to catch up with Tony Harnell who has been rocking us for twenty years with TNT!  Tony is a well-accomplished vocalist, song-writer and producer.  With this release of STARBREAKER I believe we will see him reach the one million albums sold mile-stone!  Enjoy the interview and stop by www.starbreakerband.com to see more about the new band and http://www.tonyharnell.com to see more about Tony and his many strengths as an artist!

1. I’d first like to start out by saying thank you for taking the time to do this interview and would like to ask you to introduce yourself, Tony Harnell, the man behind the music?
Thank you, it's a pleasure.

2. I would also like to get a quick introduction to your new band, Starbreaker, and the other musicians that make up this exciting new group!
Well it's myself on vocals, Magnus Karlsson on Guitar, Fabrizio Grossi on Bass (also the producer) and John Macaluso on the drums. All accomplished musicians with long histories in the business.

3. While this can be considered a newer band, the musicians are definitely far from amateur! How did the line up come together and what do you think are the greatest strengths of the group?
We came together quite by chance and met through the record company that is releasing this album; Frontiers Records. I think the strengths of the band are that we are coming from different musical backgrounds and yet we all enjoy the same bands. So it's like we are on the same page, but we all bring something different to the table.

4. Each musician and band has their own way of doing things when it comes to the creative process and writing new material. How does it work for you guys, do you start with a lyric, maybe a melody, what seems to be the process that’s best for you?
Well with this first album we were restricted to writing long distance so we worked with MP3's and telephones! But I think it worked out quite well. It created something special. I think for the next album we will work more closely on the writing process but we are very happy with the results for the debut.

5. The songs for the new album were written in a very modern way, with continents and oceans between the players. How was it working over the internet and communicating via telephone to create an album?
I sort of answered this above, but to elaborate; it was quite easy and fun. It went very smoothly because we are all professionals and we all did our jobs.

6.Along with the artists being spread out the producer, Fabrizio Grossi, was in his own area bringing it all together. How was it working with Fabrizio and was the final cut all that you hoped for, or did it actually exceed your expectations?
Oh for sure this has exceeded everyone's expectations. We started this as a project and finished as a band. That should tell you something about how we all feel about this. Fab is a great talent and a wonderful guy.

7. You have said that you don’t really go for a track by track review of you songs on an album because “it takes away from the listener having his own experience with the music”, but I was wondering if there is one song on the Starbreaker album that is special to you that you could share some of the history and why it special to you?
They are all special to me, but Days of Confusion has a little extra something. In life people have to believe in something, anything, that gets them through the day and even better gets them to a place where they feel they can accomplish anything and that encompasses what this song is about.

8. One of my favorite parts of a new album is opening it up, listening to the songs, looking at the artwork and reading the insert. I thought it would be fun to give you my take on the album and see what you think of my interpretation. I see a message of the way that Hollywood and a music career can taint a life, but an underlying message to keep your head up and be true to yourself and you’ll survive the storm?
Not bad actually and closer to my interpretation than some others I have heard. But I think that the whole idea of Hollywood is both good and bad. It is a place which both makes and breaks stars. It's a pretty false reality, the whole thing, so I guess this is sort of a reflection of that ... Hollywood in ruins.

9. We touched a little bit on how the internet has changed the music world, not only in the recording aspect, but also the discovery and purchasing of music. How do you feel the internet has affected music over all, for the good and the bad?
That's a complicated question and I am asked it a lot. I think to make it simple - It is here to stay and everyone from the biggest labels to the smallest artists will have to figure out how to utilize it for the better. It can be a fantastic tool if we can grasp the positives. There will always be criminal types and people who are just not responsible or think that they deserve to get everything for free. In fact the internet has made robbery a very acceptable practice even for those who would never have the balls to actually come to your house and steal something :)

10. What can you tell us as far as news about TNT and any other projects you are involved with?
TNT is now working on a new album and it's sounding great, should be out later this year.

11. I know all of the fans (and me) would love to hear a little bit more about the album to wet our appetites! Could you tell us a bit more about it ... Maybe an album title, any of the track listings and I'd be very interested to know whether this will be classic TNT that we all love or will you guys be pushing the barrier to untested grounds?
There is no title yet for the new album, but it is sounding great. Really good songs. I think it's a good continuation from My Religion. Of course we always try to push a little ahead each time so we don't get stuck, but it's a TNT album for sure.

12. The TNT Convention in Norway promises to be an exciting time for both yourself and the fans, what can you tell us about this special event coming up in May?
Well, I don't think I will be there, but I know it will be a blast for anyone who will be going. I know the guys who are putting it on and they will make sure it1s a rip roaring time.

13. Another big day on the horizon is the Firefest in May, marking a long awaited return to the UK. How are you feeling about this exciting and highly anticipated performance?
Very excited. I love England and have always been sorry that we didn't put more time into that market early on. We have always had fans there and just didn't go enough, but better late than never and we really hope to make up for lost time now.

14. We have seen a lot of changes in the music world, but looking forward what changes would you like to see over the years to come?I would like to see artists take more control over their careers and be able to earn more from their works. I would also like to see the labels sign artists they really want to support for the long run and not just for one hit. I also think this recent practice of singing 14 year olds is hurting music. Of course there are talented kids out there, but music needs some veterans with experience as well. The world is missing out on some amazing music from older artists because we have so many A&R guys signing children. I swear it's a form of kiddy porn :)

15. Your experience is something that many dream of but few will ever get to enjoy, what advice do you have for those individuals looking to follow in your footsteps with a music career?
Don't follow in my footsteps unless you're a masochist :) My main advice seriously to anyone no matter what age is to go for it. If you believe in your talent and people confirm that to you all the time and you really love it and HAVE to make music to breathe, then keep going and keep working hard at it until you get where you want to go.

16. I would now like to turn it over to you to say whatever’s on your mind and close the interview with a message to your fans?
Well, it's a lazy Sunday afternoon here in New York City and I finally have a moment to kick back at home a take a few breaths. It's a pleasure to do this interview and thank you to all the fans who have supported me over the years.

Much love, Tony

Posted by Kathy at March 14, 2005 10:21 PM