HARVEY DALTON ARNOLD -The Outlaws Legend

1. Dear Harvey you have a new release entitled “Stories to Live Up To”, please describe the process of composing and recording the songs.

When I learned that I was going to make this record, I asked the producers what they had in mind.  They said maybe a southern rock project, considering my past with The Outlaws, a prominent southern rock band from the 1970s.  My previous CD was all acoustic and blues oriented and I wanted this to be totally different.  So I pulled these songs together; some I had written a while ago and some brand new.  There is a common electric feel but each has its own mood and groove.  We recorded all 9 songs in a weekend in Brooklyn NY all together in one room, mostly live.  There was a lot of magic there between Friday and Monday.

2. What do you mean when saying “Standing up or laying down, I won’t be here when the sun goes down,” in the lyrics of your song “When the Sun Goes Down”?  

When the sun goes down is a short story LOL.  Its about a man desperate to be free from a prison.  He is saying dead or alive I’m out of here by sundown, standing up or laying down.

3. Please let me know about the other musicians who participate in your new album. Is it going to be the touring line up as well?   

I didn’t know who the musicians were until I arrived in NYC.  We met Thursday night over dinner and went to work Friday at noon.  They had heard the songs from a one guitar bathroom recorded demo that I had sent the month prior.  We agreed on the song structures and then played what we felt.  Later I learned these incredible musicians histories:   Zev Katz (Paul Simon, James Brown, Carole King, Eric Clapton) on Bass, Charley Drayton (The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Miles Davis) on Drums, Rob Arthur (Jimmy McGriff, Peter Frampton, Joan Osborne) on Piano, Rhodes, B3 Organ, Keyboards and Zak Alister (Frenchman extraordinaire) on Rhythm Guitar.  I had no clue and I’m glad I didn’t know their credentials until later, or I would have been shaking in my boots.  All those guys stay very busy normally, so I am rehearsing my own touring band in NC.

4. How does the Covid-19 affect the plans for the promotion of your new album?  

Covid-19 has shaken the world to its foundation and musicians have been stopped in our tracks.  Fortunately through social media, music streaming services and media outlets like yourself I have been able to get this CD out there.  Its been fun so far to hear all the good reception.

5. Do you have any re-scheduled your dates to announce?  

No because we really cannot guess when we can start back booking dates.  Music always has survived our most trying times; it is necessary for both the players and the people.

6. Which is the mission of the Music Maker Relief Foundation and which is your connections with this organization? 

Music Maker Relief Foundation’s mission is to sustain the heritage of music from the American south, although they support musicians all over the US.  For 25 years they have helped struggling musicians with lifes hardships, be it housing, utilities, medicines, bicycles, guitars and many (but not all) are in their golden years.  I’ve seen them record a 72 year old bluesman for his first time and send him to Europe to tour.  They do great work.  I have my career and also help musically to back up their artists wherever.  Switzerland and Portugal are recent touring examples.

7. How do you adjust yourself to the current status of the music industry?   

I think you always just write, play and sing as honestly as you can.  After all, I have to like and live with my work and people can hear and feel when music is insincere.

8. You were the bassist and vocalist for iconic Southern Rock band The Outlaws, why did you leave the band?   

I was so fortunate to be in The Outlaws during some really great years.  I am proud of the albums and shows during my time with them.  The whole trip wasn’t fun after a while musically and personally.  I wasn’t good for them and vice versus; I think it was good for both of us to move on.

9. Any chance to re-unite with old member of the band in other projects?   

I feel lucky that we still are on good terms and I opened for a new version of The Outlaws a few years ago.  Freddie Salem and I call each other on our birthdays LOL.  Nothing is ever impossible, but I’m an old dog who likes his comfort zone.

10. Which would be your advice for young musicians that would like to join the music industry? 

Play, practice, listen to criticism and hear it but don’t let it hurt your feelings.  Then play and practice some more.  Disregard shiny objects, there are a lot of snakes in the music business grass.  Be decent to people (it will come back to you) and be on time.  

Artist info: https://www.facebook.com/bluesboy58/
www.musicmaker.org/artists/harvey-dalton-arnold/