Disc Jam Artist Spotlight: An Interview With Horizon Wireless
Zachary Franck interviewing Harrison Waxenberg
Horizon Wireless has been playing shows around the tri-state for nearly a decade. The act has naturally evolved into something bigger than it once was. This incarnation is by far the most complete it’s ever been. With drummer Dan Lyons adding a metronome like pulse to the music, the brainchild of Harrison Waxenberg has reached new heights. In some ways the journey has only just begun, the release of their debut album is going to elevate the DJ-drummer duo to the next level. It’s been a work in progress for a while and it’s finally done. After playing the festival twice, Horizon Wireless is gearing up for their first MainStage performance at Disc Jam. Their set is on Thursday at 4:30, don’t miss it!
ZF: What has Horizon Wireless been up to as of late?
HW: What has Horizon Wireless been up to lately? Man, a LOT. I took my son to the zoo yesterday where he seemed to have an almost eerily deep connection with a bald eagle and a cougar. As for Dan, I think what he's been up to lately is checking the Stephentown weather report.
All jokes aside though, we finished recording our debut original album this year... which is so long in the making that if I say how long, my hairline might recede even further, and nobody wants that happening.
ZF: When will the album be released?
HW: We're in the final mixing process so I'm not dropping a release date till that's done, but now I'm positive it'll be before Horizon Wireless' 10 year anniversary so... take that, Tool.
ZF: You've played a lot of festivals over the years, ranging from small to big, what do you love most about playing festival sets?
HW: I love knowing that if I decided to take my clothes off at any moment.... I could do that, and it would feel fucking fabulous not only for myself, but for everyone else around me. Even if someone wanted to say "sir, please put your clothes back on" they wouldn't, because whoever says that at a festival is NOT COOL.
ZF: How many times has Horizon Wireless performed at Disc Jam? What's going to make this year different from the last?
HW: This will be our 3rd time at Disc Jam. This is our first time on the main stage though. I think what will make this year different from the last is that a lot of times we take our time slot or surroundings into consideration when deciding what kind of a set we're going to aim for. However, we haven't played too much this past year, being cooped up and hyper focused on finishing the album, so we're just throwing those considerations out the window and getting full on naked. I mean 100% no-knickers nonsense. I may sit on Dan's lap but you'll have to make it to the set to know for sure.
ZF: You've been around the scene for a while and have seen a lot of music. You've seen acts rise and fall, and some have established themselves in big ways. Besides Horizon Wireless, who are the must-see acts at Disc Jam this year?
HW: Besides any act that has the bravery and wherewithal to shed their clothing COMPLETELY, I would say that I am excited for (obviously) Space Bacon and lespecial because I remember when they didn't have ANY facial hair, and now they do. I am also excited to catch my first Escaper set, the keyboardist from my old band is in that band and watching him play is just magic so I'm sure that'll be great. Ugh, I don't know there is a LOT of must see stuff going on this year, which is why I'm staying for the entire weekend. You can pretty much put your finger anywhere on the lineup and you'll land on something I would tell you not to miss, so... good luck.
