The Harlequins have been entertaining crowds in their hometown of Cincinnati as well as throughout the US for about a decade. And while they're pretty much veterans in the music scene, their new album, One With You, marks their label debut. We had the chance to chat with the band about their favorites on the new record, as well as their plans for the new year.

Hometown/Homebase: Cincinnati, OH

You've been a band for almost 10 years, and that's a feat many can only dream of. What's your secret to keeping it all going?

Michael Oliva: Well, thank you, but there is no secret really. We three share a common goal and passion for music. The goal has not yet truly been achieved (it is ever changing) and the passion has not been sucked out of us. Still running the wheel so to say and still enjoying the exercise while sacrificing aspects of our life some other people may not be willing to.

One With You is your first label release. How does it feel to be putting this one out?

Oliva: It felt so great to release One With You, as it was a great step in the right direction. We were lucky to meet dizzybird [Records] and get their support. After self releasing for 10 years, it's nice to have someone behind you.

What's your favorite track to perform from this record?

Oliva: I feel like this answer should be split. My favorite is "What Laughs in a Mirror;" it's so dramatic with the chord ring outs in the beginning, it has a slow, yet sharp pace that's full of purpose. Every note counts. It is a song that haunts me.

Alex Stenard: "Step Inside" because it has a delicate bass melody that's just really fun to play. It also allows me to improvise on certain parts during live shows. The song itself is also very powerful.

Rob Stamler: New Drug. We've only played it once live, but the build up is great and once it gets to the end the drums are very simple but it's so powerful.

What's the title track about and what inspired you to make that the album title?

Oliva: It is about love, two becoming one. There is no subtext, no deep poetry. Just pure emotion; to the point. We thought it was a very strong track and visually just enjoyed the play on words and how it looked in print. "One With You" could play with the relationship of band to listener, the album to listener, or could just be taken as is.

How has Cincinnati influenced your sound?

Oliva: It is our home as a band, though its musical history never shaped us. In fact I would say there was a great change in the music scene a year or two after we started, a shift. Not that we sparked it, but we were right there when it happened and have been apart of it our whole career as a band. We've grown together with Cincinnati and its music scene and have been very lucky for that!

If you could go back to your 2007 self when the band was starting, what advice would you give?

Oliva: Get on the road ASAP because that's where you'll find yourself and your resolve.

We've no regrets and generally cannot say. Our journey is still in progress, you'll have to check back with our 2027 selves.

What's next for the band?

Oliva: We're on our third tour right now promoting One With You. When we get home we'll work a lot at our jobs, then plan on writing and recording, touring and promoting. Rinse, wash, repeat.

For more profiles on up-and-coming artists, visit our Artist of the Day page.