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May 2015
Bands: PorcuPie, Automatic Music, The Cat’s Pants, F-Art Ensemble, Building, HipBone, The Cheagles, Kudzu, Progress...
Websites: https://soundcloud.com/bretharoldhart
QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?
Bret – I decided I wanted to play music a lot when I was 14 years old, in 1973.
QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?
Bret – Every bit of it that did not involve money.
QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?
Bret – 38 years old.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?
Bret – No negative impact, because my family has always come first & I decline anything that would tax us.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?
Bret – No negative impact, because my family has always come first & I decline anything that would tax us.
QRD – Have your children effected the music you make &/or listen to?
Bret – Yes, positively so. My kids have all appeared on music I have recorded. Mike & Linzae were both on the cover of The Residents’ “Simple Song” I did for a tribute record, & Emmalee has added interesting noises to some instrumental things I’ve done.
QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?
Bret – I am a middle school English teacher, to pay bills, & a musician/artist, to remain sane in a maddening world.
QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured earlier in life if you’d known?
Bret – Touring is not an option, yet. We still have a child in high school who plays trombone & is very active in band.
QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?
Bret – Regretfully, the small, southern community I live in has little need or concern for the arts. I produce my art & music in a relative vacuum. On rare occasions, a paying gig manifests itself. I’ve driven to Greensboro or Chapel Hill, NC to play a few times & went all the way to Worcester, MA 10 years ago to play with a reunited HipBone for a CD release party.
QRD – Would you rather see your children eventually become musicians or parents?
Bret – Yes, both.
QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in. How do you end up dividing your time?
Bret – I “eat my vegetables first”, then move on to the tastier things afterward.
QRD – What do your kids think of your music?
Bret – With indifference, usually. Most kids are too cool to pay attention to what their parents are doing.
QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your children?
Bret – See above.
QRD – Any words of advice to young people?
Bret – “Find an instrument you like - it may be your voice or body - & learn how to make it give you joy. Never put it down for long. Music is a friend that won’t betray you.”
