Seven Hard years (aka 7HY) are back with their sophomore release, titled “Stories We Tell”. Indeed, Alan Kelly (drums, composer, multi-instrumentalist) and Shawn Pelata (lead vocals) have released a well-crafted new album which is full of great stories/tracks. I was truly content to have had a chat with both Alan & Shawn about the new album, 7HY and SHY among other things… read for more below…
Hi Shawn & Alan and welcome to Grande Rock. I’m glad we’re given the chance to talk about your sophomore 7HY release “Stories We Tell”. I did revel in the new album to tell you the truth…
Shawn: Thanks so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying the album and thanks for talking with me.
Alan: I really appreciate that thank you very much.
I guess the preparations for the second album started as soon as the debut was released. Right? Did you have in mind to keep things going from the very start huh?
S: Yes, we started on this album very soon after we completed work on “No Place in Heaven”. In fact, I think it was before the CDs were even pressed. Alan had a lot of song ideas already prepared for another album so we decided to simply keep working.
And which are the differences between “Stories We Tell” and “No Place in Heaven”?
S: I think “Stories We Tell” is bit darker and moodier, even in the slower songs. It’s got a bit of intensity about it, while maintaining a strong sense of melody. It conveys a lot of emotion.
Hence, what does the album title “Stories We Tell” declare?
A: Shawn came up with the title. It seemed to fit the artwork we were going for and tied in with the collection of songs that we’d put together, each with a story to tell.
Once again, there are various guest appearances on the album; Paul Kelly, Calle Hammer (Houston), Pete Fry (Farcry), Dave Martin (Marshall Law), Danny Beardsley (Emperor Chung) & Eliot Kelly (Alan’s son) on the lead guitars, Tom Dwyer (Marshall Law) & Martin Walls on bass and Robyn Kelly on guest vocals. Why’s that? Do you think that all these guests make the final outcome more desirable or what?
A: Without a doubt I tried to up my game with all the instruments that I played on this album. But when it came to lead guitar, although I did play a few solos here and there I had to hold my hands up and get some players in that could seriously deliver the goods. I am proud to have secured the services of Dave Martin and in particular Danny Beardsley who really is an outstanding young talent. Also, my son Elliot who deserves the chance to be heard. Often people will bring their own ideas to the table and take things in a slightly different direction that I just wouldn’t have gone left to my own devices.
Do give us a hint about each track…
“I’ll Survive”:
S: Fast, energetic track… one of the heaviest on the album.
A: When I wrote this is was aimed at Shy, I wasn’t happy about how things ended with them and this was my answer to it.
“Break the Spell”:
A: I love the band Ratt, they were able to get ‘groove’ into their rhythm, so this was my attempt to put ‘groove into my rhythm.
“Don’t Believe a Word”:
A: Another revenge track aimed at someone who was taking my ideas and giving them to someone else loosely disguised as their own work.
“One More Day”:
A: An all-out attempt at American AOR, just nice driving rhythm with a nice hook chorus.
“Only Human”:
S: This was my favorite track to sing. I love the vibe of the track and the vocal structure is very good.
A: This was an attempt by me to write a song with only two chords in it from start to finish and see if I could get a verse and chorus to work over it and still keep the listener wanting more.
“Church”:
A: At the time I wrote this song, my son was influencing me with Avenged Sevenfold and we were both trying to learn the “Synyster Gates” guitar ‘sweep’ technique. I created this song around a ‘sweep’ that I came up with, but it wasn’t until Danny Beardsley came on board that the ‘sweep’ solo became as accurate as it now is. My version sounds like I am playing the ‘sweep’ with boxing gloves on!
“Into You”:
A: Inspired by a Christian pop / rock artist. I decided to try and write a song about God and this is the result. It wasn’t an area lyrically that I had ever explored before. I like how this turned out.
“Broken Man”:
S: This one was a lot of fun to sing as well. Another fantastic, moody track.
A: When writing new songs I’m never very far from a commercial sound or melody and this song came together very quickly. I like it when that happens.
“Driving Me Crazy”:
A: Again like the last song this came together very quickly and I like to think that this track has more of a ‘modern’ approach to AOR. The solo on here is by Calle Hammer from Houston and it has a real ‘Schenker’ feel to it, I really like how this track turned out.
“I’ve Been Waiting”:
A: This song is about finding out about Steve Harris’ illness and then his subsequent funeral, it was not an easy experience for anyone involved, it was a tough time.
“Sweet Sensation”:
A: When putting the album songs together I felt it was leaning towards the ‘heavier side’ of things a little too much, so I decided to write a couple of up-beat commercial ‘single’ style numbers and this was one of them, just to even out the balance.
“Wasn’t Always Like This”:
A: A cross between “One More Day” and “Driving Me Crazy”. This track has a laid back flow to it that once again I really like and with another exceptional guitar solo from Danny Beardsley.
Where did the recordings take place and who’s responsible for the album’s mixing, production and mastering? Do you fancy this production more than the one on the debut?
S: I recorded half of my vocals at a friend’s studio and the other half on my own, at my home. From there, I basically sent the tracks to Alan and he placed them into the songs. I think this album has a more complete, balanced sound to it.
A: Once I got everyone’s recorded parts back I placed them in where they needed to go and messed around with the arrangements until I was happy with them in my own studio in Looe, Cornwall England. Once all the tracks were completed I then sent them off to mix engineer Andrew Chick, who is based in Wales to put the shine and polish on the finished album.
How did the cooperation with Lions Pride Music occur? Had you thought to release the album on your own at some point? Was that a possibility?
A: I had tried a number of companies to see if they would take the album for release and thankfully Lions Pride Music said yes they would be more than happy to put out on their label. We could have put the album out on our own and that is maybe something we might try in future but it does involve a lot of risk and expenditure.
Have you and Alan considered the fact of getting some permanent members and give some live shows or even tour at some point?
S: It is something we have indeed talked about. The internet and technology makes recording over long distances quite easy, but it does nothing to help in terms of playing live. Since he’s in England and I’m in America, circumstances are pretty arduous for us should we decide to try and play live. That being said, I would love the opportunity to play these songs live as I think they would go over quite well.
What are your expectation from “Stories We Tell” and what does the future hold for 7HY?
S: My hope for the album is that people enjoy it and continue listening to it and finding pleasure from it for years and years to come! I think it’s a really good album and I’m happy with how it turned out. I hope we put some smiles on peoples’ faces.
Time for our “weird questions”!!! How did you (Alan & Shawn) come up with the name Seven Hard Years aka 7HY?
A: I make no secret of this, 7HY is a blatant take on SHY! I spent nearly twenty years with Shy, major record contracts, touring all over Europe and America with some major stars… why wouldn’t I want to cash in on that? When Steve Harris first came up with the name SHY he said to me “what should S.H.Y stand for”? Steve came up with “Steve Harris’s Yobs” and I came up with “Seven Hard Years”… So some years later when I was looking for a name for this project I remembered “Seven Hard Years” and thought what a great idea and why the hell not, so in order so as not to cause to much confusion I will set it out like this 7HY. I designed the original Shy logo and the 7HY logo is loosely based on that.
7HY brings SHY on mind… so this was done on purpose, right? Alan, you had been somewhat upset due to the fact that were out of SHY. I guess the way things turned out with Steve Harris did sadden you as well, huh?
A: Yes, it was done deliberately. As one of the original founding members of Shy I wasn’t happy at all about the way things went at the end of my time with them and particularly as Steve and myself were long time friends, he more than surprised me by his attitude to leaving me out of the ’new Shy’. I can’t deny that really hurt me.
If you found a genie in a bottle and you only had 3 wishes what would they be?
S: More genies.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
S: The Beatles – “Let It Be”… I just think it’s a perfect album.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
S: I would give them The Beatles – “Let It Be”. I think it’s a flawless album and a fantastic balance of pop sensibility and artistic freedom.
What’s the worst thing one can say right after sex?
S: “Thanks, I’ll be in the studio”…
Which are the best 3 Hard Rock albums of all time according to you?
S: Journey – “Escape”, Van Halen – “1984”, and Def Leppard – “Pyromania”…
Which do you consider to be the best male & female vocalist in rock history?
S: For me, it would be Steve Perry and Ann Wilson. Both are huge favorites of mine and possess such rich, emotive voices. In their prime, nobody could touch them. Even today, despite age and degradation, they can both still deliver a melody like very few can.
Fill in the phrase… “Hard Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
S: The Beatles…
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
S: I have never given it any thought… the present is enough trouble of its own.
Which character from the “Game of Thrones” would you be if you lived in the Seven Kingdoms?
S: I don’t know the first thing about “Game of Thrones”… sorry.
A: Tyrion Lannister – Kings Landing. OK, he’s only 3" tall but he drinks like a fish and gets all the girls…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
S: As long as I had the music backed up on my computer and she was happy, I’d be OK. Shocked and dumbfounded, but OK.
A: She’d better be bloody good in the bedroom department that’s all I can say!
We’re done Shawn & Alan! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. Wish you the best for the future to come. Take care!
S: Thank you, Thanos! I appreciate the support and the opportunity to speak with you!
A: I second that, cheers my man!
Shawn: Thanks so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying the album and thanks for talking with me.
Alan: I really appreciate that thank you very much.
I guess the preparations for the second album started as soon as the debut was released. Right? Did you have in mind to keep things going from the very start huh?
S: Yes, we started on this album very soon after we completed work on “No Place in Heaven”. In fact, I think it was before the CDs were even pressed. Alan had a lot of song ideas already prepared for another album so we decided to simply keep working.
And which are the differences between “Stories We Tell” and “No Place in Heaven”?
S: I think “Stories We Tell” is bit darker and moodier, even in the slower songs. It’s got a bit of intensity about it, while maintaining a strong sense of melody. It conveys a lot of emotion.
Hence, what does the album title “Stories We Tell” declare?
A: Shawn came up with the title. It seemed to fit the artwork we were going for and tied in with the collection of songs that we’d put together, each with a story to tell.
Once again, there are various guest appearances on the album; Paul Kelly, Calle Hammer (Houston), Pete Fry (Farcry), Dave Martin (Marshall Law), Danny Beardsley (Emperor Chung) & Eliot Kelly (Alan’s son) on the lead guitars, Tom Dwyer (Marshall Law) & Martin Walls on bass and Robyn Kelly on guest vocals. Why’s that? Do you think that all these guests make the final outcome more desirable or what?
A: Without a doubt I tried to up my game with all the instruments that I played on this album. But when it came to lead guitar, although I did play a few solos here and there I had to hold my hands up and get some players in that could seriously deliver the goods. I am proud to have secured the services of Dave Martin and in particular Danny Beardsley who really is an outstanding young talent. Also, my son Elliot who deserves the chance to be heard. Often people will bring their own ideas to the table and take things in a slightly different direction that I just wouldn’t have gone left to my own devices.
Do give us a hint about each track…
“I’ll Survive”:
S: Fast, energetic track… one of the heaviest on the album.
A: When I wrote this is was aimed at Shy, I wasn’t happy about how things ended with them and this was my answer to it.
“Break the Spell”:
A: I love the band Ratt, they were able to get ‘groove’ into their rhythm, so this was my attempt to put ‘groove into my rhythm.
“Don’t Believe a Word”:
A: Another revenge track aimed at someone who was taking my ideas and giving them to someone else loosely disguised as their own work.
“One More Day”:
A: An all-out attempt at American AOR, just nice driving rhythm with a nice hook chorus.
“Only Human”:
S: This was my favorite track to sing. I love the vibe of the track and the vocal structure is very good.
A: This was an attempt by me to write a song with only two chords in it from start to finish and see if I could get a verse and chorus to work over it and still keep the listener wanting more.
“Church”:
A: At the time I wrote this song, my son was influencing me with Avenged Sevenfold and we were both trying to learn the “Synyster Gates” guitar ‘sweep’ technique. I created this song around a ‘sweep’ that I came up with, but it wasn’t until Danny Beardsley came on board that the ‘sweep’ solo became as accurate as it now is. My version sounds like I am playing the ‘sweep’ with boxing gloves on!
“Into You”:
A: Inspired by a Christian pop / rock artist. I decided to try and write a song about God and this is the result. It wasn’t an area lyrically that I had ever explored before. I like how this turned out.
“Broken Man”:
S: This one was a lot of fun to sing as well. Another fantastic, moody track.
A: When writing new songs I’m never very far from a commercial sound or melody and this song came together very quickly. I like it when that happens.
“Driving Me Crazy”:
A: Again like the last song this came together very quickly and I like to think that this track has more of a ‘modern’ approach to AOR. The solo on here is by Calle Hammer from Houston and it has a real ‘Schenker’ feel to it, I really like how this track turned out.
“I’ve Been Waiting”:
A: This song is about finding out about Steve Harris’ illness and then his subsequent funeral, it was not an easy experience for anyone involved, it was a tough time.
“Sweet Sensation”:
A: When putting the album songs together I felt it was leaning towards the ‘heavier side’ of things a little too much, so I decided to write a couple of up-beat commercial ‘single’ style numbers and this was one of them, just to even out the balance.
“Wasn’t Always Like This”:
A: A cross between “One More Day” and “Driving Me Crazy”. This track has a laid back flow to it that once again I really like and with another exceptional guitar solo from Danny Beardsley.
Where did the recordings take place and who’s responsible for the album’s mixing, production and mastering? Do you fancy this production more than the one on the debut?
S: I recorded half of my vocals at a friend’s studio and the other half on my own, at my home. From there, I basically sent the tracks to Alan and he placed them into the songs. I think this album has a more complete, balanced sound to it.
A: Once I got everyone’s recorded parts back I placed them in where they needed to go and messed around with the arrangements until I was happy with them in my own studio in Looe, Cornwall England. Once all the tracks were completed I then sent them off to mix engineer Andrew Chick, who is based in Wales to put the shine and polish on the finished album.
How did the cooperation with Lions Pride Music occur? Had you thought to release the album on your own at some point? Was that a possibility?
A: I had tried a number of companies to see if they would take the album for release and thankfully Lions Pride Music said yes they would be more than happy to put out on their label. We could have put the album out on our own and that is maybe something we might try in future but it does involve a lot of risk and expenditure.
Have you and Alan considered the fact of getting some permanent members and give some live shows or even tour at some point?
S: It is something we have indeed talked about. The internet and technology makes recording over long distances quite easy, but it does nothing to help in terms of playing live. Since he’s in England and I’m in America, circumstances are pretty arduous for us should we decide to try and play live. That being said, I would love the opportunity to play these songs live as I think they would go over quite well.
What are your expectation from “Stories We Tell” and what does the future hold for 7HY?
S: My hope for the album is that people enjoy it and continue listening to it and finding pleasure from it for years and years to come! I think it’s a really good album and I’m happy with how it turned out. I hope we put some smiles on peoples’ faces.
Time for our “weird questions”!!! How did you (Alan & Shawn) come up with the name Seven Hard Years aka 7HY?
A: I make no secret of this, 7HY is a blatant take on SHY! I spent nearly twenty years with Shy, major record contracts, touring all over Europe and America with some major stars… why wouldn’t I want to cash in on that? When Steve Harris first came up with the name SHY he said to me “what should S.H.Y stand for”? Steve came up with “Steve Harris’s Yobs” and I came up with “Seven Hard Years”… So some years later when I was looking for a name for this project I remembered “Seven Hard Years” and thought what a great idea and why the hell not, so in order so as not to cause to much confusion I will set it out like this 7HY. I designed the original Shy logo and the 7HY logo is loosely based on that.
7HY brings SHY on mind… so this was done on purpose, right? Alan, you had been somewhat upset due to the fact that were out of SHY. I guess the way things turned out with Steve Harris did sadden you as well, huh?
A: Yes, it was done deliberately. As one of the original founding members of Shy I wasn’t happy at all about the way things went at the end of my time with them and particularly as Steve and myself were long time friends, he more than surprised me by his attitude to leaving me out of the ’new Shy’. I can’t deny that really hurt me.
If you found a genie in a bottle and you only had 3 wishes what would they be?
S: More genies.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
S: The Beatles – “Let It Be”… I just think it’s a perfect album.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
S: I would give them The Beatles – “Let It Be”. I think it’s a flawless album and a fantastic balance of pop sensibility and artistic freedom.
What’s the worst thing one can say right after sex?
S: “Thanks, I’ll be in the studio”…
Which are the best 3 Hard Rock albums of all time according to you?
S: Journey – “Escape”, Van Halen – “1984”, and Def Leppard – “Pyromania”…
Which do you consider to be the best male & female vocalist in rock history?
S: For me, it would be Steve Perry and Ann Wilson. Both are huge favorites of mine and possess such rich, emotive voices. In their prime, nobody could touch them. Even today, despite age and degradation, they can both still deliver a melody like very few can.
Fill in the phrase… “Hard Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
S: The Beatles…
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
S: I have never given it any thought… the present is enough trouble of its own.
Which character from the “Game of Thrones” would you be if you lived in the Seven Kingdoms?
S: I don’t know the first thing about “Game of Thrones”… sorry.
A: Tyrion Lannister – Kings Landing. OK, he’s only 3" tall but he drinks like a fish and gets all the girls…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? J
S: As long as I had the music backed up on my computer and she was happy, I’d be OK. Shocked and dumbfounded, but OK.
A: She’d better be bloody good in the bedroom department that’s all I can say!
We’re done Shawn & Alan! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. Wish you the best for the future to come. Take care!
S: Thank you, Thanos! I appreciate the support and the opportunity to speak with you!
A: I second that, cheers my man!