Interviews: Hardball

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Punk/Grunge band Hardball, from Canada. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Scott: I came up with it a long time ago and despite almost changing it a few times over the years, we’re sticking with it. Nothing else really seemed to suit us and we think it’s kind of funny.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Scott: This style of music is just what came out of me when I started writing music as a teenager. It’s basically just a composite of all the things I like. ‘90s alternative vibes are very present as well as more contemporary post-hardcore and punk.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Scott: Yes. Fun fact: we met because we were all in the same Kindergarten class. We all grew up together and have remained lifelong friends.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Scott: Myself, I’m gonna say The Wipers, and I guess I’ll just take a guess at what the others would say if they were present. Jeremy used to be pretty into Radiohead. I think he’s more into Sufjan Stevens right now though. As for Jamie, probably Queens of the Stone Age, The Pixies, or The Jesus And Mary Chain. I don’t know haha.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Scott: I usually write a bunch of music in a short spurt, and then stop creating altogether for many months or even years. It just sort of happens that way, but it gives us time as a band to flesh out my backlog of half-written material. Sometimes I discover a new artist or band that I obsess over and end up incorporating a part of their style into my own writing. Also, the old cliche of needing an outlet for anger and frustration applies here.

6. Where was your last gig?

Scott: It was a pub show in our hometown of Penticton, BC. Many runs of shows end in Penticton because we can always count on a good turnout, and it makes sense logistically since two of us live there.

7. Where would you like to act?

Scott: We want to go to every city possible, but it’s tough right now. Venues are still struggling from the pandemic and gas is crushingly expensive.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Scott: Playing a show with Militarie Gun is on my bucket list. MG, if you’re reading this, get at me!

9. Whom not?

Scott: I just can’t answer that question because I’m a really nice guy and I don’t want to say anything mean.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Scott: I used to rely on a few cold ones before a show to take the edge off, but drinking a bunch every night isn’t sustainable and it can make you sound like garbage when you have too many. Luckily, independent artists usually start out playing in very small rooms, so my advice to anyone suffering from stage fright would be to play some house shows among friends before you move on to bigger stages.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Scott: Nirvana, The Wipers, The Pixies, The Cro-mags, Flipper, Black Flag, Black Sabbath, The Smashing Pumpkins, PJ Harvey, Woolworm, Dead Soft, Brass, War Baby, White Lung, The Lesser Pissers, Industrial Priest Overcoats, Honio, Nu Sensae, and The Beatles.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Scott: Probably to drink a beer out of my shoe. I think it’s an Australian thing.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Scott: The ones that I’ve spoken to are all very unique. They’re from all different walks of life which is cool. I might come off awkward but I do appreciate the people who take the time to say hi after the show. Any and all support is really appreciated. Things go wrong constantly when you’re in a band and it can be really discouraging, so any words of encouragement or support are really helpful.

14. What do you think of our site?

Scott: It provides a platform for a lot of deserving artists who would otherwise be looked over and I appreciate that immensely.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for having me. Support your local scene!