When he isn’t leading the charge with his new wave/punk band The Clamor, New York City’s multifaceted Aaron Louis finds himself engaged in an array of endeavours: video designer, booking agent, film producer, club owner, acclaimed author, songwriter, and Director of Audio Visual at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Despite his busy schedule, The Clamor returns with fervor, presenting the intense and spirited New Harder Hit. This punk-edged, northern soul-inspired song sees Louis exploring the intricate and delicate nature of human connection. The essence of The Clash, The Jam, New York Dolls, and a dash of Elvis Costello is evident in this piece, with The Clamor’s musical lineup featuring Aaron Louis on vocals, guitar, and synth, alongside Gary Atturio on bass, Jeff Berner on guitar and backing vocals, Robert Cimitile on marimba, Wells Hartman on synth, Omer Leibovitz and Kirk Schoenherr on guitar, Layton Weedeman on drums, and a host of other talented musicians.
New Harder Hit navigates the complexities of keeping secrets and the unforeseen risks that come with sharing truths, highlighting the amusing blunders that arise from taking oneself too seriously. Louis’ lyrics capture the essence of our deep, inherent yearning for genuine relationships, reflecting on how these connections shape our lives. The song serves as a reminder of the human need for authenticity in a world where we often hide behind façades.
“New Harder Hit is an admittedly sarcastic take on the conventional themes found in many love songs, particularly those laden with exaggerated emotions,” says Louis. “A kind of tongue-in-cheek critique of the tendency to take romantic turmoil too seriously, really as a personal reflection more than anything else. It also delves into the paradox that, while truth is touted as essential in relationships, its unfiltered disclosure can sometimes harm the very bonds we aim to fortify.”
Listen to the song below:
New Harder Hit was meticulously brought to life under the guidance of Jeff Berner at Studio G in Brooklyn, NY. The process of production, tracking, and mixing was carefully managed, with valuable assistance from Ross Colombo and Leah Gutman in the engineering process. The final touches, ensuring the highest quality, were masterfully handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in NYC.
The Clamor spoke briefly with Post-Punk.com about the new single:
What was the inspiration when writing New Harder Hit?
New Harder Hit draws from the complex and often contradictory dynamics of relationships. I wanted to explore how we can be both intensely passionate and absurdly melodramatic at the same time. The song also delves into the irony of truth in relationships—how we crave honesty, but unfiltered truth can sometimes harm our connections. It’s a personal reflection and a critique of the human tendency to overcomplicate love and intimacy.
What artists do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from so many bands that it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few, and my influences often come and go over time. However, some bands that have left a significant mark on me include Subway Sect, The Clash, The Stranglers, and The Fall. As of late Orange Juice seems to be the band. §
The Clamor’s Aaron Louis has authored several books, including the 2003 novel “Things That Hang From Trees,” and penned the screenplay adaptation for Aviles Street Productions in 2006. His film premiered in prestigious events like New Directors/New Films and SXSW, securing accolades such as “Best Film” at Corto Imola International Film Festival in Bologna, Italy, and “Best American Independent” at the Troia International Film Festival in Lisbon, Portugal. Distributed by Radio London Films in 2007, it marked a significant achievement in Aaron’s career.
Before establishing himself as an author, Aaron ventured into music, serving as the principal singer/songwriter for the eleven-piece acoustic punk band, DANDELION WINE. His musical journey continued with the release of a solo album titled “IF SO” on Tropia Records in 2000. Not confined to music, Aaron also made his mark as an in-house booking agent for four live music venues in central Florida, orchestrating over 1000 shows featuring regional and national bands. Additionally, he owned Galaxie 500, a live music venue and performance space in northern Florida. Currently, Aaron resides in Brooklyn, NY, adding to the vibrant artistic community of the city.
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Single Art and Design by Bill Smith
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