Hell & Hollar is a rock band from South Florida. Drawing from their many influences that span the areas of blues and heavy stoner rock, they are developing a brand of rock all their own. Their heavy yet inviting sound is a refreshing straight forward rock music that anyone can have a good time with. This power trio has an old school heavy rock vibe with an open eye on the future.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band: 

Blake Burns Vocal's and Guitar, Johnny Dusko Bass, Nate Largent Drums and backing vocals, Ian Pattison Guitar and backing vocals.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to? How long has the band been around? 

Blake Burns: I was in a small band with a couple friends before this playing the bass. But guitar is my thing and so I started writing songs for this while I was in that band and went full on with it as soon as that band ended. Hell & Hollar has been around for about 6 years now.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before? 

Blake Burns: Its a lyric from a Hank III song. All an old southern term that is the same as saying piss and vinegar. So to me it fit really well. That is the only name we have ever had for this band. 

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? 

Blake Burns: I write most of the songs. But everyone is starting to contribute to ideas that we are working on. So really it's a collective effort. I do write all the lyrics on my own though.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making? 

Blake Burns: QOTSA, Clutch, Frank Black and The Catholics. A lot of stuff really. I even listen to a lot of Dean Martin, Elvis, Cash, Waylon, Willie. I love music and its all inspiring really. 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band? 

Blake Burns: No, I've always wanted to do this. My mom has pictures of me as a kid setting up a stage with buckets and ply wood. I would set it up and bring the house speakers out and make it look like a full concert. I would set up my amp and mic (which always went through my amp with my guitar) if you can imagine how terrible that would sound. I would turn it up and rock out to the neighborhood from behind the gates in the driveway. Hahaha! As soon as I would notice her taking picture though the show was over because I would be suddenly embarrassed. Hahaha!

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc. 

Blake Burns: I just try and relax be in the moment and enjoy it. I do always drink a throat coat tea before and during shows. Other than that the most I have ever done are jump around and get myself fired up. That's about it. I'd love to try the thing I have heard about Jack White's thing and have a room of stuff to break with a bat before a show. That would really get you going. Hahaha!

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far? 

Blake Burns: That's all still on the way. We have some big stuff coming up right now that we can't announce just yet. But that is coming soon. But I guess you could say going to Austin TX to play at SXSW was a lot of fun and playing our home town major festival Sun Fest and opening for Lucas Nelson was awesome. It's all been great really. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why? 

Blake Burns: That's a long list for me. But to narrow it down I will say QOTSA, Clutch, Frank Black, Deep Purple, Them Crooked Vultures.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Blake Burns: We are hitting the road this summer on out Why The Hell Not Summer Tour. Come see us in Johnson City TN at the Hideaway June 26th, Summerfest in Milwaukee WI June 28th on The Uline Warehouse Stage, June 29th in Fairfield Iowa, July 2nd at The Pour House in Raleigh NC and July 4th at Smith's Old Bar in Atlanta GA. We look forward to see everyone at the shows.