Two and a half years ago, I thought Harlem Shakes was nothing more than a decent local indie-pop band. It was young and passionate but seemed to lack that special something to stand out in NYC’s vibrant music scene.
Now, with the release of the band’s debut full-length Technicolor Health and its recent return to playing live shows after a year’s hiatus, my tune has changed. On the addictive lead single “Strictly Game,” singer Lexy Benaim tells us, “This will be a better year,” and he just might be right: 2009 may be for Harlem Shakes what 2008 was for its pals Vampire Weekend. After obsessively listening to the record and watching the band play the three electrifying performances in the last month, it’d be hard to imagine a group more deserving for a breakout.
With a string of dates opening for Tokyo Police Club and performances at this year’s SXSW, Benaim took some time to answer a few questions about the return to the stage and one band member’s odd sleeping habits.
New York Press: After such a long break from performing, were you nervous about playing shows again? Lexy Benaim:
There was a bit of rust but a show or two on the road wore it away. Familiar faces can be tough to sing to.
When you were last playing shows, Tokyo Police Club and Vampire Weekend were your peers, now Vampire Weekend is huge, and you’re on tour opening for TPC. What has it been like watching them get so big, and is 2009 Harlem Shakes’ year?
It was a pleasure to watch those bands become popular.They deserved it. I hope we find some new fans this year, but that stuff picks you, don´t pick it.
There´s a tone of positivity and change to Technicolor Health that especially shows through on “Nothing But Change pt. 2” and “Strictly Game.” What change are you referring to? I can´t help but feel these songs perfectly coincide with the beginning of the Obama era.
Well, I don´t think all the change in “Nothing But Change” is necessarily positive. It’s a Taoist saying I got from the singer of the band The Octagon who sings that very hook in an excellent tune of his own. I couldn´t admire his music much more. I think the song is inflected with Obama vibes, inevitably, but he ain’t the only change going on right now. He’s just the handsomest. But before the Hold Steady usurped us, we were prepared to call the album Stay Positive.
What is the biggest difference between the band that wrote “Burning Birthday” and the band that created Technicolor Health?
It’s a huge difference. First of all, we made “Burning Birthday” after rehearsing together for only a few months.We were just more engaged mentally and emotionally making Technicolor Health. It was truly a labor of love.
Do you feel like you’ve been able to bring new life to the older songs? I definitely think the road has breathed new life into those old tunes.We also play them differently—as a jam band might.We try to surprise ourselves onstage too, especially when we’re as comfortable playing a tune as we are with “Carpetbaggers.”
How different is it for you to be playing a large room filled with kids mainly there to see to see the headliner, such as opening for Tokyo Police Club, rather than a local show where you headline?
They each have their advantages. Playing for the home crowd is a sort of triumphal experience whereas there’s something exciting and energizing about playing to potential converts.
When you’re on the road together, it’s kind of like being married. Who in the band has the craziest habits? And aside from performing, what are you looking forward to the most about being on tour?
Who has the craziest habits? I’d say Kendrick. He does karate in his sleep and sleeps naked from the waist down. I’m looking forward to dining establishments like Waffle House.We lack those in the North.
