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Kings Harem is captivating audiences with their musicianship, distinct vocal style and flawless production, on full display in their new radio single ‘Shake It Up!’. We wanted to find out what drives this ambitious pop / hard rock group to push the limits of their genre.
It's not hard to tell when a group is ready for the next level. It shows up in timing and tonal certainties, and there's a sense of effortlessness that just can't be faked. Kings Harem's catchy new track ‘Shake It Up!’ has that audible credibility, but its melodic innovations and anthemic hook fulfill the other half of the equation that determines who climbs the radio charts and who goes home unheard. It certainly doesn't hurt that the critics have raved about their awa ‘Kings Harem delivers an energetic and powerful performance on 'Shake It Up!' with blazing guitar riffs reminiscent of classic Whitesnake and Guns N' Roses.’ Independent reporter Lauren Scott recently caught up with Kings Harem to talk about their new single and the passion for rock that gave rise to it.
LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) While touring when I was with the group Menudo, some fans snuck into our hotel room and hid behind the drapes for about 2 ½ hours and took pictures while we were sleeping. The only reason why we found out they were there was because one of the band members noticed the flash going off. He got pretty upset and escorted them out. It’s amazing what fans will do to have a close glimpse of their favorite artists.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) We were on stage at a show and there was a black out. No power at all. The venue had no back up generators. The place turned into a midnight party. Bic lighters lit the room and we played a few acoustic songs to at least have a go at it.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) Having three strippers come up on stage during our opening song felt real good, the fog machine was blasting, the curtain was ready to drop and, bam! The curtain drops and fans start screaming. So there we were, Ruben, John, and I rocking the stage with three hot strippers.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) I don't feel this is the correct forum to answer that sort of question. Let's just leave it at that.
LAUREN: Your song’Shake It Up!’is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) It’s always a special moment to hear a song you are performing on the radio. I can’t really describe the feeling. I guess it’s a surreal event that to this day continues to give me butterflies in my stomach.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Game on boys! I felt a sense of accomplishment for the hard work of the band.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) It was a feeling of put the pedal to the metal, like, so invigorating, let's get the next single out for the fans.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) As a musician you have a feeling of vindication. In a way it's as if your peers of musicians and DJ's that influenced you as a young musician are saying to everyone, 'these guys have made it to a certain level of achievement and we think they deserve a listen.'
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
KINGS HAREM:
(Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) The inspiration behind this debut radio single is about describing the rock 'n roll lifestyle. It’s all about touring, the concerts, performing, loud rock 'n roll music and of course giving the best to our fans. John C. is the mastermind behind this song, so I think it would be more suitable for him to answer this question in order to provide a more accurate response.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Seeing our audience pushing against the stage during performances inspired that. It's about the crowds at our shows. We were musically inspired by Louisiana porch blues.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) No doubt the blues! you can hear it with John on the slide guitar.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) Hearing the banging on the venue doors to let the crowd in.
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) Difficult experiences can definitely be a 'catalyst' or 'fuel' in creating music. For example, in love songs, the loss of love helps you gain a certain character, it gives you knowledge and experience in life, which in turn helps you create more emotion in a song. However, I would say that the love of music in general is what really helps me get inspired in every aspect of my life. Also, my father was a very famous radio DJ in New York City when I was growing up, and he would play music at home all day. I think this had a huge influence on my love of music, how music started running through my veins at such a young age, and how the desire to create and perform emerged in me.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) I always played air guitar listening to Elvis, the Beatles, Jay Clark Five, Beach Boys, etc. Growing up, when my parents moved us to Jersey, they saw I had no friends. They asked me if I would like to have guitar lessons. I picked it up really fast because I was already playing the notes in my head on air guitar.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) Listen to our song called, 'Alone From You.'
(Jon Orth - Drummer) For me, my best performance is a reaction to the song's subject matter. What it is and what's the best way to deliver that message.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) Having to describe oneself is always difficult, but I would definitely characterize myself as a minimalist– in other words a very simple person. Some of my other traits would include down-to-earth, humble, fun-loving and empathetic to all of my surroundings.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Wow. Well, I am all of the above. Musically I try to keep it simple because the public has to like it, sort of. It's a balanced approach or you'll be playing to an empty house. I approach the job seriously because what I do affects others. I'm down-to-earth with no ego trips and try to have fun doing what we do.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) Down-to-earth with blue/jazz oriented roots.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) When I'm behind the kit I'm in the driver's seat. I need to stay focused and get everyone to the end in one piece. So I'm all business when it comes to the music. Off stage I love a good time just as much as the next guy. Sometimes a little too much.
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LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) My experience working with the rest of my team has been like a band of brothers. We’ve never had any issues and get along great to this day.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Fantastic. They all pitch in with their expertise in the areas that need it, to mold the song to its final product. That includes everyone from producers to fan club administrators all working in harmony to get the machine of Kings Harem rolling to your town.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) An unbelievable blessing, it's like God put us all together! We all know what the other is thinking musically in the studio and on stage, and can improvise at the drop of a dime.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) A good band survives by give and take, just like any good relationship, this one just happens to have five members involved. One member will give you something musically to work with so you try to give him back something to work with, but you try to give a little more than what he gave you. So in turn you're constantly growing and evolving to make better songs.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) Yes, I came from a musical background. I was in the Broadway show, 'Oliver' at a very young age. I also took singing lessons from the early age of seven,eight years old. At the age of 13 I was in the group Menudo, one of the biggest Latin boy bands in history, with whom I recorded seven albums and was on a world tour for about four years. As I mentioned earlier, my father was a radio DJ while I was growing up, and I learned a lot of musical background because of him as well.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) My great grandfather was the first chair violinist in the Paganini Orchestra. He co-wrote 'O Sole Mio' and other tunes. So the music drive is definitely in my blood. I grew up in a household that always had music playing in the background. I advise the same. Shut the TV off and put on the radio.
(Jerry Capri- Bassist) Yes, my Uncle Don Capri had hit singles in the 50's and was also an Italian operatic singer.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) My older brother is a guitarist. He was my first inspiration and mentor.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) What I find most rewarding about being an artist is knowing that I can reach out to a lot of people. Knowing a fan enjoys a particular song that rings true to them and makes them happy is something that really touches my heart. I like knowing that a good song will bring back memories of a specific moment in someone’s life. This is proof that you will forever be a staple in their life because of the song you created which spoke to them in a special way. The most challenging part about being an artist is all of the traveling-- meeting great friends, and then ultimately having to move on when the tour is over. Unfortunately, you end up having to leave those friendships behind and move on because of the distance.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) The gift of music is very special to me, I really enjoy playing by myself with all of my gadgets and full stage rig, experimenting with sounds, and going off on creative riffs. No audience to impress, just me and God hanging out. Most challenging is the complications of the music business. Promoting, marketing, traveling, booking, accounting, on and on.
(Jerry Capri - Bassist) The creativity and working with the best musicians, is the most rewarding. Funny enough, most challenging, I hate changing my own guitar and bass strings.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) Making a song from nothing. The challenge is to do it better every time.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) My role models in music include icons such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, U2, the Doors, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, and Dean Martin. Some rock 'n rollers like the Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Inxs, A-Ha, and Billy Idol. Current musicians would definitely include Adele and Hozier.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Jimi Page, Aerosmith, Beatles,The Ventures ('Wipe Out') Elvis, Glen Miller, Frank Sinatra, Mozart.
(Jerry Capri - Bassist) Jaco Pastrious, Kiss, Aersomith, Foghat.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) Drummer Steve Smith, formally of Vital Information and Journey-- an incredible musician, versatile, and humble.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) My most memorable performance was when I was about ten years old. I had the opportunity to perform at the Live Aid, We Are The World Finale in Philadelphia with about 20 other kids, and shared the stage with some legendary artists such as Prince, Mick Jagger, Cher, Jeff Bridges, and Hall and Oates (just to name a few). This was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Well, having a few strippers on stage during a performance sticks in my mind, but another was when Jerry knocked over the stage splays and it looked like a Jerry Lewis comedy act. It fell onto the drummer's plate form and was a show stopper.
(Jerry Capri - Bassist) Playing in front of Julian Lennon and Rod Stewart at the China Club in NYC.
(Jon Orth - Drummer) There have been so many. To single one out would undermine the rest.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) Be very wise in the way you negotiate your work and don't trust anyone easily. People can be very sneaky in this industry and can make promises that seem to be too good to be true. I would suggest you get everything in writing to protect yourself and your investments. I would also recommend to be careful and diligent on how you are tracking the dollars you are earning. Billy Joel’s best friend was his power of attorney and he ended up bankrupt. I’m only saying this because things like this really can happen to anyone.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Stick to what you like to play and don't give in to what is trending. Learn from it, but follow your heart instead. Play with like-minded artists.
(Jerry Capri - Bassist) Practice and write your own music and keep the drive inside you to make it big!
(Jon Orth - Drummer) Play every note from the heart and like it was your last. Honesty and integrity will always outlast any trend.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
KINGS HAREM: (Ruben Gomez Kane - Lead Singer) Well, in addition to continuing to work on making new music, I’m also planning on pursuing more acting projects to expand myself more as an artist. In terms of current music ventures, there is definitely a new single in the works, but we are concentrating on finishing up an EP and/or LP for all of our fans to enjoy.
(John Crisci - Guitarist) Our next single is a power ballad called, 'Lost Without You.' It is in Spanish and English.
(Jerry Capri - Bassist) New Kings Harem album!
(Jon Orth - Drummer) We always try to write better songs. There are more songs in the can just awaiting the final touches and final mixing and mastering. We just hope the next release will be as well-received as our last.
LAUREN: Excellent, I can't wait! Thank you all for chatting with me, I learned so much about your background as artists. Good luck with your future endeavors.
http://www.reverbnation.com/kingsharem
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