HORIZON THEORY – AN INTERVIEW WITH JOSH & JEFF

HORIZON THEORY – AN INTERVIEW WITH JOSH & JEFF

By Ralph Beauchamp

Josh Harrington and Jeff Hafer of the dynamic quartet, Horizon theory sits down with AMP for this interesting interview.

Horizon theory is a hard rock cavalcade of powerful guitar riffs, meaningful lyrics and devastating backbeats. Josh (vocals) and Jeff (drums) are joined by Chris Black (guitars) and Louen Moore (bass). Hailing from Michigan, the band has built an impressive fan base, delivering fervent songwriting and brash arrangements. Furthermore, Horizon theory is a touring juggernaut. They are constantly on the road bringing their infectious music to the masses.

Horizon theory have just released a promotional new single titled “Nowhere To Go” that delivers an important message. The song is a sonic salvo of edgy guitar riffs, crushing vocals and a menacing beat. Harrington's vocals are intense and moving. Black's guitar has textures full of tension. Murr's bass hits with a determined fury, while Hafer's percussion delivers a brutal fury. Although the subject matter is dark and foreboding, Horizon theory offers rays of hope. This tune is clearly an acoustic storm of massive proportions.

AMP: Can you give our readers a brief history of the band?

I AM JOKING: Chris and Lewis (Luen) were previously in a band together a few years ago. Jeff was also on a previous team. We have all gathered together in different groups for a while. A mutual friend put us in the same room together. Chris and Lewis were determined to persevere and were just looking for the right singer and drummer. We all seemed to get along well. What started as a project turned into Horizon theory and time has passed since the first session.

AMP: What is your creative process like?

JEFF: What usually happens is that Chris will come up with some solid structure to a song, including riffs. Then Lewis and I start adding our parts. We try to give Josh a good feel for the melody. If the foundation is solid, it gives him a better chance to create his lyrics. Most of the time it starts with Chris, but it's really a collaborative process. There are a lot of ideas bouncing back and forth. We all have a creative voice. This gives the songwriting considerable freedom for each of us to put our own stamp on the tune.

I AM JOKING: Chris is a lot of fun to work with. Sometimes Chris comes up with a riff or two and the song structure is kind of spread out. I'm going to jump in and start humming some stuff. After I check my lyric book, we mix those lyrics with the choruses. We play with it until we like it. Then we focus on the meaning of the lyrics and then the magic starts to come.

AMP: Your new single is “Nowhere To Go”. Can you give us a little insight into the track?

I AM JOKING: We had the demo version about a year ago. After working on a few other songs and playing a few shows, we revisited the track. We really started focusing on it and wanted to hit it with a big chorus.

I know friends who are going through some things. We all do it. Suicidal tendencies and substance abuse are quite common. The lyrics reflect the treatment of these social ills. The song is called “Nowhere To Go” and that's how a lot of people feel. We don't want to put out material just for the heck of it. The whole idea is to touch people.

JEFF: For me personally, the song hits home. I checked into a treatment center last summer for drinking. The band stood behind me when I really needed it and for that I am eternally grateful. Like Josh said, we all know someone who struggles. The theme of the song is that there is always hope. We just want to let our listeners know that there is a way out.

AMP: How would you describe the band's internal drive?

I AM JOKING: We are hungry! We've all been in bands forever. Almost all our lives. We've seen it all and all I can say is we're definitely hungry for the next step. In the short term Horizon theory were together, we've become quite close. Our musical mentality is completely focused. We all agree on the music we put out even though it's constantly changing. We don't want to be stuck in a lane. Our music comes from the heart. Our musical influences are all different, but they work as a whole. We want to get what we want while still having fun. We all click and know what we are capable of.

JEFF: There is also a grind associated with this hunger, but the beauty of it is the fact that we still have fun. It might sound weird or cliché, but from the band's past experiences, this seems so different. We all get along and have the same goals. The work ethic and drive is all there. It's never a challenge to get someone to do something. I don't want to use the word magical, but that's how I feel right now.

AMP: What do you want your fans to take away from your music?

JEFF: That our music is inclusive. We tell stories about real life. Everything we write is relevant.

I AM JOKING: We want people to feel like family. We want them to feel heard. If we can touch just one person, that's all that matters.

AMP: You are supporting Cold and Orgy on tour and are about to play Capulet Fest here in Ct. How excited are you to meet your fans and make new friends?

JEFF: That's the point. The studio and rehearsals are fine, but the rubber really hits the road when we get to interact with our fans. We've all been music fans our whole lives and meeting other musicians on tour is amazing. It brings back that high you had when listening to your idols. After our show, just meeting the fans by the merch table is worth it. It's that unique feeling of being face to face with the audience that we all love.

I AM JOKING: It's great to hear their stories and understand how our music has affected them.

AMP: If you could support any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I AM JOKING: I don't know if I want to go relevant or old school. Jelly Roll would put us on the map but I'd have to say Bullet for My Valentine. They are one of my favorite bands. I dig their music and it would be a great opportunity for us.

JEFF: This is tough. There are so many to choose from. I'd love to say Pantera, but opening for Queen at one of their huge festivals would be cool. I still have Pantera to say. Supporting them would be surreal. Their energy is insurmountable.

AMP: There are a bunch of cool bands that call Michigan home, including Of Virtue (who is also scheduled to play the Capulet festival) and Heart Of Jordan. Is there something special in the air?

Jeff: There are definitely a ton of great bands coming out of Michigan. They may not all be at the level of Virtue, but they are there. There are bands that play 2 or 3 nights a week and kill it. Just look at the story. You have Motown and Detroit Rock City. Also, MC5. We've had generations of amazing rockers come out of the state.

Another aspect is the fact that there is not much to do in the state. If you hunt or fish, it's a sportsman's paradise. Music has always been here, especially in winter. It's cold, so everyone stays inside and either listens to music or makes it. It's Michigan's drive and determination.

I AM JOKING: It's great to be part of a scene. There is a great support system. We all follow each other and root for each other. There is a growing momentum and all the bands are feeling it. We always look out for each other instead of shaking heads.

AMPERAGE: What's next for Horizon Theory?

JEFF: We have this tour coming up with Cold and Orgy starting April 11th in Chicago. It is a period of six weeks. 37 dates in total. Then we take a short break. Hopefully we'll hit a few more festivals like Capulet Fest in Ct. After that we're back in the studio and probably a fall tour.

I am joking: We should be releasing several more singles and possibly a full length that is already entitled, Radio silence. It will include some of the singles we have already released as well as several bonus tracks. We are currently in the midst of a non-stop period in our career. We are ready for the grind. come on

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