As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, discussing the enigmatic Debbie Harry of Blondie fame is always an unpredictable journey. During our interview, she wore opaque cat-eye sunglasses and sported her iconic disheveled shag hairdo, instantly setting the stage for an unforgettable conversation. Her subtle smirk hinted at a captivating exchange that left me in awe.
In the 70s, she made a splash in the rock ‘n’ roll world with the innovative band Blondie in New York City. Her journey wasn’t always easy, as she was ready to take on challenges throughout her career. Harry has never been one to back down from risks. From being the first artist to rap in a top Billboard hit to venturing into solo work and acting after Blondie disbanded, following her creative impulses seems to be second nature to her.
In my own words, I’d express that as: “Creativity isn’t merely about numbers and letters, it’s something far deeper. It’s connected to our very essence, to our souls,” I’d say, reflecting on the profound nature of creativity.
Lately, Debbie Harry, the renowned fashion icon, introduced a new clothing line in partnership with Wildfang from Oregon. This latest collection reflects her lifelong love for punk and androgynous styles, suggesting that she continues to crave new ventures in the world of fashion, proving her ongoing enthusiasm.
In preparation for Blondie’s upcoming album, produced by John Congleton of St. Vincent, which will be released in early 20XX, Harry recently engaged in a discussion about his inspiring fashion line, the idea that AI can’t compare to him, pushing boundaries and making unconventional choices, as well as his ongoing quest for authenticity while working in the studio once more.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
It seems that, upon exploring your career trajectory, I’ve found an impressive pattern of transformation. You’ve transitioned from being a harmony singer to a lead vocalist in a band, then to a solo artist, an actress, back to a band member, and most recently, a fashion collaborator. Can you share what drives you to continually reinvent yourself and take on new creative ventures?
Although there were certain things I was deeply fond of, I unfortunately didn’t seize the opportunity. At this point, however, I must abide by my personal guidelines. I believe that for a young woman or girl, discovering this about oneself fosters self-awareness and clarity regarding one’s character. This self-discovery process is quite common among young individuals as they explore their identities. Fashion can play a significant role in this journey of self-discovery.
What would you describe as your style philosophy?
I desire a sense of ease. I wish to slip into an outfit that feels like second skin, where I can forget about it and focus on other things. I don’t want to spend time adjusting my seams or sleeves; I simply want to wear it. I aspire to look stylish, yet feel completely comfortable in it.
I first learned about Wildfang through their suits, and I’ve personally been a fan of suits since they remind me of boyish attire. I find these outfits to be enjoyable, which is an essential aspect to incorporate into one’s work, along with a touch of playfulness or bravery – qualities that tend to captivate people. I wholeheartedly support this approach and have been following it for quite some time now. However, I would also encourage up-and-coming artists to be bold and break the established rules.
One aspect of your style that truly resonates with me is the do-it-yourself (DIY) flair in fashion that you’ve consistently embodied. I’m particularly fascinated by your inventive uses of items like the zebra print pillowcase dress and other pieces where it seems like you’re taking things apart and reassembling them into something new. Can you share how this DIY ethos manifests in your current fashion choices?
Occasionally, at the beginning of any venture, it’s essential to try out different approaches. I wholeheartedly endorse this method, as I believe that experimentation is the foundation of success – a principle that has guided me throughout my journey. Remarkably, when I embarked on my initial steps, I lacked numerous alternatives, which led me to attempt things that weren’t fashionable or suitable for the period. However, persisting with what resonated deeply within me, combined with the practicality of a garment’s design, even if it seemed unconventional, could ultimately prove beneficial for my unique style. Therefore, I always encourage others not to shy away from trying something that may be deemed unorthodox.
In simpler terms, what I’m getting at is that DIY projects, such as transforming a zebra-striped pillowcase into something fashionable, seem to resonate with me personally. However, not everyone may feel the same about being unique or independent in their style choices. Therefore, choosing clothing that suits your body type, lifestyle, and emotional state is highly personal and crucial for individual satisfaction.
Hey there! As a passionate moviegoer and music enthusiast, I can’t help but share my anticipation for your new album. I thoroughly enjoyed grooving to “Pollinator,” with its vibrant, almost rebellious vibe that resonated throughout the tracks. Now, I’m eagerly waiting to immerse myself in your upcoming masterpiece. Could you describe the essence of this new creation? I’m curious to know how it will make me feel!
Our albums have a knack for encompassing various genres and settings, which gives them a traditional Blondie feel. What keeps fans coming back is our enthusiasm for our work and the effort we put into it. It’s not just a matter of saying, “Let’s make an album.” Instead, we write songs that reflect our lives and the present moment.
When collaborating with Chris Stein on a song, he often brings a demo of the track from the get-go, and this has been consistent since the very beginning. I’m curious to know more about his creative process. So, I might ask, “Chris, what inspires you as you compose this music? What thoughts or phrases are you focusing on? Is there a specific word, event, or movie that serves as your muse?
It’s quite straightforward for him to create a definition using words. Often, these definitions serve as starting points for me, like “Heart of Glass” or “Dreaming.” Lately, there’s a track on our new album titled “A Man with No Face.” So I inquired, “What was the origin of that song? What was your focus or inspiration?” And more often than not, these questions guide me effectively.
Was most of the writing for the album primarily his work, or was it more of a collective effort among the band members?
Indeed, we’ve had a good number of collaborators. Notably, Glen Matlock – the original bassist from the Sex Pistols – has been playing with us recently, and he’s added a fantastic song to our repertoire. It’s an amazing piece, one that stays with you. Its vibe is reminiscent of his work with the Sex Pistols. It’s a straightforward, catchy tune with a great rhythm, featuring three or four chords. You can find it on our album and it’s titled “Sleepwalking.
As a devoted music enthusiast, I’d happily share that this album truly shines with some fantastic dance tunes that are undeniably reminiscent of rock ‘n’ roll. Yet, what makes it stand out is the ingenious blending of various musical sounds and styles, creating a unique tapestry of diverse moods. And, true to form, Blondie has once again managed to encapsulate the zeitgeist, making the music feel quintessentially Blondie.
In your music, Blondie consistently blends genres, as evident by being the first to reach the top of the Billboard charts with a rap song, incorporating reggae influences, and experimenting with various styles overall. I’ve observed that you never let genre boundaries hold you back. Can you share your thoughts on pushing musical boundaries and avoiding being confined within a specific genre?
In the past, it was uncommon for artists to mix different styles in their music, especially back in the 1970s. If an artist created a reggae album, it would be just that, and a rock album would remain separate. However, as we grew more urbanized in New York City, we began incorporating various influences into our music because they were what was around us and what we enjoyed. I can’t quite put it into words, but it felt natural to blend those styles.
We appreciated Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder, admiring their diverse sounds and techniques. These influenced our work greatly. During that period, we transitioned from analog to digital technology, which opened up countless possibilities that are common today. Essentially, this shift marked a time of exploration and innovation.
My thoughts on fashion align with what I previously discussed. This includes self-discovery, personal style, and self-expression. Similarly, our feelings about various music genres, such as rap, reggae, dance, and club music, were deeply ingrained in our work. These emotions surfaced in the music whenever it moved beyond simple rock beats, serving as an extension of our core principles.
In contemporary times, thanks to digital communications and advancements in connectivity, the world feels more compact. It’s a pity that this communication doesn’t solely extend to the artistic realm but also permeates other aspects of life. To put it another way, we have managed to develop intercultural comprehension when it comes to food, fashion, music, and art. Why shouldn’t we strive for the same level of understanding in every facet of our daily lives?
What are your thoughts on how Blondie, both as a band and a collective of artists, has evolved and adapted throughout the years?
In simpler terms, consistent practice plays a significant role in mastering any skill, such as playing an instrument or writing. The popular saying “Practice makes perfect” highlights this concept, implying that with regular practice, one continually improves at what they do. This principle applies equally to writing – the more you write, the better you become at it, and eventually, you’ll find it easier to express thoughts that feel authentic to you and reflect your experiences and perspective on life.
Today, we’re fortunate indeed, for technology advances have made our lives swift and responsive. Our perception and actions are now instantaneous, mirroring our thoughts with remarkable speed. In essence, turning ideas into reality has become as effortless as a blink of an eye. I believe this rapid evolution suits us admirably well.
I recall a time when cassette tapes posed a challenge to vinyl records. The music industry executives were dismayed, exclaiming, “Oh my God, with cassettes, anyone can duplicate an album and avoid purchasing the original!” We navigated that turbulent period, and eventually, cassettes gave way to CDs or 8-tracks. Today, we find ourselves facing a similar situation as we contemplate AI, with many expressing concern such as, “Oh my god, AI! What’s next?
To put it simply, AI may be advanced, but it’s not a replacement for human creativity. I’ve seen AI-generated images of myself, and while they might resemble me, there’s something undeniably different – something that feels more like AI than me. I think this is causing some concern, but I’m not sure how much we should worry about it.
Creativity isn’t just a matter of numbers and letters; it’s deeply rooted in us, in our essence, our soul. The spirit of the 1960s was all about creating something with soul. And that’s where AI falls short. I’ve listened to songs generated by algorithms, and they felt somewhat lifeless in comparison. So, perhaps we should focus more on nurturing our own creativity, rediscovering the search for our souls. That’s what truly sets us apart from AI.
It seems like you’re expressing that you don’t have concerns regarding AI. Your perspective is that AI doesn’t pose a danger to musicians since music inherently requires an emotional depth or soul?
My preference leans towards it. However, I have a feeling that at some point, perhaps in unexpected ways, someone might create an AI-generated piece of music or art that leaves us all in awe.
In my opinion, making errors or doing things incorrectly often results in the most compelling art. I recall from my school days, many years ago, when we would purchase 45 records. Frequently, the B-side contained mistakes that were never meant to be released or pressed today. However, there was something fascinating about those mistakes – the sense of “oh well, let’s try using this” – and they often evolved into something remarkable from there.
10 years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Gaga, and it was touching to hear how much my work inspired her at such a formative stage in her career. As a fan of hers, it’s heartwarming to see that she wasn’t alone in feeling empowered by a lead female musician like me. It’s truly humbling to realize the impact I’ve had on younger artists and observing them incorporate aspects of my style into their own work. It’s a testament to the power of music and its ability to inspire future generations.
The experience is fantastic! You see, we all have a common practice, which is absorbing our surroundings. I don’t intend to incorporate eight bars of someone else’s song into my own, but the emotion behind their music ignites something within me. At live shows, I may find myself captivated by a particular beat and that could stimulate a few lyrics. This process creates a sort of rhythmic chant, where you focus on the feeling, and a phrase pops into your head due to an event from your day or week. It’s like solving a puzzle, it’s exhilarating, and intriguing!
Regardless of where your ideas originate, your unique style is what truly matters in how you present them. That’s what I find significant about it.
Are you eagerly anticipating anything during this fresh chapter of your professional journey, or is there something specific you’re particularly keen on experiencing?
She’s thrilled about the upcoming album and turns to her manager, “What should we name it?” He replies, “Let’s call it ‘High Noon.'” She continues, “I find that amusing, because I used that title in an old lyric. It represents a connection between my past and present, and it signifies the importance of continuity in our lives.” Pausing for a moment, she adds, “In a way, life is like building with Legos – each piece connects to create something greater.
Was there a significant turning point in your career that significantly altered how you create music or pursue creativity?
To be honest, I’m not sure if there was a single defining moment, but working collaboratively has proven to be an extremely beneficial experience for me. In the recording studio, the atmosphere is incredibly intense and focused, much like capturing someone unaware on hidden cameras in a candid video – it can reveal a great deal about a person.
In the studio, a defining moment for me was overcoming fear to experiment with new ideas, viewing them as building blocks rather than threats. This, I believe, is the essence of art – an ongoing process that evolves and transcends. It’s like reaching another plane of existence. It’s about awareness, encompassing everything around you that you can’t avoid. While isolation can help you focus on what you know, I think true art comes from exploring and expressing yourself.
Initially, Andy Warhol faced harsh criticism within the art community for opting to work with prints instead of traditional handcrafted methods. At the time, his choice was heavily criticized. Nowadays, however, this approach is commonplace and accepted. Warhol dared to do what was considered “wrong” yet utterly right, a concept I find captivating. This audacious move echoes the spirit of the punk era, particularly the moment when bands like Talking Heads were pushing boundaries and creating a breakthrough.
However, Gaga’s unique approach to creating music, which some might have once deemed “unconventional,” can now be seen as an expression of raw passion rather than a wrongdoing. This unorthodox style, such as playing the piano while standing and using her knee, is also exhibited by artists like Little Richard and Elton John. Ultimately, their passionate expressions are what truly matters.
Is passion what motivates you to continue making music, or what would you say is your motivation?
I need to have a sense of comfort with it, and it should feel like a natural reflex. I consider myself incredibly fortunate because I have a strong affinity for music, enjoy listening to it, and love the intricacies that come with unusual chord progressions. Working with the Jazz Passengers was almost like getting a college education for me, as they experimented with various time signatures, harmonies, and other musical elements. This was incredibly exhilarating for me. In short, I’m blessed to appreciate the quirks life presents, and I plan on continuing my creative endeavors until I can no longer do so.
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2025-09-03 13:31