Interviews: HABU

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band HABU from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The name comes from the SR-71 Blackbird. Habu is a Japanese word meaning 'Viper' that the pilots started to use for the aircraft when stationed over there. One of our first songs was about the aircraft, and we thought it was a cool fit. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Prog rock? The chicks man. The chicks. 3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? Yeah - Dunbar and I were in a prog trio at school called 'Hokum' at school, Andy and I formed a "sleaze-rock" band called Shotgun Sally. We did one gig. It was epic.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Mine is, without a doubt, Rush. Andy's is Iron Maiden - and Dunbar's taste is pretty varied, but if I had to guess i'd say Fish-era Marillion.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything really. Musically we all draw on a variety of influences from the Rock, Prog and Pop world. Lyrically, its subjects like science, technology and philosophy that normally provide the germ of an idea.

6. Where was your last gig?

It's been a while - Cambridge Rock Festival 2018 was the most recent, but who knows; maybe we'll do something live to promote Distant Thunder later this year.

7. Where would you like to act?

Probably, ideally, nowhere. I'm not convinced that any of us would be good actors.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Gigs are always good with great bands - we have loved performing with modern bands like A Formal Horse, Kaine and I Am The Manic Whale, Happy Gravyard Orchestra, Zad, The Gift - and lots of others. We'd love to play with them all again some day!

9. Whom not?

I can't say there's anybody we would prefer not to play with. We're pretty open minded. I guess anybody that asks to gear share 5 minutes before their on stage time?

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

I think we all did at first. Stage fright isn't something to beat, but to harness. Adrenaline!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I think the bands we love. Rush, Yes, Blue Oyster Cult, Iron Maiden, Marillion, Genesis, Thin Lizzy, Pink Floyd. We could go on forever. There are a lot of great bands. Far too many to mention.

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

A signed haddock.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I think the ones that pre-ordered the new album are the best. I think the ones that didn't need to do it now!

14. What do you think of our site?

Well I had never heard of 'Altered Animal' 'til I heard them (correction - him) on your site... Fabulous stuff... and you can that on to the 'artists we want to be featured with' question!

15. Something add?

When considering everything good about Switzerland, one must admit that the flag is a big plus.