Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 158
Highway Band | Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Harlan de Haas Tell us about Highway Band - who are the members, when and why did you decide to form a band? Highway Band is a top level allround band based in Curacao, formed and led by me. Since forming the band in 2012, we’ve caused a lot of commotion with our musical level and it’s therefore no coincidence that nowadays the band is the hottest 100% LIVE entertainment band and has rapidly risen to the position of being the musical choice of “those in the know.” on the local music scene.
The band consists of 8 talented and experienced musicians who have all played actively here in Curacao, in The Netherlands and elsewhere. Some have even had the honor of sharing the stage on various occasions with big names such as: José Alberto “El Canario”, Air Supply, Gerard Joling, Las Chicas del Can, Grupo Niche and many more. Because of our vast musical experience, Highway Band is able to effortlessly provide any event with the appropriate Tropical and/or Top 40 gems. The band members are:
- Judienne (female lead singer) - Roald (male lead singer) - Renato (pianist) - Jourich (bass player) - Jair (conga player) - Cliffard (drummer and co-owner of the band) - Verner (percussionist) - Harlan (synth player, band leader and owner/director of the band) I decided to form my own band in 2012 after I felt that I couldn’t see eye to eye musically anymore with the manager of the band I used to play in. I thought we were standing still instead of moving forward and that there was no challenge anymore for me in that band. So that’s when I decided it was time to “do my own thing”. I had told Cliffard (who was also in the other band) about my plans and he immediately said he will come along. So from that point on it was “our” band.
Why the name Highway Band? What is its significance?
Funny enough the name came to us spontaneously when Cliffard and I were having a conversation about the manager of the old band we used to play in. We were complaining [AGAIN] about how his managing style was pretty 154
much “my way or the highway”, and that’s when we said THERE’S THE NAME FOR OUR NEW BAND (!!!):Highway Band! Funny story, but very true! Haha
What are your individual backgrounds?
We are all locals and most of us grew up here. Each member comes from a different “music upbringing” so to speak. I for example started early on as a DJ and became very popular and successful here on the island. Others started out in youth bands, in church, etc. until our paths crossed and we formed Highway Band.
Who are your musical influences?
Also very varying musical influences, from Juan Luis Guerra and Marc Anthony to Sting and Michael Jacksonand everything in between. :-)
What genre of music do you sing most often?
Our basic repertoire consists of Merengue, Salsa, Zouk, Caribbean and some Reggae and Top 40 songs. However, if desired a customized repertoire can be put together as well.