Q&A: Ray Ahn (Hard-Ons)

By ADAM COOPER
Hot Metal: Hey mate, hope all is well with you.
Ray Ahn: “Hello Adam. Long time no see. Since Brewtality Festival I believe? They are always a great time.”

HM: Are festivals a fave of yours as a rocker or punter?
RA: “I am not a massive fan of festivals. They wear me out a little, I find it a bit hard to concentrate on the show. Backline is normally supplied to our specs. That is a welcome thing. On the whole, festivals are a lot of waiting around. But it is also a good way to catch up with people you’ve not seen in a while.”

HM: As a punter, I have not been to one in about 15 years.
RA: “They wear me out a little too much. Not physically but mentally. The great thing about getting old is that you tend to lose the ‘fear of missing out’.”

HM: You’re the hardest working band in Oz it seems. You always seem to have something on the go. As a bonafide legend and elder statesman of Oz music, do you ever get tired or a bit over it?
RA: “I don’t really tire of playing music, because it is a worthwhile thing to do. I find playing music with my friends a real hoot. There has not really been any pressure on any of the bands I play in to be traditionally successful, so it is just a pleasure to play music. I guess that at the end of 1993, the Hard-Ons broke up because we felt pressure to be successful in a traditional sense. Many people were shocked at Nirvana’s 1991 success and from that moment on, it looked like a mad scramble for absolutely everyone to cash in, on any ‘underground’ or ‘alternative’ band/artist; 1993 was the right time to leave the Hard-Ons behind for me. It felt no fun, not being left alone to our own devices to just play music.”

HM: The addition of Tim Rogers to the Hard Ons line up was a pleasant surprise. Has that given a new vibe to songwriting or performing?
RA: “One hundred percent there is new enthusiasm and a broader palette to work with song-wise. Tim is the most talented singer the Hard-Ons have had, so this fact encourages us to try songs we may not have attempted before. Tim brings a lot of energy to the band. He approaches the band with happiness and vigour. He has no background of jadedness or cynicism due to being in the Hard-Ons for a very long time. I do not think that other members have either. But after so many years, we appreciate the arrival of a front-person with amazing motivation, focus and work-ethic. He puts the Hard-Ons’ music at the forefront of his priorities whenever we are at a show, recording, or at rehearsals.”

HM: I remember buying Yummy back in the day and playing the bejesus out of it. Is there a fave album of yours by either band?
RA: “It sounds like propaganda I am sure but the last one I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken is probably my favourite. That album came together very easily, during pre-production and during recording.

HM: Still a fan of the AC/DC cover with Rollins. If you could do any cover, what would it be?
RA: “We’d like to do ‘Raining Blood’ by Slayer.

HM: Your artwork is something always associated with your music. Do you still paint or draw for pleasure?
RA: “No, I have no time. But art is not process work. It arrives when there is inspiration or need.”

HM: I know you’re a big Parramatta Eels fan. Any other sporting teams you follow?
RA: “No, I like sport but I have no deep interest outside the Parramatta Eels.”

HM: What would be your all time desert island album be?
RA: “It would have to be Present Tense by Sagittarius.”
Image: Ray Ahn website/Lidia Nikonova