Shaun Emmond, vocals for Louisiana Metal band Haarp. 
Haarp Interview
Tell me about the recording process for the latest Haarp album, Husks. What were some of the influences for the album?
As prepared as we could be, we went into the performing arts center at the University of New Orleans just before Christmas of 2011 to record the drums and bass. In two nights, after setting up, positioning all the microphones and getting thrown out of the building by an over-zealous campus security guard, we managed to capture the booming drum sound and low grumbling bass on tape. From there in the first few weeks of 2012, with the rhythm section on tape, the guitar foundation was laid at Room 7011. We then had the base for which extra guitar tracks and vocals were recorded at Nodferatu’s Lair.
What were some of the influences for the latest Haarp album?
Personally, I think outside influences played a part but for the most part we just wanted to continue to progress and evolve from our last album, The Filth. We weaved more layers into these new songs than previously. I feel this album is more dynamic with odd tempos and rises and falls in the music.
Would you say Social Media Online has changed the music industry for the good or the bad?
I think it goes both ways. In one case it is a blessing for music lovers and musicians alike. It is so much easier to find any kind of music you may be looking for whereas before the internet the only ways to discover new bands was to go to every metal show that came through town, word of mouth from friends who were at all the shows, or by buying metal magazines and music publications. With the internet available to all, bands can reach virtually everyone with a computer. Bands can also now record easier, post videos of their band and share their music with this seemingly limitless group of world wide web subscribers.
On the other hand, bands cannot rely on all of their web based fans to buy music from them when it is too easy to download everything for free via the internet. It certainly does make it harder for bands to recoup the money invested into recording music but the existence of the internet and recording software, it is far less expensive than it ever was to record music.
I am sure the tour Haarp is on with Down will be great how far is it going?
The tour was a great time for us. We played in some new cities and got to revisit some that we have already made fans in and the reception we received in all of them was awesome.We were able to play our new record, Husks, as our set list and the overall reception we received was appreciable and intense.
Touring with Down is always a blast for us and by also having Warbeast on the bill, we knew that there would be shenanigans. Our last night of the tour during our last song, The Down and Warbeast dudes bum-rushed the stage and bombed us with silly string and cupcakes.We hardly missed a note and finished strong, all smiles.
Whats your vision on the internet as a way to releasing music online now days?
I think the future of all music depends on the internet. I also believe cd’s will soon become obsolete and more and more bands will only release their music digitally. No one I know, including myself, really buys cd’s anymore, it’s all on ITunes or if I want the physical package with the artwork I will buy a vinyl record.
With all of the bands coming out today do you keep updated with what comes out online at all?
I don’t have a computer of my own yet so not at the pace of most of the rest of the world. If I did have one then I’m sure that I would be more up to date with new music. Don’t feel bad for me though, I have plenty of awesome music from 1990 and on. Even some choice new stuff.
What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Everything rock and metal from Abscess and Alice In Chains to Zeni Geva and ZZ Top and everything jazz from Astral Project and Billie Holiday to Scott Bradley and John Zorn
Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life?
No I cannot. It is full of the same boring routine that everyone with a day job endures day to day. I try not to watch too much TV and whenever it is possible I listen to music everyday without fail. Music, whether listening to it, writing it, or just thinking about it and singing to myself, is what gets me through the day until the time comes when I get a chance to jam with my fellow band mates. That is what I live for. The camaraderie. The family that is Haarp is my most valued blessing and anticipated activity that keeps the sanity. My heart beats twice a week when we play music together. Our music is the most interesting thing that happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekends when we play shows. The rest of the days of the week aren’t worth talking about. I try to forget that they exist.
How is the music scene in your area today?
It is alive and well from metal to jazz to cover bands. There is a lot of live music going on in the city and you can pretty much go see any kind of music you want on any given night.While metal is just a small part of the local scene, it is strong with a lot of bands going, both old known bands and new up and comers.
Any words for future musicians?
To everyone who loves to listen to music or has a love for playing music, keep dreaming the dream. If you have music in your soul then let it be written.