When one door closes, another one opens. This couldn’t be truer for musician James Hart, who spent nearly a decade recording and touring as the frontman of Orange County band 18 Visions. After their breakup in early 2007, Hart quickly redirected his creative energy and honed his talent into a singular vision that fully represents his individual skill and ideas. Never losing momentum, Hart landed a label deal with Island/Def Jam and began working almost immediately with songwriter Zac Maloy on what would become Burn Halo’s charismatic self-titled debut.
Between May and October of 2007, Hart made weeklong treks to Tusla, OK to write and demo with Maloy, solidifying his objective of what the music would sound like and focusing on writing songs that would construct a well-balanced record. “I knew that I wanted a clear-cut rock ‘n’ roll band, which is something I had not had in the past,” Hart says of the music. “My vision and my brand of rock ‘n’ roll without having to compromise on any of the songs or any of the material. I wanted to make a very straightforward rock album. Something that had commercial appeal, but also something that had a classic, vintage mid-‘80s throwback vibe to it.”
Hart recorded the album from October to November of 2007 with Maloy as producer, laying down the tracks with an army of skilled studio musicians, including Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney, and guitarist Neil Tiemann who now tours with American Idol winner David Cook. In the studio Maloy was particularly helpful in getting the best possible performance out of Hart, especially when it came time to lay down the vocals. “I really felt like he was able to grasp what I wanted to do and where I wanted to take this,” Hart says. “From a producer standpoint I feel like he really knocked it out of the park. As a vocalist he was able to bring a lot out of me instead of having me go through the motions and just get the part right. Emoting a little more than I have in the past. He was really able to pull a lot of character out of my voice.”
The result is a dynamic, gripping collection of gritty rock songs that immediately engage their listener, ranging from the propulsive “Save Me,” which Hart describes as the “heaviest” track on the record, to the memorable first single “Dirty Little Girl,” which features Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates. Hart also reveals his emotional and musical range on “Here With Me,” an emotive throwback ballad that resounds with immediacy and sincerity, and showcases Hart’s songwriting goals for the album. “I wanted to touch more on real life situations and real life stories,” Hart says. “I wanted to paint a real life picture. I started listening to country and a lot of those songs are very real and down to earth. They are songs about real life, about situations you would come across with a lover or the loss of a friend or heading down a dark path in life. I wanted it to be really simple and easy to digest. I wanted there to be no question about what I was singing about.”
After the album was completed, in early 2008, Island elected not to release Burn Halo’s debut, leaving Hart with the tough job of finding a new home for his project. Nothing felt quite right, though, so Burn Halo’s manager Bret Bair formed his own label Rawkhead Rekords through Warner Music Group to release the record. Hart spent much of 2008 finalizing the lineup of his touring band- which he hopes will help write and record Burn Halo’s successive albums- with Aaron Boheler on bass, Joey Cunha on lead guitar, Brandon Lynn on rhythm guitar, and Timmy Russell on drums. All that’s left is to show it all to the world. “I think this is a real statement album for me,” Hart says. “Anyone who is familiar with me and my past is going to be able to get this record. They’re going to understand why I made this record and that this is the record I’ve been wanting to make.”
in believe in marchhh, itll be a year since i saw you guys lastt!!:( i saw you when you guys went and played with Buckcherry, Papa Roach, and Silvergun*ithink* in Sioux City, Iowa! it was fuckkin awesomee!!
Too Late To Tell You Now is one of the best songs on the cd. Don't get me wrong the cd is great cover to cover, but I love the backing vocals and I am sure that everyone can relate to the message in the song. Hope you make it to WV soon. Or better yet ROTR 2010. Great set in 2009 on Jager stage.
That there is again band since already it(he,she) checks your musical project it is very good let's hope that it(he,she) continues expanding really it is a very good elaborated music!!!! I congratulate you very much I wait you be OK ............ Look after yourself very much and a lot of luck I order you regards and wait witnesses for the commentary!!! ::::::::: Kachithooo:::::::::: And certainly thank you for the add!!!
thanks for the add... digging 'save me' right now. be sure to check out http://www.myspace.com/rankmaniac2010 if you're into search engine optimization... we can help you out with some relevant graph algorithms. nerds are cool. cheers
Had a great time at all 3 shows, we got our faces rocked off plus you guys are so sweet to us =) Enjoy your much needed and well deserved time off, and we'll see ya soon! ;)
Online Now!
![Sarah♫Suicide[is overrated]](http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/74/s_195a738345294520aaef607af26c0fb8.jpg)
