Music

Ben Harper: "Bob Marley was the first black punk rocker"

11/09/2016 written by Nina Müller
"Call it what it is" is the name of the new, long-awaited album by singer Ben Harper (46) and his house band The Innocent Criminals. Reggae fan Harper has kept the world waiting nine years for this reunion. But the wait was worth it: Harper's new album is a real sensation. In folk, reggae and rock guise, the committed singer, whose previous albums have usually been characterized by a great deal of optimism, denounces the violence against black fellow citizens that is still omnipresent in the USA.

"They shot him in the back, now it's a crime to be black", sings multiple Grammy winner Ben Harper in the title track "Call it what it is" from his new album of the same name. Harper is referring directly to an incident in the USA where a black citizen was shot dead by a police officer with a revolver without sufficient suspicion.
BenHarper,Your new album is versatile - it contains reggae, blues and rock - and is called "Call it what it is". Is this a general statement from you, calling a spade a spade, or is it about denouncing racism in the USA, as in the title song?

It's both. It's really about calling a spade a spade, and especially putting a spotlight on the current circumstances, for example, gun control in the US and how we deal with it.
How do you think the US elections will turn out?

I hope Hillary Clinton wins.
What is your biggest concern in the world at the moment?

My biggest concern is female empowerment. It is important that we empower women. That's why I'm hoping for Hillary Clinton as president.
How does it feel to be playing with your band, the Innocent Criminals, for the first time in nine years?

Oh, it's the best musical time of my life! Our songs have more urgency now, more energy, there's so much we're doing new and better now.
Could it be said that you have now reached the peak of your career?

I hope it's not the peak yet. I'm not in the mood to look down after this tour! I hope it keeps going from here and stays interesting.
You are a big reggae fan and your music is steeped in reggae. What fascinates you so much about this musical genre?

Reggae was the first music I heard as a child, and for me it was like receiving a message from outer space. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this music at some point. You know, Bob Marley was the first black punk rocker, the first black revolutionary. Reggae is a style of music that is deeper for me than all other styles of music. It's also very spiritual music. It may be that my next album will be a pure reggae album.
Will you then record this album in Jamaica?

Oh no, I'm not a traditionalist or nostalgic and I'm not from Jamaica. I'm a boy from Southern California. But my parents practically infiltrated me with reggae: We had the Bob Marley records "Burnin'", "Catch a fire", "Kaya" at home, but also albums by Toots and the Maytals and of course Jimmy Cliff with "The Harder They Come".
You once said that John Lennon and Bob Marley managed to combine music and cultural awareness.

Yes, I still stand by that.
Do you also try to raise listeners' awareness with your music?

I can't raise the consciousness of the listeners, but I try to get the best possible music out of myself - and if that gives people good energy, that makes me very happy.

BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS
03.10.16, Volkshaus Zurich
06.10.16, Arena Genève
TICKETS

Translated with DeepL