Interview: The Haptics (Written)

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with alternative post-punk band, The Haptics.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Hello! We’re the Haptics! We met and formed in Vancouver BC, Canada in early 2022. We all have a deep love of post punk music and enjoyed making some noise together. Jin has played in bands forever, in San Francisco, and in Berlin. Cam has played in bands in and around the lower mainland, and after a long hiatus decided to start another band. Brent is an avid music fan who loves thumping around on his bass. Flav has played in many bands and is the latest addition to the Haptics line up.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

I’d tell them that we play dark post-punk with grunge, punk, and alternative influences!

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

We just released our new single, Vows, on all streaming platforms. We’re super excited for this release and hope the fans like it too. We’ve also got another single coming out in December 2024, called “Biodome”. We’re planning for an album release next year.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

I think we’re really lucky as a band to connect as individual humans as well as musicians, and that makes the music-making process really magical for us. We like to work out songs together, Cam (the guitatrist) often bringing his melodies and ideas to practice, and then we hash out the details as a group. There’s a connection that happens when you’re making music that’s really one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable to all of us. Show-wise, I think we’ve enjoyed all of our shows! But possibly Bully’s in New West, BC, as one of our favorite spots to jam in public.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

It’s always hard to coordinate schedules with four working people all doing day jobs to support themselves. That’s been one of the challenges that we’ve faced as a band that’s pretty common. Luckily our personalities click and no additional drama has resulted – fingers crossed!

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

I think it’s important to remember why you’re making music – it’s enjoyable, it’s pleasurable, and it’s something that ultimately should make you happy. If it ceases to do that, maybe the approach isn’t working or something needs to be adjusted so you can feel you’re adequately expressing yourself to the fullest of your abilities.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

I wish more musicians could support themselves with their music! I’m not sure how to adjust the industry so that’s possible, honestly. I also like the idea of music being free and accessible to everyone, as is now possible with many streaming services. I just wish those streaming services and radio plays could pay my friend’s bills for them! But as is it for now, it’s a fantastic side hustle that pays off as free therapy.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Come to our shows and check us out! We love playing for you guys. Also follow us online to see when we’re dropping new stuff. We’ve got some cool merch arriving quite soon.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I (Jin the singer) personally paint, make electronic music, and do digital art and collage. I also love cooking.. and eating great foods. Cam’s got a fantastic dog he enjoys spending time with, and a wonderful family to boot. Brent loves spending time with his wife and kid, and Flavio is a career musician who helps other musicians engineer their sound into production.

10. Where can people find you?

We’re at thehaptics.ca, @the.haptics on Instagram, and on Facebook as The Haptics. Love you!