SOUL BRAINS
The urban legend Bad Brains
have reincarnated themselves as
Soul Brains and are proving
once again to the world that
they are the best, period.
OG frontman HR
bares his soul.
Having recently reunited the Bad
Brains as the Soul Brains, do you find
yourself being accepted just as well
now as you were back then?
Oh yes. Music is a medium in which one
can establish communication on a positive
level, and back then we were just learning
about the EADGB philosophy. Theories of
music were in their embryonic stages, but
now we are able to perfect those tech-
niques, so it has been beneficial.
A lot of bands that are big now say
that two of their main influences are
Cro-Mags and Bad Brains.
Well, the Soul Brains, formerly known as
the Bad Brains, established in Washington
in the late '70s and early '80s, had a pro-
found effect on the media. Working
through the 16/16 pattern timings and 12
pattern timings and 4/4 timings with two
interval rest beats, a lot of their songs were
considered an extraordinary phenomenon.
Later on, the group formed a formal-infor-
mal musical relationship with other entities
in the music industry, and their careers
began to blossom. One of those groups
was the Cro-Mags.
Who have been some of your
major influences?
Some of the early influences of the Soul
Brains and other young new wave, alterna-
tive, rock and roll, and reggae groups were
Bob Marley, David Bowie, and also Rick
Ocasek from the Cars. They had a tremen-
dous effect on the younger generation, and
their music was listened to worldwide.
Is there any particular music scene
that Soul Brains associates them-
selves with now?
Music scenes are trendsetters of the
innovative new wave sound. Since that
time there has been a hip-hop explosion,
and also soul, reggae rock, and dance-
hall music. These styles have been
exceptionally, overwhelmingly received
and the response from the audience has
been superior.
How important or unimportant do
you see yourself as a band in the
overall spectrum of music?
The importance of music today is to
know the basics. To be able to be friends
with your musicians and the people in the
industry. To learn your instrument, to
become one with your objective, to not be
discouraged and leave those instruments
in the closet for too long, but to take them
out and work at it. To keep working on pro-
duction, and focus on the objective. And in
due time, your idea may be perhaps the
manifestation of one of those cool groovy
songs that will rock the masses.
So for now you're on an independent
label?
There has been considerable interest
from major recording labels, and in due
season we feel that there will be a
resurging and a marriage of both.
Both?
Do you think that the music scene
now, and music in general, are going
in a positive direction?
Yes, because the spirit and the angels
I have been predestined by the Creator's
master plan. Your music can become one
with that reality that you were speaking of,
and the answer is yes.
Occasionally people say that they
come away from Soul Brains shows
sort of disappointed, that they feel
your band was just sort of an urban
legend. Do you have anything to
say to that?
The students who may feel as if their
ability to recreate the same feeling that
was once their personal experience must
keep in perspective that the music has
matured, and because of that maturity
there is a long lasting home feeling that
has rewarded it and helped it blossom. So
do not be discouraged, because soon
they will reach the same level and then
they will truly understand.
Do you still see the Soul Brains as an
incarnation or reincarnation of the
Bad Brains, or have you started Soul
Brains with a new objective?
We believe that our roots are a major
influence and reverence and foundation
in every single breath of our music.
Present, past, and also future.
Anything you care to say in closing?
When musicians get together, there
will be some sort of temporary rear-
ranging or adjustment period between
projects. Keep in focus that determina-
tion, cooperation, and patience go hand
in hand with a true authentic, success-
and prosperous entertainer.
Although music has been given differ-
ent sides, remember that no musician is
really on anyone's side. It is a neutral
position, and your job is simply to
entertain, have fun, and live in peace.
with one.
Yes, naturally. Major labels and inde- ful,
pendent small businesses as well.
When the Soul Brains are not touring,
what sorts of things occupy their time?
Groups who have been moderately or
comfortably successful in the business
can sometimes find pleasure or relax-
ation in meditation, swimming, studying
in libraries, cooking, and also spending
time with family. Those quality hours.
mean a lot. When you have the time, take
advantage of it.
Should we be expecting any new
material from the Soul Brains?
Yes. As soon as possible.
Thanks a lot, HR. It has been a pleasure.
God bless.
Dietrich.