Elijah Husson of The Inhaler Takes Father Bono’s Advice: “We Anticipate Moving On” in the Company of Notable Parents.

Elijah Husson Discusses Bono’s Influence

Elijah Husson from Inhaler spoke about the advice he received from his father, Bono, regarding the expectations that come with having a famous parent. He acknowledged that the group faces both opportunities and challenges due to their background.

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The U2 frontman is the father of Inhaler’s lead singer, Elijah Husson. In a recent interview, Elijah expressed that he did not receive as many tips and opportunities as some might believe.

Expectations and Hard Work

Speaking with Daily Star, the 25-year-old recalled that Bono’s advice was standard parental guidance, and he wished for more insight from the rock icon. “I would like to get a little more tips, to be honest,” Elijah mentioned. “The best advice that I received from him is the usual advice that you would receive from a parent: ‘Do not let this go past you. This is the moment, you are in it, and you must throw yourself at it.’”

He also added that the presence of a famous parent brings both advantages and disadvantages, including the misconception that opportunities will come easily without hard work. “The failure of people is definitely expecting that things are given to us,” the singer explained. “Although there are probably advantages, what made us do is work very hard because we did not want to be perceived as just entering it.”

“Even things such as getting large support slots early on, we did not hesitate a little, because there would be this kind of talk: ‘Well, you got it just because you were friends with him and everyone’… on the other hand, it’s not funny to pass up this opportunity. We are still learning how to navigate this,” he added.

“This is a unique position.”

This isn’t the first time Inhaler has discussed their relationship with U2, including the positives and negatives attached to it. In 2019, the group shared with NME how it feels to be constantly linked to a hugely successful rock band. “People always ask: do you get really good advice from your father about music and songwriting? And the honest truth is that … no,” the frontman stated. “Yes, they are a really successful group, but I have completely different opinions about writing songs.”

Explaining this influence, he added: “It makes us prove ourselves. I think that makes us want to perform better and prove ourselves by playing in small venues and committing to all these crazy tours. It makes us better. If we were bad, you wouldn’t be talking to us.”

The following year, he also admitted that his father was not as supportive as he had expected when Inhaler first formed. “They wanted me to go to college, like all parents do. I think they just saw that I enjoyed it and that we were good,” Elijah said in an interview with GQ.

“I think that’s the main thing. If we weren’t good, they would have told us to quit and go to school immediately. They do support us now; they really have.”

Musical Evolution and New Album

In 2023, the group reflected on how they have worked to distance their sound from that of U2’s guitarist, The Edge. “We try not to sound like The Edge. Obviously, he is such an important player, so his influence seeps in. Sometimes, we think, ‘Oh, does this sound like The Edge? We have to be careful with this,’” recalls the singer and guitarist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xguwod05-u0

“We make sure not to include those dotted delays. That’s our rule. While there are no dashed delays, we’ll be grand.”

The group released their album “Open Wide” earlier this month (February 7) and generated hype for the recording with their latest single “Billy (yes, yes, yes),” along with a viral cover of Lolu Yang’s hit “Messi.”

In an October interview with NME, bassist Robert Kint explained how the group has ventured into new territory with their third album. “Working with Tom Harpoon, our producer for this album, we began to think, ‘How can we do this a little differently?’ This led us to try various things, and eventually, we ended up incorporating an introductory keyboard on ‘Your House,’ which reshaped the song and provided a new perspective,” he stated.

“We definitely improved in songwriting. This was our first time working with a new producer, and collaborating with him taught us that we needed to bring our ‘A’ game. This was the only pressure we faced throughout the process — just knowing that we had to deliver and be the best versions of ourselves.”

“Open Wide” follows the 2023 release “Cuts & Bruises” and their 2021 debut “It Won’t Always Be Like That.” The album also coincides with the band beginning their UK tour before heading to Europe, with Blossoms as support. Visit here for remaining tickets.

In a review of the album, NME awarded the record four stars, noting that it showcases the band as they “continue to bend rock and roll into new forms.”