A Chat with Lemon (27.05.2020)

OSR: Why release three versions of Love Can Take You Places?

RH: We like a band groove, but we also like a dance groove. The Nedchester version (Nedchester = Madchester from The Netherlands) is the original take. Our producer Tim Egmond was fiddling with the recordings and we liked the dance feel he created. We liked it so much we wanted that groove to last longer, so we created a longer version together.

Then we thought: we may like it to last forever, but it may be too long for an impatient internet/radio audience. So we made that version the old school 12” single edit. And then there were three 🙂 We are really curious what version will turn out to be the favourite version of our fans and other listeners. We invite all Other Side Reviews readers to share their opinion on our Facebook page.

OSR: What first got you into music?

RH: Some older guys in the neighbourhood had a band and I loved that vibe, so I asked my parents for some guitar lessons. I studied some classical stuff. After a year I was fed up with it and started my own band with some friends.

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OSR: What was it like working with Cath Coffey?

RH: Cath is such an open and sweet person. She listened to the work in progress mix we sent her, she liked it and did her thing. Here is a scoop for you: we connected so well that she even did a second track! We were lucky the Stereo MC’s were over in The Netherlands for two gigs. For the second we were their support act, so in between, she came over to the studio. The whole Stereo MC’s gang is all about the music and totally not about the bullshit: so nice!

OSR: What is your creative process like?

RH: Everyday life inspires me. Sometimes tiny things, sometimes big themes. Usually, I bring in a rough sketch of a new song and we jam together until it feels right. Sometimes I’ve got the complete lyrics ready when we start jamming, sometimes just a single line and a feeling.

OSR: What was the inspiration behind Love Can Take You Places?

RH: Love is one of those big themes. No wonder there are so many love songs. It can take you higher than anything else. Well, I haven’t tried all the drugs in the world, but it has taken me higher than those that I tried! Many people are disappointed in love, I wanted to make them feel they are not alone. Yes, love can be disappointing, but never give up searching for that feeling.

OSR: Where have you performed? Of them, which venue is your favourite and least favourite?

RH: We have played many festivals and venues. Two of the most famous venues we played are the Amsterdam Paradiso and the Melkweg theatre. We played as the support act for Primal Scream, The Charlatans and Stereo MC’s. We also did a number of gigs in Germany and some in Belgium. I should say the gig in the legendary Paradiso was my favourite, but the audiences in Germany really went berzerk when we played there, so maybe… No, Duycker in Hoofddorp was the best: perfectly managed, perfect sound, great crowd. Least favourite? A stage somewhere near the German border, I’m not going to say the name 🙂

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OSR: What is your favourite song to perform?

RH: Usually the newest song, so at this stage, I can’t help but saying ‘Love Can Take You Places’. But two all-time favourites are ‘Tribute To Madchester’ off our third album and I ‘Got To Move On’ off our fourth. The audience immediately starts jumping around when we strike the first chord of one of these.

OSR: Out of all your music, do you have a favourite track?

RH: That is so difficult to say. It depends on my mood. I tend to say ‘Love Can Take You Places’, but I know it might be because I am so fired up about it now. It could be ‘Stay Close To Me’.

OSR: What is the best advice you have been given regarding your music career?

RH: Stay real.

OSR: What is next for Lemon?

RH: We reckon ‘Love Can Take You Places’ will definitely become a worldwide hit and take us around the world, haha. As mentioned before, we have recorded a second song with Cath. Next to that, we recorded two more. The Coronavirus crisis has made us totally broke, but as soon as we can we will finish those recordings and release them. And I hope we will catch up all the shows that are cancelled during the crisis. Nothing better than performing.

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Thanks to Ralf Hesen for chatting with us! You can find more about Lemon on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.