Harley Poe, the storied, acoustic-driven punk unit, is a monster of a band lead by a very gentle soul. Alt77 was lucky to interview
Joseph Whiteford, the group’s singer, songwriter, and head-designer of eerie visions.
Insightful and diplomatic, Joseph talked to me about the band’s origins, his creative process and Harley Poe’s most recent album, the independently released “Have a great life”.
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I may be asking the same question twice. Forgive me for doing so, but, let’s put it this way. How comfortable would you be with having a dinner chat with a group of pathologists and morticians?
I would make a good listener, with nothing to contribute to the conversation, I’m sure.
You’ve had a long career, previously playing in the band Calibretto 13. You’ve called Harley Poe a continuation of those musical ideas. Were you worried your new music might alienate supporters of your earlier output?
Haha I wouldn’t call it a career. Harley Poe did put off a lot of the Calibretto fans back when I first began touring and releasing albums, but I wasn’t worried. I was being me. I have to be me. Nowadays, fans come up to me to let me know they’ve been following the music since Calibretto 13 and that they feel they can relate to the changes.
Are there any topics too brutal, emotionally or visually, that you simply would not touch in your lyrics?
I suppose. I hope listeners keep in mind that I’m generally writing fiction. I’m telling stories.
In recent years, Harley Poe has been associated with the folk-punk scene? Are you happy with that tag?
Meh…whatever.
You are well-known for your indie, DYI work ethic. Your most recent full-length “Have a great life.” seems to have improved on the production values as compared to your earliest records. But, what would Harley Poe album with a production of millions of dollars sound like?
“Have a Great Life.” was recorded in the living room of my buddy Matt Clark. He also recorded “Lost and Losing It” and the most recent live album. We did use nicer mics for “Have a Great Life.” I do what’s easiest, cheap, and what gives me most control. I recently began recording demos on an 8 track recorder so I can lay down music whenever I’m in creative mode. This is nice. I love it, but I don’t expect anything I do to sound better than what’s been released already. I plan to release these demos as eps over the next couple years. But honestly, it would be cool to have an orchestra and a million dollars a my disposal for the next album. Do I have to pay it back? I’ll take it.
Quick gear question. Since you almost exclusively play acoustic guitar, what guitar are you using and how did you come to it?
For tour, I have a Martin I picked up last year while on the road, because the guitar I was using for years finally gave out. But I really love playing Art and Lutherie guitars.
Could your music be considered an anti-advertisement for visiting your city? Is Chicago, IL such a drag?
I live in a small town an hour north of Indianapolis. And, yeah, I don’t know why anyone would want to come here. I dig Chicago though.
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Are many of your lyrics indeed inspired by horror movies or is it something even more sinister at play?
I’m drawn to horror, but I don’t ever watch a movie and think to myself, “I need to turn that story into a song.” But my writing is definitely inspired by these movies.
After hearing Music for teenagers, I would genuinely be scared of walking past you in a dark alley. Am I just a wimp for thinking that?
Haha, possibly. But I’m sure you’d by okay. I don’t think I could ever really hurt anyone. I’m not scary…at all.
I loved your live record Alive and Alone and was curious to know if you prefer official live albums of your favorite bands or scrappy bootlegs simmering with energy, but with not much sound quality.
I’d say it depends on the band or the type of music being played.
Slayer, the Misfits, Marilyn Manson. There’s a long history of popular music getting misunderstood and even blamed for various things. Have you ever been worried this could happen to Harley Poe?
Not until recently. But whatever, people like to throw stones. That’s on them.
Do you think Harley Poe could count as a descendant of the historic murder ballad music genre?
When I wrote the first HP album “In the Dark” I’d say Johnny Cash was an influence on songs like “I”m Coming for You” and “Corrupting My Better Half.” So maybe.
Let’s play pretend. Bob Dylan has just asked you to recommend a song of yours to cover. What would you go with? And, what about writing an original for him. What would be the name of it?
Haha, I can’t answer that silly question
Let’s play pretend. You get to pick one virtuoso guitar player to play acoustic guitar on a Harley Poe song. Who could do a tasteful enough job to warrant consideration?
If you were to soundtrack the work of a famous movie director, who would it be?
See answer above.
Is it ever too late for a Harley Poe children’s album?
Nope. Hopefully it’s in the cards.
Every one of your new albums sounds like it could be your last in the sense that it sounds like you still have everything to prove. Does “Have a great life.” help bookend an era in Harley Poe’s existence?
As long as I use song writing to express myself, I imagine releasing new Harley Poe albums. And there’s no point in starting any new musical projects, because they’d probably just sound like what I’m already doing as Harley Poe. I guess I’ll stop when the well dries up, or until they force me to shut up.
Guitar one is repeated
Got it now. Thanks a lot for noticing it!