From busking on the streets of Edinburgh to racking up more than 1,500 shows across the globe, High Fade have built their reputation the old fashioned way: relentless touring, fearless musicianship and a sound that refuses to sit still. Blending funk, rock, punk, disco and soul into something uniquely their own, the trio have gone from street corner secret to one of the most electrifying live bands currently tearing up stages worldwide.
Now gearing up for the release of their second album Twice As Nice, landing 8th May via their own label RPN Records, the band are stepping into a new era with heavier riffs, bigger grooves and the same DIY spirit that has driven them since day one.
With new single “Swamp” already turning heads and another release arriving on 27 March, we caught up with Harry Valentino, Oliver Sentence and Heath Campbell to talk chaotic gigs, life on the road, independence in the music industry, and what actually makes somewhere feel like home when you’re constantly moving.
Welcome to This Is My Haus.
You’ve gone from busking on the streets of Edinburgh to announcing Twice As Nice and heading out on huge US, Canada and EU tours. When did it stop feeling like a grind and start feeling like a movement?
When we went to the USA for the first time I was genuinely mind blown. The fans there were so receptive, and now going back for our fifth tour it all feels surreal to be honest. We’ve been working hard and we’ve also made it through some pretty difficult situations over the last couple of years.
It feels amazing to be releasing music again and being able to give something back to the fans after a little time away.
“Swamp” is being called your heaviest release yet. What were you tapping into when you wrote it?
We’ve still got one more trick up our sleeve when it comes to the heavy tunes.
There’s definitely some Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, Sabbath and then a bit of Pearl Jam thrown in for good measure too.
You turned down major label offers and launched RPN Records instead. What made staying independent non-negotiable?
We want to send a message and hopefully help other bands too - especially when it comes to retaining their masters, publishing, and most importantly creative control over the things they spend their lives working on.
The music industry is hard and at times exhausting, but there are also so many tools available now that it makes sense to stay independent and keep pushing until something gives.
You’ve played over 1,500 shows. What’s been the most chaotic or unforgettable live moment so far?
We were in Bologna, Italy, kicking off the first song and within about 45 seconds people were already crowd surfing and moshing. That was a happy memory.
Outside of shows, just the amount of travelling we’ve done and the people we’ve met has been mind blowing. But I don’t want to count the miles!
Which track from Twice As Nice is going to hit the hardest live - and why?
That’s something we’re currently testing out on this tour we’re on. We’re seeing where the tracks sit in the set and which ones the crowd respond to most.
So far nothing has been put on the back burner - I think the whole record will stay in the set for future shows.
Tell us about the wildest thing you’ve ever taken home from a tour or gig.
Harry: Vinyl and a cowboy hat.
Oli: A new bass and a rock from the Grand Canyon.
Heath: A ball from Topgolf.
That’s all we’ve got space for!
But honestly, the biggest thing we’ve taken from touring is the friendship we have with our friend Rod Parks. That dude changed our lives.
When you’re on the road for months, how do you make a tour bus or hotel room feel like home?
We travel in a Cruise America RV - home sweet home. Everybody makes the most of their drawers and cupboards and we try to cook as much as we can.
We usually make a slow cooker meal for after the show.
If your home could speak, what would it say about you?
Harry: “Why are you never here?”
Oli: “70s geezer.”
Heath: “I wish you would sleep here.”
What’s the most rock ’n’ roll thing about your house?
Harry: My hi-fi.
Oli: You can do what you want.
Heath: No bedtime.
Finally - THIS IS MY HAUS is all about what makes a space yours. When you’re constantly moving, what genuinely makes somewhere feel like home?
In the USA: Love’s Travel Stop, a hot choccy and some good pillows.
In Europe: Chocomel, B&B Hotels and cheap tobacco.
In the UK: Travelodge, Oli and Heath spooning, and a full brekky.
High Fade’s rise has been anything but conventional. Built on busking roots, relentless touring and a fiercely independent mindset, the band continue to prove that doing things your own way isn’t just possible - it can be powerful.
With their second album Twice As Nice arriving 8th May via RPN Records, and new music already dropping this year, the trio show no signs of slowing down.
Pre-save / pre-order Twice As Nice here
Follow High Fade:
Spotify
Instagram
And if you want to see the chaos for yourself, keep an eye on their upcoming tour dates.
