Their collaborative album with The Persuasions will be released on April 14. “I listened to all the records that we’ve done, and I tried to imagine which songs would work in this context, which is performing them stripped down with The Persuasions. I made a list of 30 songs and sent them to Dave Revels, the arranger for The Persuasions, and he listened to them in his car and rehearsed them and he sent me voice memos of their rehearsals. From there, we made an A list and a B list, and we narrowed it down to the songs that are on the record,” Hearn said, about the song selection process of the new CD.
They performed a distinct rendition of “Old Apartment” with the a cappella group The Persuasions. “There’s a nice, new injection of soulfulness and gospel qualities in it that I really enjoy,” he said. “It was fun and inspiring to work with them. I can’t wait to do these live shows. It is going to be really fun.”
Hearn’s favorite songs on the new album include “Don’t Shuffle Me Back,” which he wrote, and “For You.” “I hope the fans enjoy this new album as much as we enjoyed making it,” he said, for his fans.
On April 25, Barenaked Ladies will perform at The Paramount, along with The Persuasions. “Be there or be square,” he said. “We are going to perform most of this record live with The Persuasions and it is going to a joyous, rare occasion.”
Hearn added that their forthcoming show at The Paramount will feature all their fan-favorite recordings such as “One Week” and “Pinch Me.” “It’s not everyday that you are going to see us performing this record with The Persuasions. We are only doing a few select shows with them. If you can, you should come see this, because it is going to be a special one,” he said.
Each day, Barenaked Ladies are motivated by their wives and children. “I love what I do, and I always have goals and a list of things that need to get done. It’s a job, but it’s a job that I love,” he said.
Regarding the key to longevity in the music industry, Hearn said, “Continual creative growth.”
For more information on Grammy-nominated band Barenaked Ladies and their touring schedule, check out their official website.
