These girls reflect a wide array of music as well as have a great following of fans. They are a curious and magnetic mixture of post punk, seventies guitar, Beatnik folk and even a little tiny bit country. Their personal experiences are entangled in their lyrics revealing emotional and raw tales of love and loss, among other things. Not one of them would wear a uniform so to speak, they all pogo to the beat of their own drum and nothing about them indicates an ounce of conformity. They have a brand new CD being released, full of tracks you’ll want to listen to over and over again. The band is also playing at this year’s Pride Festival, so it was important that the community get a “before Pride exclusive” with Runhoney. This is a band that no one should miss out on and their new album is amazing.

GLT: Who are the members of the RunHoney?

RH: We have four members in our band Sarah Harmel, Emily O’ Bannon, Megan Jane and Maria Naccari.

GLT: So who are your favorite bands of all time?

RH: Well, right now, it’s Semi Precious Weapons, Heart, Kansas, and Motley Crüe. We like everything from folk, metal, Barry Manilow, to Metallica.

GLT: Do any of you have any good stories about meeting other musicians?

RH: In fact, I (Emily) actually met Barry Manilow one time and he kissed me on the cheek. I was 14, (laugh). I waited in line with my mom for sixteen hours for a book signing. Then, when he opened the book he said, “What’s your name?” and I said “Emily…can I have a kiss?” He said, “Sure, for someone with such beautiful red hair!” He leaned over and I tried to get a kiss on the lips but he turned. (laugh)

GLT: How would, collectively, Runhoney describe its dedication to music?

RH: We give 100% to what we do in the studio. We’re completely focused. We prefer to think of our band as our work. It’s our baby, we started it. I’ve (Emily) surrounded myself with the best possible band. When I (Sarah) met Emily we would play guitar and write music all the time, and we always will.

GLT: Would you consider yourselves activists?

RH: Not really. However, we attended Tantrums and Tiaras. We supported, laughed and cried. Individually we will stand up for what’s right and if we are there to lend support, we will.

GLT: Do you think that not being an activist is a generational thing?

RH: Absolutely. We’ve never really lived where it’s not okay to be gay. We were shocked when Prop 8 passed, though. It’s different even in the way we view our band. Our following is very diverse. It’s straight, gay and lesbian, so in that way we don’t identify as just a lesbian band.

GLT: What does this album reflect?

RH: Well, track two for instance, is about the transformation of a relationship into something else. Everyone’s gone through something that we write about in our songs.

GLT: Do the lyrics change to “he” instead of “she” for a straight audience?

RH: No, because we don’t care (laugh).

GLT: As a band, how would you describe your music styles and what do all of you bring that is different?

RH: We all bring totally different things musically, and that is why as a band we work out so well. Sarah brings the “Journey” style and Emily brings the “Blink 182” type of punk rock. So collectively we bring a balance.

GLT: So has anyone in Runhoney ever dated?

RH: Sarah and Emily dated before we started the band. Sarah complained that she needed a drummer. Emily told her she could drum. We had so much anxiety about her drumming skills, thinking, “Will she suck?”

GLT: Power top, nelly bottom, switch hitter, pillow queen, pro domme. Well, which one is it ladies?

RH: Switches! (laugh)

GLT: Who is the most dominant in the band?

RH: Sarah. She’s just hornier!

GLT: Has having a couple in the band affected the band in any way?

RH: Nah. Well, maybe it has affected Maria. How it all began: 5 years ago, Emily liked Sarah, Sarah liked Emily. They were each dating someone at the time, though. So, all four of us coupled up.

GLT: So for a time you guys were polyamorous?

RH: Yes. (laugh) It’s an extension of family. Eventually it was hard to deal with and that began the breakdown of that polyamorous situation. The band slowly let go of the relationship. It wasn’t easy.

GLT: I know that being polyamorous is becoming more accepted. Does it take more from the people involved?

RH: We think they (people who have more than two in a relationship) have to have more heart, because there’s so much more love and emotion involved, and their heart has to be capable of that.

GLT: Agreed!

GLT: Which songs on the new album are your favorites and why?

RH: “Rooftop” and “Unbreakable.” This was an intense time for the four of us. Also, how it was recorded. Alicia Champion produced and recorded it at Durga Sound. She just mixed it so well that we were very impressed!

GLT: Any last great story?

RH: Well, I (Sarah) love Rob Halford of Judas Priest because he is so gay! About 5 years ago, my friend was playing in a basketball game. Then in walks heavy metal Rob, with his tattooed bald head, in all his glory. Instantly, I knew it was him and told my friend who did not believe me. “There’s no way!” she said, and walked right up to him. She is about a foot taller than him; he just looked at her and said, “I hope you didn’t lose a bet!”

GLT: So are you guys stoked to play Pride this year?

RH: Very much so, it will be a lot of fun!

GLT: Thank you for the interview girls. We wish you a good show at Pride! We look forward to seeing Runhoney play the 21+ stage at San Diego Pride, July 17th at 4:30 p.m.

RH: Thank you!

Look for their new CD “Not at all like we Started.” Or contact them at runhoneymusic@yahoo.com to find out about their CD release party.