Interview with Rock n Roller Henri Herbert – Get It While It’s Hot
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Henri Herbert: – Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I started performing as a child – maybe 4 or 5 years old. I play piano and sing. I play rock n roll and blues mainly.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Austin Texas is my hometown and I’m there as much as possible. I also spend a lot of time in Nashville TN, but I consider Austin to be my home. It’s where I recorded “Get It While It’s Hot”
What performers have been your inspiration?
So many! Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Albert Ammons, Fats Domino, Jelly Roll Morton, ACDC, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Wu Tang Clan, Jimi Hendrix, Oscar Peterson, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Son House…all these people inspired the recording of “Get It While It’s Hot”
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
Everything! But I have a positive mindset so that helps. Certainly, making records as an independent artist can be challenging. I’m so glad that I persevered with this latest record.
What do you base your success on?
Having great friends and a loving family – for me that’s the greatest success there is. They have always been so supportive of my career and recordings.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
Actually, my latest record was a real collaboration. We had the main sessions recorded in Austin, but I’d been working with friends and colleagues long before even going back to the pandemic times. Myself, Kevin Smith, Tom Lewis and Tjarko Jeen would jam in the backyard an come up with ideas. Then the record was cut live by Niko Leophonte in Austin with Tjarko, Josh Williams, Dino Malo, Jerry Pentecost, Luca Chiappara and Austin John. Not many overdubs at all. It was mixed in the UK by Jim Jones.
What was your latest musical release?
“If I Could” – the final single from “Get It While It’s Hot”
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Henri Herbert – Get It While It’s Hot and what inspired its creation?
Yes. I was inspired by the great rockers Jerry Lee, Elvis, Chuck Berry and Little Richard, but also by the next generation – MC5, Stooges, also The Clash and Ramones and of course the Rolling Stones and eventually ACDC I’m also big into soul and funk -James Brown is the king – and let’s not forget the Blues greats John Lee Hooker, BB King, Memphis Slim. I wanted to channel all my influences into some Rock n Roll that told a story about my life so far, my immigration to the US, and building a new life in a new land. I wanted to take this inspiration from the greats and make something new.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
It’s my first band LP – I have been wanting to achieve this for years.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
I love the simplicity of great songs just about simple things..challenge, love, loss
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I just do what feels right and if it makes some money, that’s an extra.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
It’s everything. Gotta get the word out about things and the internet is still the best way to do that.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
Yes – last night in New York City. It was a great experience to play these songs with the band. I think I’ll remember it forever.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
It’s inevitable and it’s a challenge to keep up with all the changes. One thing that hasn’t really changed is the business of playing live music on a stage. Everything around it has changed, but a group of players making music on stage and sharing energy – that’s still there.
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I did a CD giveaway to the first 25 people through the door at each of these USA shows. I also have a Patreon page where I post boogie piano lessons and tips. I also live stream regularly on my YouTube page to people all over the world. I love meeting fans all over the world, so I always make sure to have time for that before or after a show. Because of my Youtube following, I have fans all over the world and it’s a thrill to meet them at shows. Some folks came out from Pittsburgh last night and some others came from Albany. It was a long drive for both groups of people – I make sure to thank them from the stage for making the effort.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Thank you for listening and coming to my shows – it really does mean the world to me.
You can find me on my website www.henriherbertmusic.com At my YouTube site also – www.youtube.com/henriherbert88 Many thanks!
By Olivia Peevas
