Exclusive Interview: The Spikes "Never Tear Us Apart"

The Music: Reimagining “Never Tear Us Apart”

1. INXS's “Never Tear Us Apart” is one of those songs that has connected with listeners across generations. What initially drew you to this particular song, and what made you feel it was the right track for The Spikes to reinterpret?

What drew me to the song was the lyrics. I would listen to these words of longing and yearning and that really touched me. It made me want to explore, not just the meaning of the words, but how I can amplify the emotion. So, the lyrics were really my immediate draw.

2. Covering such an iconic song comes with the challenge of honoring the original while creating something that feels authentic to your own artistry. How did you approach finding that balance, and what elements of the song were most important for you to preserve?

We knew something we wanted to preserve was the opening string section and that iconic guitar riff that comes before the build up of the drums. But we wanted to do something a bit different by really echoing the drums and adding some small effects on the guitar. This musical signature in the song, to me, was as important as the lyrics. My goal was to give the song a different emotional pull, but keep the recognizable signature.

3. The Spikes are known for a cinematic, atmospheric approach to alternative rock. How did that musical identity influence the arrangement and production of “Never Tear Us Apart”? Were there any unexpected creative decisions that shaped the final recording?

Something we tried creatively, was to approach the vocals differently. Originally it was supposed to be sung in a far deeper tone (that's usually how I tend to sing) but we wanted to see what else my voice can do. I think also something that I was really not used to, is that intense screaming right before the final chorus. It was something that I think pushed my vocals to the limit. But at the end of the day that's what this song is about - pushing your emotions to the limit.

4. At its heart, “Never Tear Us Apart” explores an incredibly powerful emotional connection. What does the song mean to you personally, and has your interpretation of its lyrics changed through the process of recording it?

The first time I listened to the song I was madly in love with a girl and listening to these lyrics of longing and yearning to never be apart from that person. That struck a cord with my heart. Since that time, this relationship ended. But, it made me want to explore the song even more now. To remember all the good and the bad in that relationship. So, no matter what I may have gone through, I don’t think my interpretation of the words has changed the song, but definitely the words are more personal through my experience. The lyrics are almost like a calling or a yearning for that one person to understand, that even though our paths, careers, hearts have drifted apart, there is still some thread that will never tear that love apart.

The Artist: Music, Art & Creative Identity

5. You were born in Rome and grew up surrounded by music, film, and visual art. How did that environment shape the way you understand creativity, and what influences from your upbringing continue to find their way into your music today?

Something from my childhood that I think really influenced me was just the kind of music I was listening to from my teens. I grew up in a house where music was always played, so were films, so the influence was always there. But I think by having a lot of exposure to many different musical and artistic genres just raised the bar for me to seek more things outside this circle. From an early age I was listening to Nick Cave, Silverchair, Tom Waits, the Clash, even early Tupac at some point. They were all people that really shaped me and made me who I am. I think a lot of their music is still very relevant and always finds a way to inspire us in the studio or on stage.

6. Your father, Michael Haussman, has directed music videos and films involving artists such as Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Kanye West. What did growing up around that world teach you about the relationship between music and visual storytelling, and how have you worked to establish your own artistic identity?

I think this ties a lot back to the music and films my father was showing me at the time. What he listened to was not necessarily what he did for his work in music videos. Actually quite the opposite. He did not listen to Madonna, Justin Timberlake or Kanye West. He listened to Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Rage Against The Machine, Chet Baker, even Rachid Taja - a whole other deeper genre of music. They were artists who had a darkness and moodiness to the stories they were telling. And for me as an 18 year old they really struck a cord to me. Also our house was always filled with interesting people coming through, and visually interesting things - we have a Chairman Mao tapestry above our couch. Also, my father keeps a lot of visuals surrounding him that influence his ideas, so his collection of various photographs, saint cards, photos and ripped pages played a curiosity for sure. I don't necessarily think there was just one thing that inspired me. I think it was the combination of all these things in my upbringing that shaped the kind of creative that I am.

7. Beyond music, you're also a published poet and painter. Do those creative disciplines influence the way you write songs? Are there ideas or emotions you find easier to express through one art form than another?

For sure all my creative outlets inspire one another. That's what I personally love about being creative. You might start with a painting or a poem and then look at it the following day and think it might be better off as a song. A good example of that was when I was writing Gentleman's Ballad. Originally this song was supposed to be a long poem but then we started to mess around to see what it would sound like sung (spoken word) and we ended up with this ‘American Preyer’ type song. 

There isn't one emotion or feeling I like to talk about specifically. I like talking about a lot of things at once. How I feel in the moment regardless if I'm sad, happy, or angry, is not necessarily what I will project through my art. In other words, being sad can make the happiest love song of all. Being happy can produce a dark painting.  And in regards to how I express myself, the medium can vary depending on what I want to do.  

8. The Spikes have developed a strong visual identity alongside their music, including collaborations that connect fashion, film, and sound. How important is the visual world surrounding a song to you, and do you typically envision imagery while you're writing music?

I am a very visual person in how I write, how I perform, and how I think. My lyrics are usually a reflection of that. I set a visual to most of my creative thoughts. But that does not necessarily mean that it becomes a music video, album photo or a direct interpretation of my song. Visuals serve as natural inspiration. I think as a songwriter it's important to give the listener just enough visuals that they kind of grasp what is going on, but not too much as that would spoil the fun and the mystery of song writting.

The Journey: From Rome to Colorado

9. Your journey has taken you from Rome to Boulder, Colorado. How has living and creating music in Colorado influenced your artistic perspective, and what has surprised you most about the local music community?

Something I love about Boulder is the new music scene - bands like the Dirty Turkeys, Backlash and Sundog. I think there is something really interesting happening with these younger, newer bands. They have a more grungy, punk mentality compared to all the other Grateful Dead copies that exist here. (Boulder is famous for the Dead Head world) These new bands are doing their own thing and bringing a voice to the younger, more crazier side of Boulder, which I always love seeing. 

10. Your debut album, First Light, introduced listeners to The Spikes' sound and creative vision. Looking back at that project and comparing it with “Never Tear Us Apart,” where do you hear the greatest evolution in the band's music?

I always strive to make my music better with each release, I love experimenting and pushing the boundaries on what you can achieve in the studio both sonically and lyrically. I think that goes with the rest of the band. We all push ourselves to do the best and always welcome the strange and occasional bottle smashing.

What's Next for The Spikes

11. The Spikes will perform at The Roxy in Denver on December 11. What can audiences expect from the band's live show, and how does performing these songs in front of an audience change your relationship with the music?

Performing live is always one of my favorite parts of being an artist because that's when the rubber really meets the road. It’s the truest connection to our audience. It’s the only time we face each other. So the thing, which I say people should expect from us, is I will always leave the stage and get down in there with the crowd, moving with them, grabbing their hands, dancing on the tables and really up close with the people. I think when you actually sing to someone, it amplifies the emotion of the lyrics and song - whether they are happy, sad or angry - it makes those emotions pop out more.

12. As someone whose creative interests span music, poetry, painting, and visual storytelling, what does the next chapter of The Spikes look like? Are there new sounds, artistic collaborations, or creative directions you're especially excited to explore?

Recently we've been writing and recording the next record which has been really fun and exciting for all of us. We've also been booking a lot more shows and are all excited for our Denver show on December 11th. So, as I said, it is better not to say too much. Just come out and see us and be a part of it.

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