This part of the website contains some of the most-cited magazine and newspaper articles about Deborah and Blondie, as well as press releases and packages. The articles scanned and typed out here are for informational purposes. This site mainly focuses on interviews and literal quotes by Debbie herself.
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image (left) by Joe Gaffney
PRESS | INTRO (September 9, 2007)
Cooking with Deborah HarryThe whole script. This is what the evening was like. Here you'll find everything that's been said. Well, as much as you were able to understand during the munching.
At the table next to the INTRO team sat the artist [Deborah], her manager and the promoter.
We were in the Tsao Yang restaurant which was part of the Atlantic Hotel Kempinski in Hamburg. The service was average, so was the food.
Just before the meal we sat in the lobby for coffee and watched Karl-Heinz Schwensen (formerly known as "Neger-Kalle") at the table next to us.
That's what you only get in Hamburg: the mingling of milieu, pop and the five star world. The latter mentioned on purpose as Schwensen used to have a guest appearance in the Fünf-Sterne-Deluxe [local band from Hamburg] hit single "Dein Herz schlägt schneller." But from now on only word-by-word quotation.keyword: acupuncture
I had acupuncture for a lot of things. I totally believe that it works. I can't do that while I'm away but being back at home I'd have another acupuncture for my current exhaustion.
Let's talk about your status among the younger colleagues. Yesterday, I saw the footage of a TV appearance with Lily Allen.
Oh, she's very talented. Also professional. It was recorded at five in the morning.
That was breakfast TV? Jeez, it looked like it was afternoon. Why are you doing that? You could've had it pre-recorded.
Well yes, this is a daily show. They can't pre-record that.
But in the 70's you certainly wouldn't have done that, right? You probably would've rebelled against such shows.
Oh no, I did that a lot. But you're right: it was torture.
That's crazy that so many people were up already.
And they came from across the whole country.
ordering food
I'm a normal eater. Okay, I'm picky but actually I eat everything if the quality is right. Gladly salads and vegetables. What's a Pengasius filet?
Oh, one rather boring fish from the Indian Ocean. A white fish.
Oh, I don't want a boring white fish.
She much rather wants the lemom grass soup which is only available with a menu. But of course, she gets it. She also orders scallop shell with fresh ginger, salad and vegetables as side order.
I take scallop shell soup and turbot. Steamed. With rice. If anyone cares.
The manager wants to drink a Bordeaux. But not just any kind - the one he had in a different restaurant of the Atlantic [hotel], yesterday. It's getting complicated. Unnecessarily as he doesn't look like the brightest person on earth, anyway. But eventually he gets what he wants.
Astounding how the manager is more demanding than the artist.
Do you like to cook at home?Sometimes. Mostly when friends are around. I sometimes cook for myself but that's pretty boring.
When I have guests I usually make salads - that doesn't take long - and I love to eat it.But you do eat properly while you're on tour? Not only salads. As you need energy.
Do I? Well, I think it's different for women and men. Men obviously need much more food. *imitates a dark male voice, belonging to one particular member of Blondie* "The guys in my band only want to eat. Especially Leigh, the bass player. It's not that he's talking about food all the time. But as soon as we arrive in a restaurant he attacks the food like a shark its victim. Yeah, he is a shark.
You've just been on tour with Blondie. You played in Amsterdam the day before yesterday. And today you're promoting your coming solo album. You still seem quite busy. Do you ever count your work days?
*talks to her manager first* Ha, he's on my side, I like that. It's actually not that much. It comes in batch. It depends on the projects I'm working on. I couldn't be doing this constantly.
So it's not like you occasionally wonder why you agree on projects?
Oh no, I feel happy that people still ask. But of course, I also decline a lot.
Now you've been in the music business for so long. You experienced the heydays of the music industry. Why are you doing this to yourself to release a new album in 2007? Realistically spoken you must be aware that the sales won't be nearly as much as what you're used to due to marketing strategies.
Maybe it will work anyway with your help.
Now you're holding a pistol on my chest.
You're right, of course. I'm noone who's satisfied with being pleased with their own album. I also want to do business. I'm honestly interested in my product - that's why I want it to work well. Otherwise I wouldn't be talking here with you but go home.
I'm aware of that but it's understandable. Back to Lily Allen. Younger artists start their career under different circumstances these days than in the late 70's. Do you talk with them about such topics? Are you being asked for advice?
In this case I didn't have a chance for a proper talk. But I don't think she needs my help. She has a brilliant management - and she pretty much blew away the business with her presence. She leaves an impression on people and hence will be selling well. But what can I tell those young people? It's not what it used to be but they're aware of that. But that's no reason to resign. You never know how things will develop. And if this is really what you want to do, if you really want to be an artist, then you have no choice. If you have musical talent - live it. If that's what keeps you going in life you'll have to follow that path.
Is it flattering for you to be a role model for so many young artists?
Yes, very much. I also like a lot of them. I'm nobody who's stagnant myself. I love it to discover new artists. For instance, we toured with the Dresden Dolls and The Gossips. They were both really nice. The Gossip played before us two years ago in Seattle. I also met the singer Beth Gibbons there. She's wonderful. There's always a lot to discover. I find it hard to recall the names. But I like going to clubs and I see a lot of new bands.
Does that have any impact on your own sound? Do you update yourself?
That's a funny point of view. For me the sound of a musician has always something to do with the way they play their instruments they use. Blondie developed from several personalities - and probably won't change anymore.
But concerning my new solo album I see quite a few new and fresh sounds. It wouldn't make sense if the solo project sounded like the main band.Do you go to the studio with a particular idea in mind or are you open for other's input?
It depends. Sometimes I know exactly what it's supposed to sound like.
Then sometimes I'm glad that there are other people around me who have something good to contribute. With collaborations anything can happen, from frustration to complete satisfaction.Let's look back. Do you still have contact with other protagonists of the earlier days in New York?
Times have changed. Nowadays everything is different in New York. Many of the people are dead. *laughs* It's not easy to hang out with dead people. But I see the other people occasionally. Most of my friends are much younger than me. The other day I met Martin Rev of Suicide. They always do some interesting things.
Recently I was interviewed for a documentary about them. I was happy to do that. It was nice to meet him again. I probably hadn't seen him for quite a few years before that.
I frequently meet Richard Hell on the street. These days he's focused on writing.I know. I met him in New York two years ago because of his box release.
He works a lot on books. Oh, and of course I meet Patti Smith often. And Talking Heads but also David Byrne. Last times I saw them was for the CBGB benefit event.
Did the end of the legendary New york club in which you started your career affect you?
I felt a bit nostalgic, of course. A lot of things came back that made me a little sad. But then - it's no longer a place that means something in my life now.
I occasionally met Hilly Kristal, the owner. The reason we were involved was more about its philosophy that CBGB stood for. The place itself *laughs* is a hole.What do you think about Kristal's idea to sell CBGB to Las Vegas and rebuild it there?
Well, he is a man with ideas. And he's a really good seller. I don't know if I'll go and see it in Las Vegas. But I like the idea of it being there. It's crazy.
You still live in New York. Many people tend to move to the countryside and become more quietly as they get older. But for you New York still seems to be the center.
Oh yeah, the city energizes my art. In New York everything comes together: I can see all my friends, it has an exciting night life - it's the city of communication. When I was a young girl I wanted to move there. I knew it was my place.
Have you ever lived somewhere else instead of New York?
Not really for long. I occasionally went to Los Angeles for longer stays - for a couple of months. I also lived in London for a while. In Chelsea. I'm a Chelsea girl. In New York I also live in Chelsea. I really liked it in London but then I went back home.
The food is being served. Everyone's happy. Even though the fish comes without anything else. The promoter complains that noone had told her she had to pay extra for the vegetables.
Have you ever played in Asia during your career?A few times in China and Hong Kong. Once in Shanghai - that was really a fantastic show. But that's a long time ago. Since then a lot has changed there. China grows extremely fast.
Are you someone who tries the local food while travelling?
Sometimes I don't get my salad, just because there is no salad in some countries. Then I have to eat something else. But there's vegetables everywhere. I have to admit that I become a bit nervous occasionally when I have to eat in a foreign place. I had food poisonings a few times. That sensitizes you. Especially with sea food you have to be careful. Not all countries have such a thorough food inspection as Germany or the US.
After more food discussions we end up talking about bio food.
That's especially popular in California. But also my little supermarket in New York has a little corner with bio food. The New Yorkers more and more discover bio chickens for themselves. The quality of food in New York is very good in general, I think. But now cheers!
I don't have wine.
Order one quickly!
OK fine but I might as well pretend I have a glass until I'll get mine.
No you can't.
But I'm pretty good at pretending.
No, no, no, it'll only bring ill luck. You're not supposed to do that with empty glasses. My Bordeaux smells so good. Like strawberries. But it doesn't taste too fruity. That's good.
The manager says "I had a wonderful strawberry juice this morning. Pure and fresh. Is this the time for strawberries?" No. Absolutely not. "Doesn't matter. Whereever they're from, they're fantastic."
Speaking of New York. Wasn't it incredibly hard to conquer Central America when you started?
Yes, for us it was. We represented some kind of rebellion. It was pretty tough then to make a radio station play your music. It was a completely different world - today communication is much easier. And the audience is more open-minded.
Yes, in the province it takes a lot of strength to convince people.
And people are very good at resisting that pressure. Not only in America. People like it tidy. They feel better when things around them are familiar. They don't want any changes.
Artists nowadays have it easier. They don't have to go through that.
But they have to master their own battle. As we said before: They have to master an industry that barely functions anymore.
A new song on the new album is about Mel Kim. Is she a friend of yours?
I heard about that trial against her and I felt sorry. I can understand her dilemma: If she says the truth she'll betray her friends. If she lies she'll get problems with the law. She decided to stay loyal to her friends - and went to prison. That was a tough but also courageous decision. So she's either extremely stupid or has a big heart. That's exactly what I wanted to write a song about.
Do you think she made the right decision?
I don't know. I'm not a judge. I only see the dilemma she was in - and it was a damn big one.
Even though you consider it to be normal, I have to say that I find it remarkable that a 62-years old is aware of these things.
Of course! I'm alive. I'm privileged because it's part of my job that I follow these things. Even though it often is a painful process to follow the pop world. But mostly it's fun. You know, artists have a better aerial for social processes than normal people. They need to have it as it's social reality that energizes their art.
And what you make of it is more interesting than the rambling of the guy on the corner.
Yes, even that's true. But the guy on the corner is pretty strong. Hold on a second: Who is the guy on the corner? For me it's the Russians. And they mostly don't say anything. Are there also many rich Russian immigrants in Germany? Germans and Russians have a critical relation.
True. We're aware of that. But nevertheless it has to be legitimate to critically comment on what's going on in Russia. For instance, there was this demonstration for gay rights during which a representative of the Green party, Volker Beck, had been beaten up by the Russian police and other demonstrators.
And also our experience from when we were in Russia with our editorial staff gave us the impression of an increasingly strengthening totalitarian police state.Oh yeah, I also think that they have major problems there. The citizens used to live under slavelike circumstances for a long time. That's why the whole population has that antiauthoritarian attitude. They had been brainwashed for all those years.
You really wonder why a country that makes so much money with gas and oil is uncapable of distributing it more even. The gap between poor and rich is huge. The poor have nothing the rich endlessly much. Moscow nowadays is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Maybe it'll change with the next generation. But back to the question: We have a lot of Russian immigrants in Germany, also in the Cologne area. But we don't get most of the rich Russian. They're in Bali, Dubai or New York. But to change the subject. Let's talk about the end of your past tour. Where were the last shows?
In Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Both were great.
And why not in Germany?
There was no time this time. The guys all had to go home and our guitar player, I call him Mr Atomic because he's a cyclist, had to go home because of a race. He represented the city of New York for the state New York. While we were on tour he obsessively watched the Tour De France.
The scandals must've broken his heart.
Well, it wasn't that bad. It happens every year.
But yesterday the leader was disqualified.
What? Rasmussen had to leave? That's sad. What a bummer, he was so good. He looked like a winner.
Back to you: Two days ago I received an invitation for the new 'Hairspray' movie. How does it feel that there are already remakes of movies you starred in yourself?
Very strange. I haven't seen it yet. Let's see how it'll be. But that's a general problem with the American movie industry: they constantly produce remakes instead of promoting the original movies which are often better. Why not push a classic movie instead? I don't mean 'Hairspray.' I speak of French originals that didn't become any better with their remake.
It seems to be hard for Americans to see a piece of art over a longer period of time as valid. They always have to update it, always make it more modern.
That's because all studios are ruled by attorneys and not by creative people who are willing to take risks. It's a brainless industry. Everything they see a list of numbers - and then something in their heads starts calculating.
You're also an actress. Did a lot of interesting projects not happen because the studios didn't have enough courage?
Of course. Everything they see is just numbers, numbers, numbers. They take a great foreign movie and ruin it by americanizing and commercializing it. They did not only do that with the French but also with the Asians.
Movies have more and more become your second pillar. Now that you're at the end of a tour and the promotion for the record is done - are you planning anything new?
I don't make that many movies. When I come across something exciting I'll gladly do it. But I don't aim at it.
Your filmography is quite remarkable for that.
Well, they were adding up. But to be honest, it's not that big - but appealing. But now they'll have to do without me. I'm having a break.
What last movie did you like?
I can say which one I'm looking forward to: the new Abel Ferrara.
Do you often go to the movies?
Not as much as I'd like to but regularly.
Are you often asked for [cinema] movie parts?
You'll have to ask my second manager. I have one for music and one for movies. They always argue about me.
Are you interested in statistics? Do you know how many concerts you played during your career?
No but it must've been a lot. How am I supposed to find out?
Sure, some are being taped but all of them?Maybe some crazy fan.
That's right. You find everything on the internet. But that's more the current fans, they're not old enough to make a complete list.
Is there something like a favorite show?
Oh there were quite a few nights over the past years. I think I can answer that question about certain venues. There are certain venues that have a special atmosphere - for instance the Paradiso in Amsterdam. I'd have to look at a list of venues... but there are quite a few. In Edinburgh we played in an old castle. It was pouring and it was really cold and yet more than 6000 people had come and had a great time. It depends on the stage.
Yeah, thats what the crazy British are like. Us Germans are too sensitive.
You wouldn't come?
Well yes, if we're drunk enough. But in general rather: nope. The British are used to that. I only say Glastonbury. It's raining more each year. And yet everyone's coming back.
Yeah, the water's higher every year. You really need a thick skin. But the English even walk around without a pullover in the winter. Crazy.
That's a matter of socialisation. If you start early enough, when nobody tells you when it's wet or cold you won't think something's wrong. Or cold.
Exactly. People who work outside never get sick, either. Simply because their body's used to that.
going out in Hamburg
She asks about the night life in Hamburg. I generally recommend the Golden Pudels Club - as a political, left and tough variant of CBGB. She asks about today.
Where can I go tonight?
Are you being serious or is that a rhetorical question to keep the conversation going right before the dessert?
No seriously. Last night I was thinking about going out. Not the night life. Rather for a walk.
That sounds much better. You're right at the Binnenalster [river in the center of Hamburg]. As far as I know as someone who's not from here it's the best place to go for a walk.
Don't you think I could get mugged?
No, no not in this area. Or do you want it risky? I'm sure you can book that, too. Two days ago I read an article about an adventure camp near the Mexican-American border. There you can let coyotes give you the thrill and experience what's happening at the border at night.
Oh yeah, you can buy all kinds of feelings these days. That's strange.
We're talking about the paintings at the Atlantic. They're all from [Udo - German singer who's a permanent resident of the hotel] Lindenberg. I say that I can't understand how the hotel can have all these ugly paintings up. But she - being all American - thinks they're modern and somehow appealing. She's surprised that I think they're ugly. Maybe she's just afraid to buck the trend - even though there's none.
We're going back for dessert. She takes a dessert but points out that she doesn't do that every day. Apple sorbet for her.
We've talked earlier about marketing strategies. What do you think about Prince having his new album enclosed with an issue of the Guardian for free?
He has tried a few uncommon strategies over the past years. He's not afraid of being unconventional in his fight against the traditional music industry. But why should he be? He never claimed to be the savior of the music industry. How much would the label have needed to spend to make it known to 2.8 million Brits? Exactly. Especially today where labels hardly ever grant you two singles, videos and a good promotional setting it seems like a useful way.
A guest walks up and asks for an autograph. We want him to step away but she's being very nice.
I collect autographs, as well. I ask people for it.
Really? That's quite uncommon for celebrities. And as a punk you usually decline autographs, no? We've always fought against the separation of stage and audience. Are you a collector concerning your own career?
I had never been interested in that very much. But after having lived together with a photographer - that was like a curator had stepped into my life - things changed. They always want to save and document everything. That was a whole new concept for me. And it convinced me. Today I think: I wish I had started earlier. I'm lacking a lot of images.
But the good thing about life in the middle of social attention is that other people do your job. There must be archives with photos and reports about you?
Yes sure, that's true but usually people keep that stuff only for a certain period of time until they throw it away. Or the pictures show up when you don't like it *laughs*.
The dessert is being served.
Another culinary banter. Then she's off to bed. The manager opens his soul and tells stories from a different era, about Meat Loaf and Mötley Crüe - all acts he manages.
This article was translated by me, the webmaster, from German into English. I apologize for possible mistakes. Remarks were added in brackets.