11/25/2004

Download MP3: Fallen Down

Every once in a while a band comes along that excites and inspires you. And rarely, you find a band that creates something that moves you from the inside. Luna Halo is that band; and Nathan Barlow (lead vocals/guitar) is leading his band on a charge through music history.

Allalom Productions: First off, Nathan let me thank you for this interview, you have been a kind of musical superman to me since I first heard Reality Check. So where are you at with music right now? What is happening with Luna Halo?

Nathan Barlow: We are currently shopping a mainstream label deal and recording a new album.

AP: Your debut album with Luna Halo was critically claimed and widely considered an excellent pop album, but it was followed by several years of near silence and the occasional ep – what happened?

NB: We left Sparrow in order to write about a broader range of subjects in our songs. We didn't just jump at the first offer, and I am extremely picky with our songs so it has taken a while.

AP: Since you left Sparrow has it been hard to try and find a new label or was the market open to your brand of rock?

NB: The market has been open, but having had record deals in the past I have been extremely careful. Maybe too careful.

AP: I have heard that you are hooking up with DreamWorks for this latest record – are those rumors true? And if so how did it happen?

NB: We had a developmental deal with them and recorded the first 5 songs for our new album. In the middle of that...they got bought by Universal/Interscope so we began to negotiate with them. As of now...we have yet to agree on contract terms.

AP: The music has slowly been changing for you, from the funk-fused Reality Check to Luna Halo’s slow transformation over the course of one album and three EPs, does this reflect a personal change of your musical tastes - Or just an expansion?

NB: It is a reflection of another side of me that was always there. I was always pulling in the rock direction with RC. Shimmer was much more experimental because we were a new band so it was a little all over the place. We are much more focused now.

AP: You have been around the music scene for several years, always skirting with fame and success, does it upset you when other (newer) bands hit that high point?

NB: Not really. I have always sabotaged things right as they were taking off for me! Ha! No...I don't care about that stuff. I just want to be happy and make a living doing what I love.

AP: You recently played with Blondie and the Psychedelic Furs – how was that experience?

NB: Amazing... Debbie Harry is still unbelievable! The Furs are the coolest!

AP: You play in Europe fairly often; do you find the crowds over there to be more receptive then the American audiences?

NB: They seem to be more passionate about music in general. they just go crazy over there. It's rad!

AP: What is your take on the current state of popular music – and the industry in general?

NB: Popular music is not the problem right now. The problem is the people in high powered positions that control the music people get to hear. There is so much great music being made that isn't being heard.

AP: What are your main goals for Luna Halo in the next year – what do you wish to accomplish?

NB: We will release an album this year! We will tour the states like crazy! We will go back to Europe to tour again. We will finally take a good photo this year!

AP: Is there anything you wish to add?

NB: I'm Hungry!

AP: The future looks bright for you and Luna Halo and I wish you all the luck in the world, thank you for your time.

NB: Word!

Visit Luna Halo at www.lunahalo.com for more information.