What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.
I first got interested in making music when I heard Johnny Marr play guitar back in the 80s, but hearing Suede for the first time was what really made me want to be in band. I first encountered the members of NHS at Seattle gigs in the mid 2000s, when the city was enjoying an upswing in the indie scene. Our circle began to slowly whirlpool together as we started to play in each other’s bands, and we began to develop that kind of unspoken understanding between each other as often happens in bands who play together for a long time. So even though NHS is only 6 years old, I feel like 15 or so years is more accurate.
Provide us with some info about your latest release…
Born out of the pandemic and the end of the darkest era in modern American history, “To All The Distance Between Us” is all daggers and knives, cloaked in a field of jangled guitars and harmonies. Our second full-length, we recorded this remotely, out of necessity, but found that the expanded time allowed us to go in directions we might not have gone in when pressed for time in the studio. So we took that luxury and walked swiftly with it, in ways that are apparent in “As She Slips Away” and “The Following,” for instance.
Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?
As the song writer for the band, I’ve been primarily influenced by early 70’s glam, punk, new wave, and UK indie music from the 90s.
Non-music wise: I’m influenced by those who use their voices and their votes to speak up for the rights of animals, and the rights of historically marginalized humans. Their commitment to these causes inspire me to speak the truth in our songs.
In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?
I’ve heard us described as a futuristic retro band, and honestly I don’t think I can do better than that. You can hear those certain nods and winks if you listen closely enough, but at the same time, our songs are entirely about the here and now.
Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…
Albums:
▪ “Hunky Dory” – David Bowie
▪ “Autofiction” – Suede
▪ “On” -Echobelly
Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?
Nothing replaces the magic of playing on stage, because you’re getting to share the dreams of all your band members in real time. And when you connect with your listeners and they connect with you, there is a harmony to the world, albeit a brief one.
Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?
All 4 NHS members have been in at least 6 other bands together (we counted). Additional fun fact: 3 of the 4 members have been lead singers in these projects.
Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?
The Following: I consider this a “slow song” which is kind of an NHS rarity, however I think the sonic departure from our norm, plus the almost on-the-nose attempt to confront the biggest challenge we face in this country makes it a powerful combination: a political song wrapped in a Dream Academy b-side.
Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?
Demos for the next album start this summer! We promise it won’t take another 3 years to get an album out. Unless there’s another pandemic.
Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…
Question: Will humanity survive the 21st century?
Answer: Should we?
Photo Credits: Brady Harvey
Curated by: Christos Doukakis
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