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Harley Poe is the Dose of Folksy Horror You Never Knew You Needed

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Several years ago I went on the hunt for horror music. No, not the scores from horror movies or music you would play at Halloween, but I mean good music with distinct horror themes. It was then I came across Harley Poe.

When it comes to horror music, many bands with horror themes are metal, rock, rockabilly, psychobilly, etc. The difference with Harley Poe is that the creepy, silly or disturbing horror-themed lyrics are paired with a snappy and upbeat background.

There’s nothing like snapping your fingers to a kicky banjo with lyrics about death, murder, werewolves, vampires, zombies and demonic possession.

I got a chance to talk with front man Joseph Whiteford and pick his brain about the band.

Harley Poe

(Image credit: Harley Poe’s Facebook)

Hey and thanks for talking with me! I’m very curious to know where did the name Harley Poe originate from?

Harley Poe was this wretched old shithead who used to live two houses down from my parents’ home. I hated that dude, and he hated everyone. The neighbor kids and I would talk about breaking into his home and beating him up or killing him. It’s not like we really meant it. He was just such a dickhead, none of us could stand him. Kinda like the ghost lady from the movie Monster House, he would keep our toys if they landed in his yard. He kicked my friend’s dog once. We had really good reasons to hate him. He was also very wealthy, and as my friends got older they began getting into trouble and had made actual plans to rob and beat him. I remember them telling me about their ideas to get into his house, but I didn’t think they would ever really do it. They ended up breaking into his home and murdering him, brutally. I’m not sure why I used his name as my alias.

Whoa, that is hands down the most intense name origin story I have ever heard. Why center the songs around horror themes?

I love horror films. I grew up with horror films. I was a bit obsessed with them for while. Not so much now, but I still try to keep up with what’s coming out. I think they just remind me of my childhood. I loved those days. It’s fun writing folksy punk songs about weird shit. It gives me a sense of purpose.

A follow up to your answer, why choose such happy, upbeat folk music for such dark themes?

I like happy, catchy tunes. I like the contrast the darker lyrics bring to an upbeat, fun sound. I’m not sure listeners would think the songs as humorous or fun if the music was as dark as the lyrical content. It lets people know that this is make-believe. This is Return of the Living Dead or The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2. It’s entertainment. It’s fiction with some truth sprinkled in. It should be fun. And also, because that’s the kind of music I like. Most horror related bands fall into the category of punk, metal, psychobilly, or dark electronic music. I’ve never been good at playing any of that. I play acoustic guitar, and I like when the audience can understand what I’m singing. What’s the point of having lyrics if you can’t convey your message?

What musical artist(s) influenced you?

I discovered the Violent Femmes when I was a teen. I fell in love. Later on found out about The Cramps, Dead Kennedys, Dead Milkmen, The Dickies, Green Day, Weezer, Cake, Pixies, The Demonics, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club…man the list goes on. Pretty much whatever I’m listening to and loving is possibly going to be heard through my own writing. There are just so many great bands out there. Lately I’ve been really into Jeff Rosenstock, Frank Turner, The Reverend Horton Heat, Rocket From the Crypt, Ratatat, Man Man, The Taxpayers, The Presidents, Pale Young Gentlemen, Portugal.The Man, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Shannon and The Clams, The Mountain Goats, The Babies, Ezra Furman, Fugazi, Millencolin, A Giant Dog…now they are an awesome band!

I’ve heard of a few of those, but I will definitely check out the rest. Did any horror authors in particular influence your songwriting?

I don’t think so, but maybe Edward Gorey.

Great choice! The Ghastlycrumb Tinies is one of my favorite short books. There were recently two reunion shows. Are anymore planned in the future?

Only time will tell. My focus these days is really on my two sons. The band was taking up a lot of my life, but I don’t think Harley Poe is forever finished playing shows. I, at least, have no plans to stop writing songs. We’ll just see.

The new album “Lost and Losing It” recently released. It’s considerably different lyrically than the past Harley Poe albums. What was your influence for this one?

My divorce.

I’m very sorry to hear about the divorce.  For a bit of a lighter question, you do your own Harley Poe and other horror themed artwork; what made you choose the style and what inspired you?

The style is just what I enjoy. I don’t think I’m out to copy anyone, but I’ve always loved children’s book illustrators. I dig Tim Burton, Charles Addams, Edward Gorey, and the myriad of great artists those masters have inspired. Instagram  is full of amazing artists. I’m inspired every time I browse.

What can we look forward to in the future for Harley Poe and your art?

I usually post my art on Instagram. I plan to release my figures whenever I can, and at the moment I’m illustrating a children’s book written by director Joshua Hull. I will begin recording the next Harley Poe album hopefully this winter. I think it’s gonna be a fun, nasty little album. And as I said, I don’t Harley Poe is finished playing shows. Stay tuned, I guess.

Harley Poe

Congratulations on the book illustration! I look forward to seeing the finished product. And I definitely hope there are more shows in the future. What is your favorite horror movie?

It has always been The Return of the Living Dead, but I’m not sure anymore.

What is your favorite Harley Poe song you’ve recorded?

I have no idea.

I can only assume that’s because there are so many awesome tracks to choose from. Whether you’re listening to “Olivia,” “Corpse Grinding Man,” “I’m a Killer,” “Don’t Go Into the Woods” or one of the newer tracks like “Persevere,” you’re guaranteed a good time, some great lyrics and a heavy helping of horror.

If you’re more in tune with artists like Marilyn Manson, be sure to check out his scary as hell Instagram page he’s running.

Photos courtesy of joewhiteford.blogspot.com

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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