Band Interview: The Haunting
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life are very pleased to bring you an interview with trap rock band, The Haunting!
1. How did you get started as a band?
John – The Haunting started back in 2015 as an electronic duo. Since then we’ve evolved as a band and brought on a full lineup. Craig joined in 2016, while Tom and Colin joined in 2017. We’ve all been in different bands together throughout the years, so when The Haunting was starting to pick up momentum, it was the perfect fit.
Tom – Colin and I joined about a year ago, but I’ve been in bands with John before. I always love The Hauntings material, so when John hit me up asking if I was interested I didn’t hesitate!
2. How would you describe your sound?
Tom – If Rihanna and Issues had a baby.
John – That’s certainly one way to do it. We’re a group of guys that grew up on post-hardcore and alternative rock, but always had a love for hip-hop and electronica. We combine the music we love to make something that we feel is new and exciting. Which in 2018, is harder than ever to do.
3. What bands/artists would you say have influenced your style of music?
Tom – So many choices! Definitely The Used because they introduced me to pop punk/ hardcore music. But my influences are everywhere. Linkin Park, Yellowcard, Lady GaGa, Aerosmith, Taking Back Sunday, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Fleetwood Mac, Post Malone, Nicki Minaj, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Underoath, Beyonce, Bayside, Guns N’ Roses, A Day To Remember… too many.
John – It’s true. We all have so many influences into our style. We don’t want to be the band that has a tunnel-vision view of creating. For me, the influences range from Thursday and Underoath in the alternative scene, to Kanye West and Wu-Tang Clan for hip-hop. I also dive a lot into Japanese music such as Ling Tosite Sigure and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
4. Has the rise of YouTube & music streaming helped or hindered you as a band?
Tom – I think both. I love that our music is out there everywhere for anyone to have, but I miss the old days when you’d buy a CD, go home and listen to it start to finish while reading the lyrics. I felt like that really connected me with music. Now you must have a flashy lyric video, a teaser video, none stop click bait just to get someone to sit down and listen. So, I’m torn. I love that I can reach so many people, but I hate that it’s like constant competition to try and get a listener. Just let the music do the talking.
John – I mostly agree with Tom, but I see way more positive than negative in today’s music industry. Having the ability to self-distribute your music is the greatest gift a musician can have. Sure, now that everyone can do so it becomes a harder market to crack into, like Tom said. It becomes harder to gain more engaged listeners, but if you’re willing to put the work in, and not just upload your music and hope for the best, you can make something great out of it. I love the opportunity to win new fans, and with every new song we release, we get more chances to do so.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?
John – I’m a major sports and anime addict (conflicting worlds, I know). So, when I’m not working on music I’m constantly watching games, listening to podcasts, and catching up on anything I’ve missed. Then my late nights usually consist of anime binging, ha.
Tom – Eating dairy! I try to stay away from dairy when I have a show or recording session coming up because it messes with my voice, but my love for cheese is undeniable. So, when I know we’ve got nothing coming up I Indulge! Pizza, mac n’ cheese, pizza, mozzarella sticks, did I mention pizza?
6. What are your future plans musically? Tours?
John – A lot more music. We’ve been working all year on our “Turn Up Friday” movement. Which includes us releasing a new single on the first Friday of every month for all of 2018. We’re 5 in and have 7 left to go. It’s been amazing to put out all this new material for the fans, and surprising people with the direction each single goes in. We can’t wait to keep it going!
Tom – More music, new merch, more shows, and a potential tour announcement so stay tuned!
We’d like to thank The Haunting to taking to time to speak with us. Head over to their website to find out even more and pick up merch and music from their shop. You can also stream via Apple Music above, Spotify and YouTube. Support them by liking their Facebook Page, following them on Twitter and Instagram.
