Blog posts

• 

  Nov 13, 05:29 AM

  Steve's Youth Music Blog

  

  Hello everyone.  Just a quick blog today about <a href="http://musicispower.youthmusic.org.uk/events/">Youth Music.</a> 
  A while ago, last year sometime I think, we were asked by youth music to take part in the Rankin Destroy project. See details <a href="http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/rankin/home/#/gallery/hard-fi ">here </a> 
  It was a really cool thing to do, and on monday we were at Phillips De Pury to finally see the Fi in all their glory at the destroy exhibition.  First things first, the whole exhibition was wicked.  What a cool thing to be part of.  Especially as 100% money raised from the auction will go to youth music.  It was interesting to see what everyone had done.  Trust me, none of us passed GCSE art but we try our best.  I took some pictures that will not do it any justice.
  
  All in all it was a great night and quite a thrill to be part of the whole thing.
  The really good news is that you can own the original artwork!
   
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DESTROY-BY-HARD-FI-AND-RANKIN_W0QQitemZ330372696943QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Art_Photographs_RL?hash=item4cebbf4b6f
  
  And in doing so can give something to a really good cause.  You know what to do people!
  
  Take it easy, and get bidding!!!
  
  Steve.
• 

  Sep 22, 02:16 AM

  Latest Blog from Hard-fi:

  As some of you may be aware by now, we are involved with Becks lager "Music inspired Art" campaign. Over the years some of the biggest names in art and design have come up with labels for them such as Gilbert and George, Damian Hurst, Tracy Emin and Sam Taylor Wood. We've always tried to make our sleeves relevant and say more than just our name and title and being involved with Becks "Music inspired Art" gives us the opportunity of taking that to another medium and level. So, instead of competing with these top artists and designers (we're a band after all), we decided to do something that's true to us and what we're about.

  The first design is in the style of "Once Upon a Time in the West" and reads "Love Music, Hate Racism". For those who don't know about LMHR, they are an organisation that, through music, promote and celebrate cultural diversity. As a band this is something that we all think is very important and we have supported them in the past.
  We thought we would take the opportunity to promote what we believe in.

  From LMHR...
  "Love Music Hate Racism is delighted that our slogan will be appearing this summer on millions of Becks beer bottles, courtesy of the support of Becks and Hard-Fi. This support reflects the fact that anti-racism is a very popular cause; millions of people in our society like living in a multicultural society and living, working and going out to enjoy themselves alongside people from many different backgrounds. At the same time there are racist groups on the rise who want to divide our communities, so getting out the biggest possible anti-racist message using the music that brings us together is vital today. This campaign will help to get many more people actively involved. Love Music (And Beer) Hate Racism!"

  The second one was just a bit of fun and a giggle. Like the CCTV camera on the front of "Stars.." we thought we would take their image and make it ours. We think it looks pretty cool too.

  Anyway, We'd better go. The courier has just arrived and we now have a studio full of lager to get through... We're gonna need a bigger fridge.

  Hard-Fi

  

  
• 

  Sep 02, 06:57 AM

  Mo-hawks, Mo-problems

  Yo! Just wanted to let you cats know that there is a new podcast out from our adventures in Japan last month at the Nano-mugen fest. Sorry it's taken a while but we were waiting to get some TV footage from the event sent over to include. Unfortunately the footage we took was limited to the first day since after the usual wired from jet-lag, we're in Japan excitement we all went out and got - as my nan used to say - tight...very tight...And some dumb arse (may've been me - not yet proven though) broke the camera. Hence the waiting for extra footage so you lot didn't have to sit through five minutes totally made up of shambling, half-baked, half-arsed philosophies and general drunken idiocy....There's till quite a bit of that though and for that I apologize. We played two new numbers in the set so listen out for a couple of snippets of 'Sweat' (see the last podcast if you haven't already) and 'Killer Sounds'. Also, at that point in the evening, in our heads, we were all definitely gonna get mohawks....luckily there were no 24-hour barbers... Rich
• 

  Jul 29, 02:44 PM

  Kai's Blog: "I Want More!!"

  

  Hi all ! Just a quick one to let you know that we're home from Japan and back in the studio, making noise and pissing off our neighbours. The Nano-Mugen experience was a very positive one. A great feeling to be back on stage again, like a shot in the arm - I thought we may be a little rusty after not playing for a while, not so... white heat... I want more!! It was a big show. Asian Kung-Fu Generation topped the bill and Manic Street Preachers were to be main support but unfortunately had to pull out at the last minute due to illness. (20,000) fans turned up to watch all of the bands so we played to a full house. You could forgive us for being a bit nervous, but we were as cool as cucumbers, like I said, we'll be back stronger and sharper. Good things, etc. I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Glen, Rich(Pops), Larry and Chris(the twin towers), Pablo, and Sunny for looking after us and to give a shout to The Young Punx, Laura Kidd, Farrah and Nada Surf. The biggest shout goes to Asian Kung-Fu Generation for having us all at their show. Thank you, it was so much fun. Much love to you all. (yes, and you). x Kai
• 

  Jul 13, 03:42 AM

  Steve's "Train Ride Top 5"

  

  Ah the world of album artwork.  While on the train today I started to think of my top 5 album covers.  Not my all time top 5 you understand, just for the train journey.  You've seen them all before, but it doesn't hurt to look again!

   

  5. Grace JOnes- Island Life

  4. Public Enemy- It takes a Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

  3. Roxy Music- Country Life

  2. Sex Pistols- Never Mind The Bollocks here´s the Sex Pistols

   

  I think Love Gun is my train ride no. 1!

   

  So, of course we're off to rock Japan next week.  Should be fun!  Can't wait to get out live again everywhere else too.  The album is progressing, and I am itching to play the new songs.  It is going to be good...

  Until then, take it easy.  Steve.
• 

  Jun 09, 07:53 AM

  "Guitar W*****G" By RoSs

  

  I've spent the last few evenings digging through my CD's looking for inspiration and guitar solos to rip off. I'm pushing for 3-5 minute solos a la "Purple Rain" on almost every track album 3 but having trouble convincing the other boys. Here's a small selection of tracks with excellent guitar solos that I'm enjoying...
  
  "Southern Man" Neil Young - Not the best guitarist in the world technically but his playing is so soulful and heartfelt. His choice of notes is outstanding. I rate him massively
  
  "Paranoid Android" Radiohead - Mental. I love it
  
  "Taxman" The Beatles - Nasty little guitar solo. George sounds angry.
  
  "Ball and Biscuit" White Stripes - He's playing the blues but putting his own fucked up nasty, twist on it. Blinding. Definately a favourite.
  
  "Without a Face" Rage Against the Machine - This geezer takes guitar playing and turns it on it's head. He can make a guitar sound like you've never heard before. He'd play it with allen keys and shit like that.
  
  "Whole Lotta Love" Led Zepplin - This solo is no where near long enough, I could listen to another 5 of minutes of this shit. Jimmy has got some savage moves. I try and rip him off all the time.
  
  "Sympathy for the Devil" The Rolling Stones - Bit of a cliche I know but this is so good It's worth mentioning again. I can't get enough, everything about this is great.
  
  "Coffee and TV" Blur - I love the weird dissonant shit and mental sounds Coxon uses on this clean sounding pop tune.
  
  "Sister Morphine" The Rolling Stones - Ry Cooder is on the slide guitar. It's wicked, once he gets started he doesn't stop till they fade him out at the end. Proper guitarist.
  
  "Hound dog" Elvis Presley - I love Rock 'n' Roll and Rockabilly guitar shit like this. It's all over Elvis's earlier stuff but the solos on this tune are awesome. Check out the vocal harmonies over it as well.
  
  "Beat It" Micheal Jackson - Not usually my sort of thing shredding like this but Eddie Van Halens playing on this tune is mind blowing.
  
  I could go on all day but should stop now before I bore you all to death with this guitar wanking nonsense. I could put a glass eye to sleep with this shit.
  Anyway, me and the boys are very well and making excellent progress on the new album. It's gonna be mega.
  There's gonna be some stuff going up featuring some new material very shortly. Look out
  
  Take it easy,

  Ross
• 

  Apr 18, 03:19 AM

  Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution!

  I was lucky enough to blag a couple of tickets to see AC/DC at the O2 the other night. I was slightly concerned as most of the band look like they should be at the post office waiting for their pensions, but as expected they fucking ruled. They were hard rocking for about 2 hours, which in my book is impressive for old boys. They weren't messing about either. The rhythm section were tighter than my old shoe, the guitar playing was awesome and Brian Johnson was supercool wearing his waistcoat and flat cap. They played some of the new stuff but mainly they played the old classics. Favourites such as "T.N.T", "Dirty Deeds", "Highway to Hell", "Let There Be Rock" to name but a few. The air guitar came out a few times, I just couldn't help myself. My favourite bit was during "Whole Lotta Rosie" where an enormous, large breasted inflatable woman appeared straddling a train which had earlier crashed through the back of the stage. Rock and Roll! My least favourite part was watching Angus take off all his clothes off to reveal a pair of AC/DC underpants. He looked a bit like Golam. But all was good as he redeemed himself immediately after with another face melting guitar solo. It was fucking brilliant! Ross
• 

  Apr 08, 06:23 PM

  L.a iS My LadY...

  

  So, was wondering around the streets in the vicinity of my hotel when I noticed a plaque on the wall outside a fairly small, square, two storey building which was now masquerading as a mexican restaurant. As you can see in the photo, the plaque shows that the building used to be 'The Doors Workshop' where the band (The Doors - obviously) used to rehearse, and recorded their last album LA Woman - here's a link to some pics of them doing just that...
  
  LA Woman is one of my favourite Door's albums so it was quite cool to stumble across the very spot they recorded it (Sadly I'm into that kind of thing - I go studio sightseeing) Who knows maybe one day they'll turn Cherry Lips into a mexican restaurant??
  
  Rich
  
  
• 

  Mar 19, 09:20 AM

  2 Blogs in a Week: RiCh´s Latest!

  

  Hello Everyone,

  Hope you're all good, I'm off to LA tomorrow to hook up with a few people we might want to get involved on the next album (check me out international jetsetter etc) I'm sure I'll be pining for a whiff of the aviation fuel spiked Staines air within a couple of days....

  
  

  We got invited to an exhibition of unseen Beatles photos last week at the Movieum of London - here's Ross, Kai and I on one of the sets from Star Wars (shot at Elstree studios) not sure if it's the actual set, some of the exhibits looked a bit iffy - including one of the minis from the Italian job which looked like they'd bought some old dear's mini mayfair and painted a couple of stripes down the side - It wasn't even red, white or blue!!

  
  

  Anyway photos were cool, including shots of a Japanese tour which brought back memories of our own experiences. Having read a few diaries of bands on the road (the best being Stones Touring Party 1972) it's funny to realise how similar things are when it comes to the day to day nitty gritty, despite being 30 years ago and from bands much, much bigger than us.

  
  

  Here's a list current studio faves...

  
  

  Stella Street DVDs

  M&S Viennese Sandwiches

  Single Ladies (put a ring on it) - Beyonce

  One + One - Jean Luc Goddard (features Stones in the studio recording 'Sympathy For The Devil')

  Hangover Square - Patrick Hamilton

  Our new table tennis table

  Darts.

  
  

  over.

  
  

  Rich
• 

  Mar 19, 09:16 AM

  Kai´s: You waiT 5 months Blog!

  You wait five months for a blog then three arrive at once !
   
  How's it ?  
  Things are coming along nicely with the new material. We are finding ourselves exploring lots of ideas and it's all very exciting in the studio.  I know it's been a while since we've been out there and I will be so happy when we finally unveil the new songs and get some touring organised.  Until then, we've got to keep on keeping on and complete our journey no matter how long it takes, . We'll be back stronger, sharper and full of renewed energy.... you can count on that.

   

  We miss you !    hopefully it won't be too long.

   

  Kai