[...] Steve Appleford : You always struck me as someone who not only loved the music but the whole culture of rock.

Ben Harper : I love that it combines sight and sound. I love the statement that style can make. I love the images that sounds provoke. I love the images that can come with the music, whether it’s the packaging or the merchandising. I’m not so much into the film aspect, and that’s probably why my videos are a struggle. [Laughs.] I’ve got to get back to making $500 videos. My mistakes in the music business have been video-related. I’m thinking of taking a torch to some of them.

Music represents an emotion for different lifestyles, whether it’s surfing, skating, style, fashion. And at the same time, fuck fashion! Gimme a T-shirt and some cords, and I’m cool. But I am connected to the culture of rock – past, present, and future. It’s exciting to be involved in it and have it be a soulful, sincere voice of expression as well.

When you consider Jimi Hendrix, you either immediately think of one of his guitar solos or how great he looked.

Guys like Jimi piss you off, because you will never see a photo of Jimi not looking just awesome. Gram Parsons, too. Once they made the commitment, they didn’t half-do it. And you’ve always got to be comfortable with yourself inside before you can make a statement outside.

Steve Appleford : What brought you to the Nudie suits?

Ben Harper : I got really into Western shirts right around ’95. From Western shirts to fancier Western shirts to Nudie suits was just a three-step program. Being at the thrift store at the right time when there was a Nudie piece at the right price. Once you get on, you’re bit, and this whole underworld of Nudie nostalgia opens up to you from Branson, Missouri, to eBay to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I just got ahold of a gold lamé paisleys Nudie suit. Just like the Elvis suit but with paisleys on it. It’s beyond stunning [...]