Aggressively loud and straight forward, everything band HELLAPHANT began four years ago, with line-up changes over time, releasing music including an EP, album, with them writing all new material too. The band talks about their recent album release, playing shows, and what else is in-store for them.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
The band started approx 4 yrs ago (different members then) Garrington Begner is the founder (Singer, guitar and songwriter) and is an established musician in SW Ontario for his previous bands. A mutual friend introduced Gary to Chris Arenburg (bass) who had a long career playing in the local punk scene), the same person introduced Scott Cameron (drummer) who was known for his past work in the local punk/skate scene. and finally Jason Holmes- Mr Sunshine came to the band when the previous guitar player left. Jason (lead guitar) had been laying low and focusing on work, but a fan of the band asked to try out. His first tryout cemented his place in the band with his positive attitude and great playing. Scott and Chris joined the band approx 3 yrs ago and Jay has been in for a yr.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
The band name Hellaphant was written down in a ledger approx 20 yrs ago. The name, obviously, a play on elephant and the skate term "hella" (Hella rad, hella cool) The 2 words were a perfect marriage. When we saw the response to it we knew it was a good fit.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Hellaphant is based out of London Ontario Canada. The scene is always growing and changing. We are 2 hours away from Toronto and 1.5 hrs from Detroit. We're fans of a lot of local bands. Hard core bands like Choices Made (TO), Junko, DayDream, LDN, Heart Attack Kids (LDN), Dave Rocket and the Jobbers (LDN), Gold Tongue LDN and so many more.
4. How would you describe your style?
Our style is a mix and hybrid of everything. We are loud, aggressive, and straight forward (NWBHM) while pulling influence from pop hooks (The Monkees, Beatles, Big Drill Car, Replacements) and some straight forward energy and emotion. We like loud distorted guitars that are interesting with weaving bass lines and hard hitting drums.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We've released a few things on compilations around the globe. as well as our first EP "Crumble" and our first full length album "Crumble and Rise" produced and mixed by by Simon Larochette (the Sugar Shack) and Mastered by Harry Hess at (H Bomb mastering- Harem Scarem). The Crumble and Rise is an album is dealing with mental health issues and is a loud aggressive album drawing a 90's skate punk/rock influence.. From the first track "3 kicks" to the last "Orphan" it's a ride that gets you up for the day. It's life
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Yes, Crumble and rise was finished a while ago and since then (Gary) I've been writing up a storm. Hoping to be back in the Studio (with Simon at the helm again) by the end of the year. We'll also be releasing a split 7' on the label Faster and Louder Records (who have released all of our music) as well the Crumble and Rise just got picked up by the Ohio label "This is Just a record Label" to release it on CD in the US.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We're playing as much as we can in the Ontario region while we work on our live set. We are scheduled for a small tour to the east and west coast in Oct. Currently we are working on getting over to Europe as well.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
The business plan is simple. Write record, release, tour, repeat. LOL We have some to shoot that will be released for the current album as well.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
The band can be heard on bandcamp and purchased at https://fasterandlouder.bandcamp.com/album/hellaphant-crumble-and-rise as well as www.Hellaphant.ca and spotify and all streaming channels.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
It's honest. We are not trying to catch a wave. This is my style of writing and when it falls out of favor I won't be writing or chasing the next trend. We'll just be writing angrier.
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