‘HAiG’ might seem like an unfamiliar name in the rock n roll music scene, but these guys are no amateurs! Consisting of Billy Bibby (former member of Catfish and the Bottlemen and the Wry Smiles), Carl Rutherford (bass/vocals), Joe Mooney (drums) and Thomas Hill (guitar), all of whom have experience within the music industry, this band is one to keep your eye on! Despite only forming a few months ago, they have already signed to Golden Robot Records, so expect big things in the next year or so! We were lucky enough to sit down with them for their first interview together as a band…
As with most great things, the formation of HAiG was almost a case of being in the right place at the right time. After performing together a few weeks prior, Carl rang Billy and proposed joining forces as a band. At the time, Carl and Joe were working together, as were Billy and Tom, meaning this offer couldn’t have been any more fitting! Billy was in need of a bassist and a drummer, and Carl was in need of a singer and a guitarist, it sounds to me like it was meant to be!
As mentioned previously, none of the members are particularly new to the music scene. They’ve been in bands before so in terms of knowing the basics, they’re already ahead of the game. Sometimes it can be hard for a new band to create a sound that differs from previous ventures, but in the wise words of Billy Bibby himself, when asked what makes HAiG different he said: “It is just better.”
Joe followed this up by saying: “It’s hard to find four individuals who are striving towards the same thing. Sometimes you can be in a band and maybe three of you are all pushing for it, and then one is sort of dragging you back, whereas in HAiG all four of us are striving for the same thing.”
HAiG started off their sets with a mixture of previous songs from their bands The Wry Smiles and The New York Tourists. This helped them find their footing and get their name out in the rock community. However they are now dabbling with full sets of HAiG originals as well as creating new music alongside this, meaning their repertoire is expanding rapidly!
The speed at which songs have been created, particularly considered alongside the fact that the band was only formed very recently, is incredible! Surely they have some sort of masterplan when it comes to song writing? Or all they all just creative geniuses?
When asked about their writing process Billy said: “The best thing to do with writing is not force it. Go out, experience things with your mates and have a laugh, then you’ll have things to write about after.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a prolific writer in terms of writing the lyrics and stuff, but melodies come thick and fast, but in terms of lyrics I like to take my time.”
Upon listening to their material, it can be noted that HAiG definitely takes on a darker edge in comparison to their previous work. When asked about their individual musical influences, the variety was massive! Billy takes a lot of his inspiration from artists ranging from Elvis to Nirvana and the Arctic Monkeys, Carl referred to taking inspiration from Black Rebel, Joe referenced old metal bands like Metallica and ACDC, whereas Tom was exposed for his guilty pleasures of boybands and Shania Twain. But who can blame him?!
On the topic of genre, it has been noted that Billy has a disliking for the word: “Indie”, which initially might seem a bit odd, but the reasoning behind it is very valid.
Billy said: “Any indie band, I just think they’re a rock band. I think indie is making them sound smaller than what they should be, a bit too much of a pigeonhole.”
Relating this to HAiG, its all about pushing to create a more explosive sound, one with more power behind it. They’re more than just any old rock band, they’re one that will leave a mark.
After signing with Golden Robot Records, big things are on the horizon for HAiG, the hard work starts now! With plans to release an EP next year, the main focus is on creating new material and building a fan base. In the words of HAiG, its going to be a big year, and we can’t wait to follow them on their new journey!