The Hara are heading back out on the road later this year with a bigger UK and European tour and a new album built for exactly that environment. The Fallout, out now via Mascot Records, sees the Manchester trio pushing further into the riffs, energy and heavier sound that have become central to their live shows.
Before guitarist Zack Breen gets back to the serious business of making involuntary stink faces over great riffs, he steps into The MetalTalk Lowdown. There is imposter syndrome and missing family alongside spiders, High School Musical, skate park injuries and a post-show combination of beer, fantasy books and Nintendo Switch.
Beneath the humour is a musician still hungry for what comes next, even if he admits he sometimes needs reminding to stop, take a breath and enjoy getting there.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
I almost broke my foot dropping in at a skate park hours before our headline Berlin show. I messed it up so bad I had to sit on a chair for the rest of the tour. Very Metal.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Getting asked to fill in for Incubus on the main stage at Rock For People was literally IT. The show was amazing, the crowd was even better.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
Platinum record.
What’s your greatest fear?
Spiders.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I struggle with comparison and imposter syndrome. I almost devalue myself by proxy. Hard to appreciate the journey when you’re constantly looking ahead.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Fakeness.
Describe yourself in three words.
Hungry. Sleepy. Wizard.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
The High School Musical Soundtrack.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Involuntary ‘stink face.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
Since everyone is a ‘critic’ nowadays, we’ve had all kinds of comments. Simply being called awful is pretty intense [laughs].
If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Tattooist.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Continuum by John Mayer. Also, his Live In LA record. Life-changing.
When did you last cry, and why?
Last week. Missing my family.
What keeps you awake at night?
Since I struggle to switch off, I usually think about things that need to be done, what I could have done better and things like this. I become my own biggest critic.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Riffs. The rest will come.
How do you want to be remembered?
For being ultra groovy.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
To take a breath, check yourself, enjoy the journey, and be positive.
What happens when the music stops?
A deadly combination of beers, fantasy books, and Nintendo Switch. Perfect.
The Hara kick off the UK leg of The Fallout, ‘Til It’s Over Tour on 3 December at the Cathouse, Glasgow. For tickets, visit theharaband.com.
