Extended Play

The following are excerpts from my interview with Ben Harper, who performs at the Orpheum Theatre next week.

Q: Your politics were evident on 2006's 'Both Sides of the Gun,' but not so much on ‘Lifeline.’ What was the message behind this CD?
A: I don’t know anything about messages, only because I’m serving creative sincerity...it’s (all) about serving the emotion of the song at the time.

Q: Did recording in France have anything to do with your disgust over our military role in Iraq?
A: Look - I love America, straight up. Because I love America, that’s why I challenge America to be what it claims it is. When people say, ‘how dare you not support the troops,’ I say, ‘I do. That’s why I want them home.' You can’t support a dead troop for an unjust war. I don’t support this political regime, but I support the troops. I’m not one of these blind faith type of guys. Not as if it’s ‘no war for no war’s sake.’ There are wars that had to be fought. This ain’t one of them. Bring ‘em home. It felt great to be able to walk to the studio in (Paris) and not have to pass about 60 strip malls while sitting in traffic for an hour.

Q: What was best and most difficult part of the writing process? What did you feel you could and couldn’t take from the band?
A: It was opened 100 percent. I got to tell you: it was open wide...The introduction was ‘bring all your best musical and lyrical ideas forward'...There was subtle resistance, I think, at times from me. I quickly realized how much better these guys were going to make the record if I completely let go of the reigns – or at least pass them around.

Q: With three CDs in less than two years, do you think you’ll take an extended break after this tour cycle ends in 2008?
A: If I’m serving my own creative pace, then you’ll be seeing another record quick. If I’m having to serve the machine, it’s a different conversation.

Q: Who are some of your non-musical influences these days?
A: The majority of my influences are not musical; they’re conversations. Communication and seeing life in a slightly different way than I think most people do.

Q: You suggested the title of David Lynch's film “Inland Empire,” which your wife Laura Dern starred in. Too bad you couldn't convince him to set the film here as well.
A: He did scouting in the Inland Empire. That’s where he was taken by the imagery. He had already been working with a Polish film company and was deeply connected to them as far as how he was going to set his next movie. A lot of it was in Poland.

Q: How did you like making a cameo appearance in the movie?
A: It was great. I didn’t hold up my hand and request it. I was there to pick up my wife and he said, ‘you look cool; get in here.’