Interview with James Hart of Burn Halo

Interview with James Hart

Thank you for agreeing to do this interview, as most know you were with Eighteen Visions, how is it going since you moved on, can you touch on a little as to why the band broke up?

James:
I don't really know where to start with the whole 18V thing. The last 2-3 years of that band's existence seem like such a blur. From "Obsession" on really. The lineup changes, the extensive touring and the writing/album process. I think everyone in the band had a hard time getting on the same page during this time. Everything from writing and recording the album to which tour we should or shouldn't take. A couple of the guys decided after a few months of touring the self titled album that they wanted more stability in their lives. We were on a break writing some new material and getting ready to rehearse for an upcoming tour when one of the guys landed a good paying job. At that point I knew that everyone's heads weren't in the right place and we decided to call it a day.

Luv: How are things now that you are with Island, I read where you wanted a "fresh start" is that happening for you? Has this been a hard transition for you?

James: Things started off rather quickly and easily for me. I had signed a deal with Island within 3 months of the 18V split. Things like that usually don't happen. I finished writing the album in September and we started production in October of last year. One week prior to the mix date, my A&R parted ways with Island. They still let me make the record, but no one seemed to really be into it or want to take on the project. I actually had to take a couple of meetings and was put in an awkward situation there. After about three months with no progress there, I was dropped. My manager actually got his own label through ILG/Warner Music and we are spurting together a game plan right now for an album release in early 09 as well as a full radio assault in January 09. It's definitely nice to have this fresh start, but it has hardly been an easy transition. God has really tested my patience over the last 18 months.

Luv: What are something's you might consider doing differently now compared when you were in Eighteen Visions?

James: I always felt like we never ran 18V like a business. We started the band as kids and always had that kid mentality. I think that's part of the reason we aren't a band anymore. When we were kids, nothing really mattered. We didn't think about the big picture. Burn Halo is a band, but I also want to run it as a business. I think when you are more business oriented you have a bigger chance at success. If I'm going to continue to tour at this age, I need to have success in doing so. I think 18V had all of the right goals, but didn't really approach things the right way.

Luv: Are there any tour dates set?

James: There are no tour dates set in stone at this moment, but we are working on something for December and then in January into the rest of 09 to help set up and promote the album.

Luv: When writing lyrics and music, do you sometimes get caught up on the lyrics and then come up with something completely different than what you were set out to write?

James: Yeah. That happens more often than you'd think. Sometimes you get this great subject or idea you want to write about. A picture you want to paint, but just can't seem to put it all together. Rather than forcing something, I find myself starting fresh or even just building off of one or two great lines that have a diverse meaning. Sometimes the best songs aren't planned.

Luv: I'm sure there are other groups that influenced you along the way; can you name a few and tell me how they influenced you?

James: Here are two completely different bands. They have both sold millions of albums, but one of them isn't very "cool" by many people’s standards. First I'll start off with Guns n' Roses. Pretty typical I guess for a rock band to say they were influenced by them. To me, I wanted to make a classic sounding rock album. I love they way they layer and stack vocals. I love the guitar tone and leads. I wanted leads on my album that were unforgettable. I feel like we were really able to accomplish that. Band number 2 is Nickelback. When you can sell 5 Million albums + from album to album, you're doing something right. I love their melodies. The simplicity of the songs, the story telling of the lyrics. They do it very well. I wanted to really be able to paint a picture lyrically. Tell a story. Make it relatable. I feel like I was able to accomplish all of this on the album.

Luv: Well that is a good answer, and Nickelback is one of my favorite bands, you are right they do tell a story and they do it well!!

Luv: Did you set any goals for yourself after leaving Eighteen Visions, well the obvious what you are doing now, but any others that you still intend to work on?

James: Honestly, my goal is a growing relationship with God. Of course, I would like to continue to make albums and tour, but that might not be in the plans for me and that's ok.

Luv: When age did you realize that singing was for you and did you ever take voice lessons?

James: I started singing along in the car at a pretty young age. I started 18V in high school and we were a metal band. We wanted to sound like Pantera and Sepultura. I was doing that screamy stuff. As the band grew, I wanted to sing more. I worked on it from album to album, but took vocal lessons a few years ago. Now I'm at the point where I know my voice and how to use it.

Luv: I read somewhere Eddie Van Halen constantly practiced guitar, while his brother went out and partied, do you feel you are that determined in your career?

James: I have always been a hard worker. No matter what I get my hands on, I give it 100%.

Luv: Do you like performing in small venues or larger venues?

James: That's a tough one. I've always liked the intimacy of a small venue, but I also love the energy of playing huge ones. You play a festival and look out in the crowd and see 10 thousand + and there is no feeling like it when it comes to being on stage.

Luv: The track Save Me is an awesome song, every time I go to your MySpace I play it, do you have a favorite song you like to sing more then another?

James: I love all of the songs. I'd have to say my favorite song to listen to is a track called "Here With Me." It's hard to say which is my favorite to sing. I guess we'll have to wait till we are out on the road and I can connect with the songs on stage.

Luv: Have you made a lot of sacrifices in life, if so can you give me an example of any.

James: In music there are always sacrifices. Being in a full time band isn't easy. At least it hasn't been to this point. In 18V we all had to sacrifice ideas in the writing process to make sure everyone in the band was ok with the song. I still don't think everyone was 100% ok with every song. The main stress comes on any relationships you have at home. That's always a hard one to deal with, being away from family.

Luv: How do you find a balance in your life being an artist and working hard at your career?

James: When I'm not touring or working on music, I really try to step away from it. It's hard once you get out on the road or you are making an album, but when you come home from a tour or from the studio at night, you really have to just leave work at work.

Luv: Have you had any struggles in life and how did you overcome them?

James: Everyone has their struggles. Whether it's in music or at whatever other job they are working. There are struggles with work, struggles at home. They way I have been able move past these struggles is my faith, my love for God. for me, everything starts there. Even before the struggles.

Luv: Last but not least how did you come up with the name Burn Halo?

James: I love the idea of a halo. To me and I think most people it is an angelic symbol. You always see a halo glowing or alit.

Luv: In closing, do you have any advice or comments for any future artists who want to pursue a career in music?

James: Be patient.

I want to thank you for doing this interview with me on behalf of NetWavz radio. We look forward to hearing you on the radio. You can check out Burn Halo at
http://www.myspace.com/burnhalo, Good Luck with your future adventures.

Upcoming Shows
December 12, 2008 House of Blues Atlantic City, New Jersey
December 13, 2008 Chevrolet Theater Wallingford, Ct.
December 14, 2008 Valentines Albany, NY
December 15, 2008 Pavillion de La Jeunesse Quebec, Canada
December 16, 2008 Metropolis Montreal, Quebec
December 17, 2008 The Sound Academy Toronto, Ontario