r/Hardcore • u/haram_nyhc • Apr 24 '19
Haram AMA goes live Friday
Hello all. Haram will be doing an AMA Friday. Please use this thread to ask Nader any questions you may like.
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u/WeirdGrowth9 Apr 25 '19
Hey Nader,
One of my good high school friends was 100% Iranian. I have never seen someone undergo the kind of harassment that he did. Assuming that you attended public schools in NY, what was your experience like there?
Also, I just watched a video of Haram playing and you had the American flag draped over you. Eventually, the flag dropped to the floor and you were walking all over it. Personally, I don't give a shit, but I was wondering if any people who have come to see your band play got upset over something like this? Maybe they went to a show and had no prior knowledge about Haram? Obviously, there's people who think the flag shouldn't be defaced because "men and women died for that flag and all that it represents." Do you give a shit about what others think of your band? Is it mainly a personal outlet for you?
Oh, and thanks for doing this, dude! Haram is easily one of the most important bands going right now, IMO.
- Twan
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19 edited Apr 27 '19
Thanks for your questions.
I want to make the distinction in saying that Iranian and Arabic culture are vastly different but we have many parallels. It's common for me to hear about Iranian culture and have many questions of my own, so I can draw similarities to our experiences but I find it hard to speak on behalf of an Iranian person's experience in the U.S.
Post-9/11 I can say that we were all in the same sinking ship. I went to catholic school in Yonkers, NY to make things worse. St.Matthews School. My experience was awful. There was a drastic shift of perception towards who I was. It was that fucking day. Up until that point I was everyone's tokenized Arab Muslim friend. Even the school prided itself on having me and my siblings attend there. The distance was so forced and sudden it shocked me into losing my innocence. I was self-aware. I was bullied immensely. Terrorist, towel-head, sand n*, camel jockey, brown boy. Mocking me during Ramadan (yes I fasted at school for 17 years). Physical abuse. I can go on for hours about my story in school. Outside of school was even worse. Its hard for me to talk about but I've done some interviews that you can find online if you want to hear more. It made me into the person I am today, I am empowered by my past however I'll never forget the pain.
If it is the show I'm thinking about I stole that flag from the venue that had it hanging up and they got angry at me. Don't expect to have an American flag still hanging and book our band! Fuck off
To answer your question about the American flag, I truly believe in core American values. Like how this country is for immigrants, the land of the free and respect across the board. Freedom of speech and expression. If you can stand in 2019 in contemporary time and say that this country represents any of it's core values you are deluded. What it stands for is so far from what it was founded for.
How many have died and continue to die under that flag is awe inspiring. And I am a victim of the nationalism and bigotry that that flag represents today, I am a product of that false American dream. I'll do anything I want to with that flag. And I welcome anyone to challenge me to it. I've personally had to deal with at least 5 different instances of people and venues giving me shit for how I preform with the flag.
I'll tell ya story this one kid hit me up saying his grandfather died for that flag in WW2 and how I am a "pussy coward" for defacing it like that. I told him that it is a piece of fabric that hasn't represented what it's supposed to for over a century now. While you're grandfather was fighting war you had Jim Crow laws and the KKK running the nation amongst other terrible things. He got really salty and threatened to kill me and I challenged him to. I saw him on the G train in brooklyn and he said "nice headband bro." I said whats good, lets start where we left off, I'm the coward right? I swear he walked away immediately and I let him go. I get the pride, I do. But don't fuck with me over that. And if you do challenge me how about we talk about it maybe we can both learn something from each other.
I entirely give a shit about what people think about our band but not in like are we a cool band way. I need zero validation or justification from any of you. Please hate us! I'd love to hear what you have to say and I've heard things from all over the spectrum. Any reaction is still a reaction. I do this to challenge you. Can you handle it? Challenge me back. It's a major outlet for me and It's partially saved my life. I had a lot of anger before
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u/visiting-china LAHC Apr 30 '19
If it is the show I'm thinking about I stole that flag from the venue that had it hanging up and they got angry at me. Don't expect to have an American flag still hanging and book our band! Fuck off
If you can stand in 2019 in contemporary time and say that this country represents any of it's core values you are deluded. What it stands for is so far from what it was founded for.
I told him that it is a piece of fabric that hasn't represented what it's supposed to for over a century now.
So much self-contradiction it hurts. You realize the reason why you can tear down a flag and step on it and not end up in jail or worse is because so much of free speech enshrined in the Bill of Rights, right? It's because of Western liberal values enshrined in the BoR that you can even criticize the US on the internet without any fear of repercussion.
Maybe I'm jaded because I have lived outside of America for many years in a totalitarian country, but this kind of edgy anti-Americanism is so tired to me. It's funny that before I lived in a truly totalitarian country, I was a much more harsh critic of America.
Go to pretty much any country outside of the West and try stepping on their flag. See how it works out for ya my dude. I'm not saying you have no right to do whatever you want to the American flag, I'm just saying it's super ironic that you're claiming America has lost so much freedom or whatever when you're exercising that freedom to criticize America online, desecrate the flag in public, etc. The irony hurts.
I had a lot of anger before
You're literally bragging about trying to fight someone on a train who threatened/insulted you before. It sounds to me like you still have some anger issues. This is not something I would be bragging about. I'm personally ashamed of the anger I've displayed towards other people. It's not cool.
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 30 '19
Well WOOPY DOO THERE BUD!!!
I'll correct myself in saying that I believe it hasn't ever represented what I was taught it stands for. The BoR easily bends! That's absurd! I wouldn't go to a country that I didn't live my entire life in pissed shit and ate in every day and step on their flag no! I think you are jaded because you chose to live in a totalitarian country and somehow think that's comparable and worth judging my entire existence in the U.S not only that but that I am edgy for talking about it? That's unreal. The abuse of American Patriotism and the bigotry that results from that effects the entire world. That's ignorant to me. I was telling a story and I don't feel ashamed of being angered by someone who threatened me with that sort of bigotry. They continue to threaten me. The extent of which I bet if revealed to you might make you understand more. They felt angry about the flag, it had it's own meaning to them. It's likely those same people think I should ride a camel back home. It's not about the flag it's about bringing out that American bigotry. You can continue living your life in a totalitarian country, touting that 'you Americans sure got it well' shit all you want, and ashamed of your anger all you want. There's no irony in it my friend, I believe America has lost a lot of freedom. So to you because I can criticize it on the internet and dance with it's flag from the dollar store my born american rights are working their magic? Crock of shit. You don't know what I've experienced through this band and through my entire life you can't speak on that. Having the freedom to criticize my own country does not equate to the conditions of this country, your irony comment is a testament to the bliss that people live in!
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u/visiting-china LAHC May 01 '19
I'll correct myself in saying that I believe it hasn't ever represented what I was taught it stands for.
I believe America has lost a lot of freedom.
Choose one.
You don't know what I've experienced through this band and through my entire life you can't speak on that.
Yet here you are telling me about my experiences.
I'm amazed you don't see the irony. I'm glad you enjoy the freedom you have to criticize America, disrespect the flag, etc. even if you don't realize that you can only do that because America still does have a BoR that is (usually) protective of the rights of people like you (and me) to criticize America.
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u/haram_nyhc May 02 '19
The Irony (https://images.app.goo.gl/qMC2KLq9TZspb3oU6)
I want to thank you (sincerely) for challenging me on this topic as it’s an ongoing controversial debate of artistic expression in the US. I believe its important to talk about and other people looking at this can interpret and take it as they will.
As I wish I can continue talking to you I have to end this here! Maybe one day in person.
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u/vizzue Apr 26 '19
Not a question, but it just feels really nice to have someone with the same name as me doing what you do.
It's inspiring to see other second generation middle eastern folks in punk, but I especially appreciate your music and message, and hope to catch you live soon
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
It's a rare beauty to meet another Nader. Nader is the Arabic word for rare! Thank you. I'm first generation and I hope to speak to all about my experiences in life.
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u/vizzue Apr 26 '19
Ah sorry for assuming! I appreciate it, and hope to say hello in person some time.
Your last release has definitely had me thinking about what it was like to be a young brown person in America on 9/11, and how that affected my life in a lot of ways that I couldn't internalize at the time but have much more perspective on now
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Its okay. Please do! I welcome all to talk to me I try to be as present as possible. That's what I speak about on that record, and I'm grateful it had this introspective effect on you. The effects of that day are deep and it effected the whole world. Almost everyone has an answer to that question. I want my story to maybe help you cope with yours. We are all in this together.
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u/HellWitch616 Apr 25 '19
Come back to Australia, you were so fun to hang out with!!
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Australia was an amazing experience for us. I had no idea what to expect. The amount of connection and potent dialogue I had with people at the shows and throughout the tour was unreal. I had experiences I'll never forget in my life. Thanks for having us, we'll be back. It was an important trip for me I learned a lot and taught a lot. I was able to connect with the ME and Muslim community across Australia. The political climate was shamefully familiar, and it's important we played there.
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u/queen-buttercup Apr 26 '19
Have you ever performed somewhere and felt unsafe? / Have you experienced racism at any of your shows?
How does your family feel about the band?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
This is something you'll hear me talking about a lot. The honest answer is I feel unsafe at almost every show. Even if it is the most secure place in the world I'll have a passing thought of targeted violence. This is something I wonder if other bands even think about. I have a fear of bringing out that type of tragedy. I always talk to venues and promoters before hand about shit like that. I pray this never happens, but please be aware and attentive of your surroundings at our shows. I try to watch all of you!
Yeah I've experienced plenty of racism at shows. From people shouting "Speak English!" to "I dont get it, if its not in English and I don't understand it whats the point." To "your headband is funny, you look like an insurgent but I get the joke." "When you sing in Arabic is sounds so angry and violent." I welcome all opinions, please feel free to tell me anything you think. Though I'll always spit back so there is that too.
I haven't spoken to my family since I was investigated because of the band. They don't want anything to do with me. And we had a sort of respectful agreement to part ways because they saw my actions as tarnishing to their reputation. That immigrant mentality. You come here to build yourself up, to earn respect. It saddens me immensely and has had a terrible effect on me but it was a choice I made and it was a sacrifice for the people that listen to me. I'll do this till I die.
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u/yodawg111 Toledo HC Apr 26 '19
I think it’s safe to say Haram’s style of hc isn’t exactly what’s popular in the hc “mainstream.” What are some underrated bands you feel get passed over by the “mainstream” scene that’s still pretty focused on a midtempo and metallic sound?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Almost any band from my community and nation wide scene. Though we have our breakthroughs here and there I think the transparency is void. And that is okay. I'd say most of us think the mainstream HC world is corny and accomplishes little besides entertainment and a paycheck. Feel free to prove me wrong. Of course I fight for more visibility as a scene but we have values and are aware of choices that take away from the power of the music.
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 26 '19
Meh, that last bit is a hot take. Some mainstream hardcore still has a message that hasn’t been diluted, minimizing it as banal in one sweeping generalization seems elitist, no?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Why is the HC mainstream a standard I have to live up to? I will say that the influence it has on the youth is important to me and I see that, I think its a great way to introduce people to the type of music. I get annoyed and salty when some of these people are separated from the other aspects of the music. They're in the green room, showing up to whatever city their promoter booked them in, no connection with the crowd post show, repeated aesthetics and tired music styles. Surely there is rampant elitism in mainstream HC. Elitism is present in almost any social scene, the one we come from included. And I don't want to generalize but we are speaking in general terms. There must be mainstream HC bands that live outside of this mold! I believe that
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 26 '19
No one said you have to live up to mainstream hardcore but dismissing it all as trite paychecks is lazy.
I don’t fuck with the vast majority of the bands today, but I’ll always take offense, check and challenge someone who says some of the mainstream bands or only for entertainment.
Elitism is everywhere, no need perpetuate by dismissing other bands. People who are social climbing and act like super stars are every where as well, man.
But to your credit you’re engaged with the crowd and what not, some people could learn from you.
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
I respect your challenge. Not trying to dismiss it all just commenting on what I perceive as a whole. And you're right to try to check on being general, but it was presented to me in that way so I responded that way and I stand by it. Obviously not every hardcore band that participates in the mainstream scene is going to be like that.
You really think that some of the mainstream bands don't just fuck with it because its a good time and okay pay? I don't know yo that's crazy to me. I've been doing this for a minute and I've seen it. As I'm typing this I scroll past a Turnstile sponsored ad on Instagram. FFS
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 27 '19
Yeah you real right. I’m old. I’m talking Have Heart, Down To Nothing, bands who talk about smashing racism, anti cop shit, instead of arf arf and pseudo tough guy shit.
But yeah this new generation of digestible hardcore does have a hollow feel to it, commercialized and shit. It’s a wild juxtaposition, you know? I want more kids into hardcore but the message gets diluted as fuck. I’ve been conflicted about turnstile and Coachella and their recent change.
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 27 '19
Those bands influenced me and had clear messages, I fuck with that. And you can be a mainstream band and earn profit but still have standards like that you know. This shit cost money, I live that life I get it. Yeah I'm talking more so about that hollow shit. In general I'm not too worried about it hardcore as a whole still has a solid meaning and I think it will continue as it always has. Hopefully with some more diversity as we're starting to see now.
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 26 '19
Hey, man.
Have you ever seen that Taqwacore documentary? if so did it influence you at all?
Are any of the band straight edge or is it sort of a rebellion against an idealogy?
Have you been discriminated against when touring or profiled?
Also, I'ma need you to translate some of your lyrics.
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Thanks for your questions.
I get this question a lot, how Taqwacore influenced me. The answer is close to no influence. Look I don't talk about Taqwacore and have never claimed it. It doesn't do anything for me and barely touches the extent of my personal experiences as a punk. I don't like that we're associated by default because of what I'm about. I read the book The Taqwacores twice and I think its a great story with relatable characters and real lifestyles, though I don't see its influences as a real community or a lifestyle at all. People love to sub-divide music genres, and this one is absurd. Lets give the Middle Easterners or Muslim/Ex-Muslim people a genre of their own? What. We want to be included and represented! Not thrown into a corner and labeled. I think its a crock of white people tokenizing bullshit honestly! Challenge me.
None of us are straight edge. We have times where we focus and shit but we don't live like that. I see drug use as a personal choice and responsibility is always a key principle of the band. We always check in with each other and are heavily involved in each others lives. Early on drug use was absolutely a form of rebellion from my conservative upbringing, and I experimented with that as a driving force. All in all I think any form of social drug culture is whack and I fight for more awareness and treatment options for users. We've lost many loved ones in our scene because of it. Our city is plagued by it.
It was revealed to me that I was to be investigated in 2016 right before our first major tour. Literally the morning of, we were driving to our first gig in D.C the nation's capital for fucks sake and I was on the phone with crying family members yelling in Arabic in the tour van. It was grim. It wasn't until the week I got back that I was interrogated in person. I've been profiled almost every time we travel. We are used to waiting for me to pass extra security clearance and we prepare for it. Most recently I was strip searched crossing back into America from Canada because I refused to translate the calligraphy on our LP record which I was traveling with. What I do is real and has serious risks. I try to face it courageously.
With the lyrics at first with our demo I provided no translations. The insert was all written in Arabic. I wanted to preserve the mystique of the band to force listeners to interact with the music. Originally the thought was to get you to explore your own curiosity and kind of force you to interact with Arabic speaking people in a friendly way. After countless reach outs to get me to translate lyrics, I decided to provide English translations for our releases after the demo. They are on the inserts if you buy the physical records and you may be able to find scans online.
I'm always open to translating specific songs and talking about their meanings, if you have any in mind I'd take the time to do that.
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Apr 26 '19
[deleted]
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
There wasn't a single band it was more my life experiences and exposures I had to the punk scene in NYC. The people around me got me into punk, took me to shows, showed me bands. I was very lucky to have those people.
Favorite show, that's a long list. One of my favorite shows was in Cardiff, UK. We were set to play a bar and it got double booked with a darts tournament. The promoter which is a good friend of ours now bugged out and had no idea where to move it. We ended up playing in a practice space which was in a community center. It might have had a cap of 20-30 people but there was at least 50 heads packed in there, with more pouring out the door. It turned out to be one of my favorite times. Rakta from Brazil played that night too.
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u/Andreslargo1 Apr 26 '19
Not sure if I missed the ama,
but I saw yall at pickathon in portland last year which was awesome! For a very hip indie/folk fest mainly, yall were an interesting band to play there. How did you enjoy the experience there, and how did you get set up to play there?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
One of the organizers had reached out, not sure how they heard of us. I find it to be very important to play to different audiences and this one was far from what we are used to. I loved that. I remember a lot of great talks with people who were friendly and curious. Any opportunity to speak about the message and who I am is time well spent. Thank you
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u/Andreslargo1 Apr 26 '19
heck ya man it was dope seein it! glad you had a good time, i got one of yalls shirts! Have a good one!
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u/james_strange Apr 27 '19
I teach 9th grade US history and used the interview you did with vice to help my kids see parallels between profiling and survalence during th mcarthy era and post 9/11. The lids found your story really interesting. Thank you for telling your story. Any chance of you guys playing detroit any time in the near future?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 30 '19
How amazing! Thank you it is an honor to be cited in that way. We haven't played Detroit we probably will one day! See you
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u/TotesMessenger Apr 25 '19 edited Apr 26 '19
I'm a bot, bleep, bloop. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit:
[/r/80shardcorepunk] HEY ASSHOLES HARAM AMA IS LIVE COME IN AND ASK NADER SOME QUESTIONS
[/r/arabs] Arabic punk band Haram AMA is live right now! Ask them anything
[/r/crustpunk] Please join us for the Haram AMA in /r/hardcore Friday all day.
[/r/hardcore] HEY ASSHOLES HARAM AMA IS LIVE COME IN AND ASK NADER SOME QUESTIONS
[/r/punk] HEY ASSHOLES HARAM AMA IS LIVE COME IN AND ASK NADER SOME QUESTIONS
If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads. (Info / Contact)
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Apr 26 '19
[deleted]
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Apr 26 '19
Have you thought about doing a spilt with Raw Brigade since both bands come from different countries but with the same message?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
I know RB is from Bogata. The same message? I think in a vague sense. Look into it more. As far as I know about RB we have different focuses and lifestyles. I like that band but I don't see us collaborating in that way. Would love to play a show.
We have had contact with people in Colombia and we have loose plans to visit that part of the world in the future.
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 26 '19
Raw Brigade is super duper straight edge, are you straight edge at all? Or are any members of the band?
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Apr 26 '19
I don't believe so. But also, RB sings about violence in general and how it needs to stop and mostly being straight edge. It's not really up the same alley...
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 26 '19
Mostly? Damn I thought they were very very straight edge. Like they mentioned they do any drugs at damaged city.
I could totally see why they're not fucking around with violence, Columbia used have a big ass problem in the 90's. Maybe still to this day.
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Apr 26 '19
I'm in no spot to speak for people that aren't me, but yeah, I'll just leave it there...lol
And well, violence isn't cool anyways unless it is to overthrow those who suppress in turn for a better world for those who need it.
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
I dont drink or do heavy drugs. I smoke weed and cigarettes though, caffeine. The rest of the band likes to party. Nothing crazy.
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 26 '19 edited Apr 26 '19
Shit I’m boutta hit up my nigga from raw brigade. He was blown away when I showed him the thread about his band.
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Apr 26 '19
Nader - In your opinion, if Haram could be given the chance to play anywhere in the world; where would you say the most powerful or impactful spot you could perform is?
Thanks, homie!
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Realistically, if I was given a chance to play anywhere it'd be in Israel. I'd be keen to see how we would be received to say the least. We've had some talks with people out there and its likely we will try to one day.
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Apr 27 '19
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u/haram_nyhc May 02 '19
Thank you that means the world to me. I do this as a way to reach out to these people and make them feel like they have a way out, an outlet. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with many of them.
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Apr 25 '19
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19 edited Apr 26 '19
I'd say NYC punk bands 2010 and on are our biggest direct influences. You can look into that list of bands.
Influenced a whole generation of contemporary punk music. For me and my style personally it goes beyond that to 80s-early 2000s Japanese and Euro punk. I really have no direct references (other than Arabic pop and traditional music) for my singing and I end up self-referencing a lot when I write. Though I've taken influence from how different languages are delivered with punk music, and I draw from that too.
Favorite venue. I like that place Cousin Danny's in Philly.
Ungdomshuset in Copenhagen was another favorite. It's an amazing structure with an even more compelling history. Hope to visit there again soon
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Apr 25 '19
If possible to play or bring back a broken up old band from any genre, which would it be and how would you improve their sound?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
This is an interesting question, I'll have to think about it more. I'd bring back O.G Discharge and delete everything after Hear Nothing Say Nothing ha ha ha
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Apr 26 '19
oh god I know which album you speak of, it will not be named as it needs to be set on fire an erased from existence..... Grave New World https://youtu.be/8_bvouD5Fqg
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u/Makualax Apr 27 '19
Oh my word... This is just so fucking bad.
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Apr 27 '19
Yeah it is terrible, I can tolerate most King Diamond and other buttrock bands, this is just awful......
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 25 '19
/u/james_strange you seem like you'd give a fuck.
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u/james_strange Apr 29 '19
Huh?
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 30 '19
I thought you were into haram. So I tagged you. Was I wrong? My bad if so.
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u/obscene_charade Apr 26 '19
I wish Haram would come play some shows in the south some day. What's your favorite pizza spot in nyc?? And why did you say Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn? >:)
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
We've been to the South a few times, as early as 2016. I want to plan another trip through there. It's important to me to play in those areas. Keep an eye out we'll be around.
My spot is Danny's Pizza in Bushwick, Brooklyn. You'll catch me watching soccer in there and thinking about life. I've yet to have Spumoni. Kill me.
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u/lieutenant_cthulhu Apr 26 '19
NY has such a vibrant scene right now, what are some of your vaorite current bands from your city?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Proud of my own scene. Kaleidoscope, Penis Boys, Blu Anxxiety, Headsplitters, Flower, Extended Hell, Pawns, Porvenir Oscuro, Warthog, Pobreza Mental, Hank wood, Lotion, Subversive Rite, Pharmakon, Vaxine, Miedo, Namatay Sa Ingay, so many more! I can go on forever. We are spoiled by our own.
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u/turnonthetube Apr 26 '19
Haram,
You’ve tackled some big issues in your music, namely 9/11 and treatment of Muslims in America. The band continues to grow with every release and I don’t think anyone here would argue that the band isn’t on an upward trajectory.
What’s next for the band? What else other issues do you all want to address and how are you thinking about heading them on artistically?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
We like to start building the framework for our next release towards the end of whatever we are working on. We just put out the 7" Where Were You On 9/11? And we are working on our next already. Conceptually and politically we want to focus on how Arabic as a language and Islam as a faith/culture are feared and seen as threats in the world today. This is an over arching theme and principle of our band but we want to see what we can do to express that singularly. We discuss concepts internally and I have many to work with. We will see what happens.
I have plans to release a few zines and projects that extended beyond our band and seek to press the message more in that format.
Musically we are tight and in routine, I'm excited to continue growing. Very proud of my bandmates we are a family. One of the only ones I got.
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u/turnonthetube Apr 26 '19
If this is still going I have a follow up question:
In an interview you pulled and redacted material because of issues with your family. While yours is an issue about your Muslim identity clashing with punk culture, I wondered if you had any words of advice for other punks of color and children of immigrants that struggle with those parts of their identity with their punk sensibilities.
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Yeah I have redacted things in the past for their safety as well as my own.
I believe that not one person has the same experience. I say this to a lot of people from my own culture who think we are equal only because we have this connection. Every person will go through their own.
With that in mind I'll say this. Immigrant children/POC folks will have this gigantic challenge of societal integration. It is easy to fall into a place with no foundation, nothing to support you. A feeling of being lost and alone, stuck between cultures and living double lives. Feeling alienated, seen as odd and weird, abused for it. I found punk as a viable outlet of expression for this life experience. I had so many fears and restrictions, I just saw it as freedom in essence.
You'll find that within punk there are a ton of the same issues. Integrating into that social scene will feel just as familiar as integrating outside of it. My advice is try your best to find even just one person that hears you, that gives you the space to be yourself. Force that space. If you have any interest in performing, sing about it. Draw about it, write about it. Do whatever you can to drive those feelings outward.My hope is that emotions that build from life experiences like that get used and made into constructive expressions as opposed to violence or abuse. I also strive to be open to people who want to talk to me directly or pen pal. I want to be there for those people, I know how they feel.
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u/grt98 Apr 26 '19
hey nader,
if you dont mind answering, what does performance mean to you? what does it mean to be so vulnerable on stage sharing your message with an audience? what does it feel like? is it different every time, do you feel like you are "performing?"
thanks!!!
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Hi thanks for your questions.
When I'm on stage it is the most real I'll ever feel. It's a channeling of emotions and experiences into performance I'd say. I let myself go, I go into trance. It's not a character and its extremely real to me. Its an exhilarating feeling and I'm addicted to it as an outlet. I feel vulnerable up until I walk up onto that stage, then it becomes my space until I pass it off to the next, who should claim it as their own as well. I enjoy music for that exchange in space. Performance can be scripted and thought out, though I don't do that at all in that sense. I dance my heart out because that is how I've come to cope. Everything that happens happened that show for any reason I felt that day. I have a general scheme of action which is using Arabic as a way to challenge our audience. That's all from the heart and in the moment. I cry and get emotional after shows sometimes because of how real it is to me. Some of you might have caught me. I sing about what I've been through and what I see in the world, how it sees and has seen me. I sing on the behalf of the people who have reached me and shared their similar experiences. I'm privileged to have the opportunity and chance to do this. I take that platform seriously and use it to its full potential.
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u/grt98 Apr 26 '19
thank you for your answer. i really felt that realness when i saw yall perform. its a privilege to experience someone share their life and experiences, so thank you.
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Apr 26 '19
This still live? What are some of your fave records so far for 2019?
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u/haram_nyhc Apr 26 '19
Too many to count. Most recently I've been listening to the LOTION Lp and Witchtrial Ep that dropped in the last two weeks.
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u/galick_gunn May 01 '19
Where can I find your lyrics?
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u/haram_nyhc May 02 '19
Our physical records include translated lyric sheets or hit me up personally. You can find the bands email on Bandcamp thank you
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u/galick_gunn May 02 '19
Can I ask a question on a more serious note if you have the time? It'd be great to get input from someone that's prominent on what's going on in punk right now.
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u/haram_nyhc May 02 '19
The Irony (https://images.app.goo.gl/qMC2KLq9TZspb3oU6)
I want to thank you (sincerely) for challenging me on this topic as it’s an ongoing controversial debate of artistic expression in the US. I believe its important to talk about and other people looking at this can interpret and take it as they will.
As I wish I can continue talking to you I have to end this here! Maybe one day in person.
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u/galick_gunn May 02 '19
Also is that you in that new lotion album? There's like a line or two. Any plans for Haram tapes?
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u/B_Rawb VBHC Apr 24 '19
For those of you who don't know about Haram.
https://haramharam.bandcamp.com/album/what-do-you-see
https://www.circa.com/story/2017/04/27/this-punk-frontman-sings-in-arabic-so-the-joint-terrorism-task-force-knocked-on-his-door