For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Hail The Hatter ? How long has the band been around?
Ok here goes. Jonathan our singer used to be in cover bands in Florida. Dax our guitarist still plays in a family band with his brother and sister called the Cartars. He used to play in a band called Krash until they literally got in a car crash, and he also still plays with one of the biggest bands from our hometown called The Orange Sky. Our drummer Nicholai used to be in a progressive metal band called Vox Deus, and our bassist Aaron has played with everyone under the sun including, Halogen Sunset, The Fishbowl Effect and the J9 Perspective.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The name happened because we didn't want a name that would pigeon hole us to a particular type of music, but at the same time we wanted the name to have a sense of both fun and menace wrapped up into one. So after searching for a while we took some inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, which has that sort of carnival feel with an undertone of danger that never quite goes away. And no we have never changed the name.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
The songs are a joint effort. Everyone contributes their part. But the lyrics are done by our vocalist, Jonathan. Our songs don't really have a set theme. We don't hold ourselves to any particular rules. So pretty much what ever strikes our fancy at the time influences the song. Because of that the future is wide open in terms of what we could write.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
It's hard to say that there is any particular current band that is influencing our style. But there are definitely bands that are influencing our drive to create music. Bands like Avatar, Greta Van Fleet, and Ghost are current bands that are doing great things, mostly on their own and are a great influence to us.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
As teenagers we all consumed so much rock and roll that it would be hard to pin down just one, especially since each of us have different influences. But the band that it would be fair to say is a guiding light for how we write is Pantera.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Rum, we drink lots of rum, out of a skull flask we have called Head.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Well this year we released our first record "Discovering Light" which was a very proud moment for us. And we also got selected to compete for a spot at WACKEN Open Air this summer. So we hope there are some big moments ahead of us. By the way, you can download our album FREE at www.hailthehatter.com.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
To share the stage with legends the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Guns n' Roses would be amazing. And to hit the road with artists like Greta Van Fleet, Ghost, and Avatar would be out of this world.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Remember Rock & Roll never dies. Share the music and support new bands so that new legends can rise. Oh and download our album FREE at www.hailthehatter.com lol.