Interview With Brian Harrah Of

Interview By: Fedja of SBS

September 18th, 2000

SBS = Fedja of SBS

BH = Brian Harrah


SBS: How did you come up with Professional Murder Music as the bands name?

BH: The name of the band was thought up by Jeff (bass player).  I was still in Tura Satana and Roman and Jeff were working together already.  They thought the name described what they were trying to do musically so they kept it.

SBS: For the unfamiliar people out there, describe your music.

BH: I always call the music Heavy, Electronic Groove Music.  Because those are the three things that I hear when I listen to it myself.

SBS: We know that your self-titled debut album will be released Oct 31, 2000.  Can you tell us what to expect from it?

BH: You can expect some of the songs that were on the demo to be on the album and a lot of new stuff.  We feel that we have created something a little different then all the other stuff that is out there right now, so we are really happy with that.  Think there is a song on the album that any kid could relate with.

Professional Murder Music

SBS: The release date Oct 31, 2000 - Is it the same for both the US and Europe?

BH: No.  The release date is going to be probably the beginning of 2001 for Europe.  But we definitely will be releasing in Europe as fast as possible.

SBS: How long did it take for you to finish the album?

BH: It took forever.  A lot of it wasn't our fault.  The producer was still finishing up a project he had started so we were waiting on him.  We waited for a certain studio.  We waited for a certain mixer.  Etc, etc, etc.  But at the end of it all the album took about 5 months to finish and we just finished the artwork about a month ago.  It took a long time but it was way worth it because the album is amazing and we all are very happy with it.

SBS: Where do the ideas come from for your lyrics?

BH: The lyrics came from ideas in Roman's head.  Mainly what he thinks of the world and certain subjects that he wants to address.  As a singer it has to be something that he feels strong about otherwise it doesn't mean anything to him.

SBS: What have been your main influences throughout making of the album?

BH: That is always the hardest question for me to answer because my influences are so broad and I listed to so much stuff.  I love everything from Metal to 50's music, and everything in between.  As for the band we all listen to a lot of different stuff.  The Cure, Portishead, Dr. Dre, those are some of the ones I can remember all of us listening to when we were recording in the studio.  To be honest when we record we try to listen to things that are the farthest from what we are doing because we don't want to be influenced in the wrong way.

SBS: Will 'SLOW' be your first single?

BH: Yes.  We released it here on metal radio and it is starting to get a buzz.  We will release it to major radio later this month.

SBS: If you remember sometime last year you sent us the PMM demo which included the following tracks: Slow, These Days, Sleep Deprivation, Dissolve, Green and Painkiller.  Are there any major changes to the songs and which ones have made it to the album?

BH: Most of the songs have stayed the same.  They definitely sound better just because we spent a lot more money on them since it was for the album.  The arrangements are mainly the same and Green is not on the record.  We went in there with about 20 songs and cut a lot out in pre-production.

SBS: Have you played many live shows up to now?

BH: Since the album has been done we haven't played a lot.  We are waiting to get a tour so we can start promoting the album.  We went on Tattoo The Earth for a couple of weeks, but since then we haven't done anything.  Hopefully soon.

SBS: What were the shows like?  Was it what you expected?

BH: All of our shows since the beginning have always been great.  Our fanbase gets bigger every time we play.  We can't ask for much more.

Professional Murder Music

SBS: What was the response like from the fans?

BH: Our fans have always been really amazing.  Ever since the Kid Rock tour last year.  Anytime we play out of town there are people there to see us.  It is a nice feeling when people like what you are doing and show that by supporting you when you come through their town.  It makes it all worth while.

SBS: What bands have you supported?  You opened for Kid Rock and Powerman 5000 right?

BH: We have played with bands like Orgy, Static-X, Fear Factory, Sevendust, Spineshank, Videodrone, just to name a few.  We did a tour with Kid Rock and Powerman 5000.  Both those bands and their crew are some of the nicest people we have ever met.  They really took care of us on that tour.  It was great.

SBS: What bands do you listen to these days?

BH: God I listen to everything.  Right now my favorite C.D.s are by a band named Tinfed and a band named Linkin Park.  I have loved Tinfed for almost 4 years now and they just released a new C.D. on Third Rail records.  It is amazing.  Linkin Park on the otherhand are a brand new band.  Their C.D. comes out in Oct. and I think it is on Warner Brothers.  They are going to be huge!!!!! Mark my words!!!!!

SBS: Is there any kind of message that goes with the PMM music?

BH: We want kids to perceive our band with an open mind and make their own decisions about what they hear.  We are trying to change the way people listen to music through our music.  Music should mean something different and special to everyone.

SBS: Now we wanna know when we can expect you to tour over here in the UK.  It will be cool to see you again and we know that the live shows will be amazing.

BH: The band wants to tour the UK as soon as possible.  I totally miss you guys and can't wait to see you!  YOU GUYS RULE!!!  The shows will be off the hook!!!!!  I can't wait for you guys to be able to see one.

SBS: Will you be playing at any upcoming festivals?

BH: Probably not this year because the label wants us to concentrate on the U.S. for the rest of this year since this is where the records comes out first.  Maybe next year though.

SBS: Any ideas of in-store signing sessions?

BH: When we get there, we will be doing as many of those as we can.  We love meeting the fans and getting to know people.

SBS: Do you speak to or see Tairrie B these days?

BH: I see Tairrie all the time.  We are still totally close.  At some point in the future I would still love to write some music with her.  She is a great singer and a great friend.

SBS: and Rico and Marcelo?

BH: Same with those guys.  We just hung out at a show last week.  The whole bands still keeps in touch.  We will always be friends.

SBS: It might be a bit too soon to ask this question, but what are your future plans?

BH: To basically not have a home life and tour like crazy for the next year.  This is all we want to do.  Oh yeah, and also take over the world.  I am getting married in December, and besides that I don't expect to be home at all.

SBS: Will there be any PMM videos in the future?

BH: We are planning on shooting a video for 'SLOW' right now.  It will come out sometime soon.

SBS: Any last words?  Anything you wanna add?

BH: Just to be ready because we are coming out and taking over.  Music is about to change.  Also just want to say to Paul and Fedja that you guys rule!!!!!!!  I can't wait to get over there and hang with you guys.  Soon I promise.

Interview By: Fedja of Strength Beyond Strength

Check out the official Professional Murder Music website with an amazing design.  Click the image below.

PMM E-STREET TEAM - SEE BELOW

Join the Professional Murder Music E-Street Team, and as a member you will be promoting PMM's upcoming, self-titled, debut album.  The most active team members will receive promotional merchandise, concert tickets, advance albums and more.

Click here to join now.