Interviews: Hunted By Elephants

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock band, Hunted By Elephants, 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?

That’s actually a funny story and we were in a Camden pub when we came up with it. Our first temporary rehearsal studio in London wouldn’t let us cancel a rehearsal we had booked – we had found a permanent solution so wanted to move to our new space. In the end we didn’t turn up for the booking and the studio called us a bunch of times leaving voicemails. We had a laugh listening to the voicemails and the guy was basically chasing us, so we said we were being “hunted by” him. Apostolos had always wanted to use a name with “Elephants”, so after a load of beers we just put two and two together and – in that state – thought it sounded great.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

We all grew up listening to rock music from the 70s/80s. We’ve all got a song or artist that first inspired us to take up our instrument so we’re still riding that wave – even in our old age! Rock is something that comes naturally to us, its power and energy is something we can all feel, so it’s easy for us to write songs in this style of music.

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

Fortunately, we haven’t had to put up with each other for that long. We all met through the band and everything has evolved from there. We like to think we’re good mates now but we still have our fair share of disagreements!

4. Each band member favourite band?

Apostolos (vocals) - Deep Purple Alex (drums) - The Who Ray (bass) - The Black Keys Roman (guitar) - Guns N’ Roses

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

It’s combination of things. Mostly experiences, feelings, relationships. Sometimes it’s just the need to feel creative or express ourselves through music. We still listen to the artists that first inspired us and sometimes that’s all it takes to spark our creativity. We also follow bands who are in the “revival” scene and it’s great to see likeminded musicians out there.

6. Where was your last gig?

February in the New Cross Inn, in London. A really fun no-frills venue, with an energetic rock and metal crowd. The current situation has slowed our gigging, but we’re getting ready to come back into the live shows!

7. Where would you like to play?

We’ve had a taste of the touring world in the UK. We identify as quite a European band with members from Greece and Ireland and we would love to tour across Europe. We know it would be an amazing experience for us and we already have fans abroad so it would be great to see them at shows. Before this can happen, we just want to get out there and play!

8. Who would you like to support?

If we could choose anyone at the moment it would have to be Rival Sons. They’re driving the revival of vintage rock.

9. Who not?

We’ve never thought about it, but I guess someone who’s not relevant with rock music. Every artist has their zone and their audience, we wouldn’t fit in with everyone.

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

Definitely, we’ve all been through that. You can’t fight it, you just have to let it happen and be grateful that you’re up there enjoying music. You have to embrace the fear and realise that we all feel these things – some show it more than others and that’s natural. The more you play the more that goes away.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The members all have their own inspirations but for the band overall it has to be Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. We could continue with Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, Guns N’ Roses, The Who, Uriah Heep, Hendrix… the list of rock icons could go on!

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

Nothing too weird has been asked of us, but it was a strange experience being asked for our first autographs. The fans are really supportive, it’s always nice to speak to people about music, whatever their questions!

13. What do you think of your fans?

We will say it’s been surprising, the variety of people we’ve met at shows. You might think you know who will be at a dive-bar rock gig, but you’ll sometimes be really surprised who will show up. It’s really great to see the passion across all generations, and for the support we get from all walks of life. We really appreciate the fans and everyone who is passionate about the scene, it reminds us why we do this.

14. What do you think of our site?

On first visit, it’s great that the first thing you see is many different band names (most we hadn’t heard of) and so it’s easy to pick up new music. It really comes across that you’re putting the bands first and your site feels like you’re all about the music, rather than advertising.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for the questions! It’s been a great to share some of our story with you. There’s much more to come so we’ll have to come back! In the meantime, we can’t wait to go back on stage and play in front of people, play our new material and enjoy rock music and seeing happy faces!