Far´N´High is one of the main names in the progressive scene of France. Having changed their name from Fahrenheit, the band also changed vocalist and launched a big career. We talked to Stéphane Faure, guitarist of the band:

It's been 9 years since the band was formed as Fahrenheit. Why did you change your name to Far'N'High in 1995 ? Was some kind of musical change the cause?
We changed the name Fahrenheit because we find another rock band that were using that name. It is also the name of a famous perfume created by Christian Dior and the name of an enterprise nearby where we are living. So we considered that it was necessary to change when recording the first CD. It wasn't the change of line up or musical style that influence the new name but only the fact that we had to be marketed and we didn't want any problems of concurrence with the name Fahrenheit.
In order to keep the same sound of the word, we finally agreed on Far'N'High. It could be interpreted as something very proud but at that time we thought that we shouldn't be too far from our ancient name.

Which are the main differences between the way Fabien singed and the way Damien does it?
Many differences oppose Fabien and Damien. Fabien was much more influence by Queensrysche and, Led Zeppelin and the "Old School of Rock" influence Damien. To be short, Fabien was much more inspired by the eighties; beginning of the nineties and Damien is inspired by the seventies. But the way they are really different is on stage.

How would you describe your music?
Our music is a kind of mix of our different influences. You are the judge! We can say that we make French progressive music...!!!

How big is the role of keyboards in your music? I think I read that your music changed a lot with the entry of Damien that also plays keyboards?
There always were keyboards in our music but with extra-musician. When Damien arrived he permitted to satisfy our needs. But its not because Damien plays keyboards that we changed things. "Still alive", recorded in 1997, was made with Damien and there are no keyboards.
In return, "I promise you heaven" recorded with Fabien presents keyboards.
We only made what we wanted and to use keyboards was our desire, but it came naturally.

It seems that you are influenced by rock bands but also by jazz and thrash metal. Who are your biggest influences and what do you think this band influence brought to your playing?
Our most influences are Queensrysche, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Slayer, Uzeb, Bon Jovi, Pretty Maids, Malmsteen and Dream Theater. All these bands brought us inspiration because of their talent.

What can you tell me about "Still alive"? Are you recording a follow up?
In fact, "Attraction of fire" is the following of "Still alive". And about the next, we are working about!

Is there something you would have change in "I promise you heaven"?
"I promise you heaven" was our first album producted by our own and of course it presents lot of defects. The biggest is certainly about the sound! We consider it's not heavy enough. But, after all, we are proud of this opus.

Are you planning to do some festivals on 2001 to support the new material?
At that time there is nothing allowed. We are working on a new project with our slight means.

Does all composition spin around Stéphane or every member brings a part of the songs?
Generally, that's true, the music line start with a guitar riff but after that, all musicians bring their inspiration and that is the way most of songs are composed. We need the participation of the all band. Before all, it's a group's work.

Any final message?
I am proud to have the opportunity to converse with Argentina. I know there are good musicians in your country and we can dream to exchange our views about the international musical scene.

Interviewed by Federico Marongiu

Still Alive - CD (1996)

Attraction of Fire - CD (1999)

François - drums

Patrick - bass

Stéphane - guitars