Ronan Harris devises a musical double blow.
A recent successful tour has wrapped up in North America for VNV Nation's frontman Ronan Harris, and the first shows of his classical tour with the Leipzig Philharmonic are underway. Despite a hectic schedule, Harris finds time to chat about his admiration for classical music, fan feedback, and two significant musical projects he's working on.
ntv.de: The US tour is over, and you've started with the Leipzig Philharmonic's classical concerts. These past weeks must have been quite an adventure.
Ronan Harris: It was full of stress but also productivity. The US gigs were fantastic. The audience's reactions were simply delightful. Tracks such as "Illusion" hold deeper meanings for many fans, more than in Europe. I felt a deep sense of joy and freedom among the spectators.
The fans, compared to when you initially toured in America, are not the youngsters they once were. Now, they're older and more mature, behaving less like 20-year-olds. A new generation of individuals aged 17 to 25 also appreciates your music, which is fantastic. I spoke with some of them about why. And they expressed that VNV Nation's songs give them a sense that there's a voice addressing their struggles. As they felt understood by your lyrics, which was incredibly touching for me. They even shared their most intimate secrets with me, confiding in me, knowing you had written a song that bestowed a specific feeling. And I said, "I've only given you words, and you made sense of them."
You've had next to no down time following the US tour and the start of this classical tour. Did you even have a chance to rehearse before your concert at the Berlin Admiralspalast?
Not exactly. I arrived in Leipzig in the late afternoon and we played half a song, simply to reacquaint ourselves with the feeling. But I had already worked with the orchestra before. And I had attended one of their performances in the Kupfersaal, where we performed "Resolution" together. The audience had zero idea about Ronan Harris or VNV Nation. However, I recognized the potential to create something unique alongside these skilled musicians. I'd love to create a parallel project when I can create this kind of music. The turnout at the concert was diverse, from young to old, and they all loved the song. Their interest in more of this genre-bending fusion stirred me. This music isn't about being commercial, it's not about pop, it's not about what sells; it's simply a unique artistic expression tailored to my style.
I've composed an overwhelming amount of music that's never been released. Folders upon folders spanning various genres and styles. Given that it's not a true fit with the current VNV Nation sound, I'm unsure of how to proceed. I'd have to consider a different moniker for this new endeavor. In the classical music folder itself, I've got over 15 piano pieces, three overtures, a concerto unreleased, and a plethora of orchestrated pieces. I cherish the input and endorsement of someone with no predetermined opinion; just, "You can develop something productive with that." Currently, my focus is entirely on VNV Nation, so this exciting side project holds potential.
Will fans be treated to another "Resonance" album soon?
Worry not - I'll commence working on new orchestral arrangements for another album like "Resonance" (the initial classical release by VNV Nation, note from the editor). I'm not entirely positive about the title yet. It'll be greater and better. I've penned new arrangements for a couple of pieces, written new compositions that have never been released, and am working to augment them with richer elements, elevating the music to cinematic levels. If everything aligns, we'll even record a live organ performance at a church. Additionally, I may collaborate with a choir.
When I listen to VNV Nation's music, I often envision my own visual narratives. Are the orchestral arrangements a different kind of film for you, so to speak?
One example is "Honour." We play it live during concerts. When the fans first hear the orchestral version, they're puzzled. The original composition is synthetically cheerful, with a machine-like voice reciting all the uplifting, ambitious, and assertive lines. The orchestral rendition is far darker, inspired by Beethoven and Gustav Mahler. I had a vision for the orchestral interpretation: I'm sitting on a chair or stone. In the background are the ruins of towers and buildings, while scenes from 1950s archive films – featuring positive events like celebrating children or feasting – are displayed. It's an exploration into the contrast between positive scenes and the darker tones of my orchestral creations.
— 🥀 Lady D.
Ronan Harris, while creating a double album, shared his excitement about his upcoming tour with VNV Nation in late February 2025. He revealed the album will contain both uplifting and contrasting sides, with a stronger cinematic influence. He has been collaborating with other talented individuals to bring his unique art to life. Although he appreciates AI's capabilities, he doesn't want it to dictate his creative process since music is an expression of his emotions. Ronan expressed his desire to release the new album during the tour and gauge the audience's response, just as he did with "Electric Sun." In the end, he's grateful for any positive or negative feedback, as it serves as a reflection of his musical journey.
Spitzkowski chatted with Harris and learned about Harris's latest musical project, which involves taking the stage with VNV Nation in late February 2025. This double LP will consist of two distinct atmospheres: one being positive and uplifting, while the other is bound to surprise listeners with its contrasting style. Harris revealed he had been working on this concept even before releasing "Electric Sun," but held off due to its immaturity. Now, he has a more developed vision that includes a much more symphonic first side and a rhythmic second side. To complement his music, Harris dreams of creating a photo installation or art gallery where his tracks could be played, envisioning numerous concepts. Although he has over 4,000 ideas, he aims to execute only a few.
Immersed in discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI), Harris expressed that he doesn't see the need to incorporate it into his music. According to him, AI is made to carry out repetitive and mundane tasks, whereas music is a creative expression that requires a personal touch. He asserted his identity as a human and does not desire AI to analyze his voice, telling him how to sing. Harris said that he's considering releasing EPs or singles during his upcoming tour and observing audience reactions, a strategy that worked well during the "Electric Sun" tour.
Previously, the duo met when "Electric Sun" was still unreleased, and Harris spoke of his anticipation for sharing his musical creation with the world. Upon its release, he was greeted by mixed reactions from fan forums, some critical and others praising the album. While Harris welcomed all feedback, even those from people who didn't previously enjoy his music, he stated that he does not care whether others enjoy the album or not. He values constructive criticism but is realistic about not pleasing everyone. Yet, he was pleasantly surprised when those he never anticipated to like the album found it to be a work of art.
Read also:
Ronan Harris mentioned his plans for a double album, featuring both uplifting and contrasting sides, indicating a stronger cinematic influence. (Music)
Among the unreleased music in Ronan Harris's collection are over 15 piano pieces, three overtures, and an orchestral concerto that he envisions becoming part of a new project. (Rock music, Album)
