For those unfamiliar with Hooveriii, the vibe is that of a driving, psychedelic space rock band, with enough shred-laden, dual-guitar work to impress the heads and more hooks than a Peter Pan (pirate?) convention.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Bert Hoover : Guitar / Lead Vocals
Gabe Flores : Guitar / Backing Vocals
Kaz Mirblouk : Bass / Backing Vocals
Shaughnessy Starr : Drums
James Novick : Synths
Cobi : Sax
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Hooveriii? How long has the band been around?
Hooveriii has been a full band since August 2017. Before then, it was a drum machine based solo project of mine(Bert). I would record some songs in the down time between playing with Mind Meld & Jesus Sons. Prior to joining this band, Gabe was in a group called Babylon for a long time. Kaz has always had a solo project under his own name. James was playing with Kaz at the time he joined this band. Shaughnessy was maybe in 200 bands. He played with me in Jesus Sons and tour a bunch with Triptides. Cobi, our sax man, plays drums in the Buttertones.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The band is named after my last name. Our old synth player and good friend Jeff Fribourg named the band. My full name is Robert Anderson Hoover III. Hence, Hooveriii.
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?
We usually collaborate on the structure as a band and I'll write the melody and words. Our songs vary in theme. For this most recent record, we took a lot of old songs from previous tapes and rearranged them to work with the this line up.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We have been inspired by bands like The Soft Machine, King Crimson & Amon Duul II lately. The way that they weave songs into each other is incredible!
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Seeing Iggy & The Stooges when I was 17 was super impactful. It's impossible not to start a band after witnessing a show like that.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
We haven't quite figured out a ritual before a show. There are so many of us, we are trying to just be in the same room at the same time hah!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
The highlight so far has definitely been our set at this year's Echo Park Rising. We played to a packed house full of kids crowd surfing and going crazy. Definitely will be a tough one to beat.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Honestly, The Space Lady. She's from another planet man.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We're hitting the road in November, so come hang out, YEAH!