Ben Harper - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Ben Harper. We discussed the process of remixing and remastering Yellowcard’s ‘One For The Kids’, releasing it on vinyl with new artwork, how the new version allowed him and fans to experience the record like never before, one thing he wishes he would have been able to do with the band, the biggest misconception about him leaving the band, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Anytime!
You recently released the remixed and remastered version of ‘One For The Kids’. What was the process like for getting that remastered?
Steve from Lobster records had the reel to reel tracks for the original recording and sort of reached out to the members he could get in touch with ...
Warren, LP, and I actually basically was lucky enough to work directly with Jamie McMann (re-mixer) and was able to serve as sort of a quality control team making sure it kept the integrity of the original recording and mix and there to approve the remixes as they were done.
Along with that, you’re releasing a vinyl pressing that also features new artwork. Who designed the new cover? Do you have a favorite vinyl variant?
Scott Sugarman did the new artwork; lots of cool things included in the gatefold layout! (collage and studio artifacts (digitized) mine. Either of the 4 hand pours...we went nuts on variants; I think there are 12 total! Why not?
Do you feel like creating this remastered album has allowed you a great opportunity to revisit Yellowcard in a way that you weren’t able to for a long time? What’s that been like for you?
Yes, it absolutely has and I think the re-mix, re-master itself allows everyone to revisit and experience this record like they have never before and for me it was such a nostalgic trippy feeling when we starting pulling up the original tracks digitally after transferring from reel to reel them ... I had chills; it was like opening a time capsule ... Warren (original bass player) was able to fly out and bring his 16 year old son out and we all got the first listen together along with Steve from Lobster Records ... great experience all around.
Even after you left Yellowcard you still remained a really important part of that band’s history. What’s one thing you would have liked to been able to do with the band that you didn’t get to do before?
Thank you. I appreciate that comment! That means a lot … I would have just loved to tour for the album "Lights and Sounds".
It seems from various interviews and statements that you and Ryan Key have not had much communication since you left Yellowcard. At this point, and with the remaster released, have you two talked at all?
We have not … I am thinking about writing he and/or his management. Just was going let his new solo EP get released and settle and maybe see if he wouldn't mind sharing the info on the re-release on the Yellowcard socials etc. :) There are still a good amount of vinyls left and I feel a lot of Yellowcard fans that would appreciate this, but don't know about it quite yet. :)
What do you think is probably the biggest misconception people have about you and the reason you left Yellowcard?
Probably the fact that I didn’t leave Yellowcard, I was actually told to leave.
I’ve heard you say new This Legend music is coming this year. How far along are you in that process? What can you tell us about it so far?
Well the good news is we played a show for the first time in 6 years...so fr no recording sessions booked but hopefully before summer is over we will record a track or 5 ... shit I would be ok with end of the year whatever works I’ll keep you updated!
I know at one point that you had some member changes. What’s the current line-up for the band?
The current line up is the original ... Chris Castillo, LP, Steve Neufeld, and myself.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for the great questions! Pre-order the ‘One For The Kids’ re-release here! Ships this summer!
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