Welcome back to another interview! This time we caught up with the Zach Stephenson the guitar player from the Australian surf-rock duo known as Hockey Dad. Read on as we discuss all about their latest single “Homely Feeling,” their tour with The Frights, favorite sad songs, dream stage they wish to play on, and more. We hope you enjoy the interview and make sure to check out Hockey Dad on tour when they stop in or at a city near you!
MWN: Hiya. Thanks so much for chatting with us. Let’s jump right into this interview by talking about the single “Homely Feeling.” It is so refreshing to hear such an upbeat song. I love the vibe of it so what was the inspiration for the song?
Zach: I’m not sure exactly what inspired “Homely Feeling” in particular but I remember it was written pretty quickly in a rehearsal room one night. I maybe had half the idea hanging around my skull and we just threw it together on the fly. Most of the songs we write come together quickly otherwise we tend to move onto something else.
MWN: Let’s jump right into talking about this tour you are on with the Frights. How do the crowds in the states differ from those back home?
Zach: The crowds in the states have always been really kind and welcoming to us. It’s so good to see people excited about what we’re doing and coming from all over to see us. They definitely are just as rowdy as Australian crowds too!
MWN: When you guys first released Boronia did you discover anything new about the sound of the band?
Zach: I think with the new record we definitely discovered a different side of the band more so than on Boronia. Writing the latest record was a much different experience from writing the last one too which gave it a completely different vibe.
MWN: What is the music scene like in Windang, New South Wales, Australia? What bands did you guys look up to in the beginnings of the band? Have they changed?
Zach: The music scene in Windang itself is pretty much non-existent. We mostly started playing around Wollongong at local venues like Rad Bar. We definitely looked up to a local 2 piece called Mother & Son. We saw them play at the Wollongong town hall and our minds were made up on what we wanted to do.
MWN: Are there any new bands you guys are really into that you recommend to our readers?
Zach: We’re really into heaps of different stuff at the moment like The Murlocs, Charles Bradley, Rolling Stones, Archy Punker and heaps more Australian stuff everyone should check out!
MWN: Let’s jump into some fun fire round questions. Favorite sad song?
Zach: “Carrion” by Parkway Drive
MWN: Dream stage to play?
Zach: Wherever they let us play.
MWN: First album you ever bought?
Zach: Eminem’s debut album.
MWN: Favorite festival to play?
Zach: Riverfest in Moruya!
MWN: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us!
Interview By: Maria Limon | @shotbylimon
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