Inspired by classic rock records of the 60s and 70s and facing delays in creating Wild Fever (May 10) due to the pandemic, The Hazytones persevered and with it on the cusp of its release, the band dive into its themes, motivation, and more!
ATN: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your upcoming album, Wild Fever, and what fans can expect from it?
TH: Our inspiration was to create a classic album, like the records they used to produce in the 60’s and 70’s, the goal was to have no filler tracks, only strong songs. We hope we have achieved our goal.
ATN: The album’s title track, “Wild Fever”, explores the concept of being drawn back into negative situations. What inspired this theme, and how does it resonate with the band’s own experiences?
TH: We are describing something anyone can experience, an example would be a drug addiction, a bad relationship or mental issues, but anyone can relate to the lyrics on a different level.
ATN: “Red” is described as a fury of chugs, low tones, and anticipation. What influenced the creation of this track, and how does it contribute to the overall sound and theme of the album?
TH: With “Red” we were trying to sound as heavy as we could, our guitars are tuned down to B which helps getting it to sound so low. It contributes to please the fans of heavier music. The lyrics are influenced by a gambler who has nothing to lose.
ATN: “Disease” takes on a slower pace and blues-tinted rhythms, delving into the aftermath of failed relationships. Can you share more about the songwriting process behind this track and the emotions you hope come across?
TH: I think it’s not only the aftermath of a failed relationship, because in the pre chorus it says ‘’You made me thinking love and hate were the same but now I’m cure, Oh I’m not cured’’. Something you’re never cured, which is a form of disease.
ATN: How has the journey been for the band in creating Wild Fever, especially considering the delays caused by the unprecedented global events we all experience?
TH: It’s been a wild journey considering it’s a self made record, and back in Quebec in 2021-2022 there was a point where you could not regroup so the record could not advance. We had to move the sessions in Vancouver where laws were different and put the final touches on it in Montreal when things calmed down.
ATN: Did it come across your mind(s) or seem that Wild Fever may never get done?
TH: At some point when the police kicked us out of our studio maybe a little bit. But we really wanted to release this record because we have been working hard on it for so long.
ATN: With the album’s release approaching, do you have any specific hopes or expectations for how fans will receive Wild Fever?
TH: I hope they choose to experience the record on vinyl, which is the way any music should be experienced, we made sure the record was meant to listen from start to finish so we hope you don’t skip any songs.
ATN: What impact do you hope the album will have on fans?
TH: I hope they crank the volume so hard on it that they experience what true euphoria is.
ATN: The Hazytones‘ sound is a magnificent blend of heavy stoner rock with catchy hooks and powerful vocal harmonies. What influences have shaped your musical style?
TH: Alice in Chains style of vocal harmonies definitely influenced us into making Wild Fever, but we have so many influences including Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Deep Purple and Kyuss.
ATN: What’s the creative process in the band?
TH: We usually get as fucked up as we can before writing any new music, you have to let the creative juice flow, Jack Daniels and ganja is usually the way we roll.
ATN: Was there a song or songs that stood out to you during the creative process but didn’t make Wild Fever?
TH: Everything that stood out was put on the record, at some point we took some riffs out to put some better riffs but we didn’t really discard any songs.
ATN: What’s in store for the rest of 2024?
TH: We are currently inside the Eternal Delirium Tour and we plan to tour some more and start working on the next record.
SAME 3 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK
ATN: Artist / band that you feel is the most underrated and why?
TH: I’d say MC5, they should get more recognition.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to collaborate with and why?
TH: We would like to collaborate with Black Sabbath to make a super group but they still haven’t returned my calls.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to tour with and why?
TH: I’d say if Kyuss would reunite, we would love to open for them.
