“I hope they can see themself in the music,” James Hooker says in an interview with Happy Mag.
Last month, we were treated to the alt-rock reveries of James Hooker and The Hallows’ latest album, Severance.
Flitting between grunge and classic pop with finesse, the sprawling album brimmed with rich vocals and evocative storytelling, and spotlighted the Melbourne band’s clear mastery of their sound.
“Severance is about the themes or acts of ending things,” Hooker explained of the project in a recent interview with Happy Mag. Below, we caught up with the frontman for a run-through of his new album, musical evolution, and plans for the future. Scroll down for our full interview, and listen to James Hooker and The Hallows’ new album Severance below.
HAPPY: What are you up to today?
JAMES: Coffee. Always coffee. Then writing, something I am trying to do more of everyday. Not super interesting from the outside, but something I really enjoy.
HAPPY: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the scene like in your neck of the woods?
JAMES: Thornbury, a suburb of Melbourne. There are lots of great venues along nearby High Street where there are always really good bands on, like Shotkickers or Cactus. I’d say the music scene is really strong here with lots of different bands and songwriters.
View this post on Instagram
HAPPY: Describe an average day?
JAMES: Wake up and write, then try to write a song or something musically related. It doesn’t always turn out something good but it’s the turning up that counts.
Then I read, usually something I have scrounged for a few dollars at savers. I usually have my day / tasks plotted out from the night before so I don’t have to think too much. By evening it’s a combination of listening to music or going down Youtube wormholes.
HAPPY: Can you tell us about the origin of James Hooker & The Hallows? How did the band come together?
JAMES: We are all really good friends from over the years. I did some time in the service and I had all these songs banked up to record.
As we were all friends they were happy to come and jump in on the recording process (That became the first record). Then it just kind of grew from there.
HAPPY: What was the main inspiration behind creating the album “Severance”?
JAMES: I feel it’s a pair or partner to the previous record ‘Tolerance’, which is really more about themes of existence and what private battles we all endure.
Severance is about the themes or acts of ending things. Be that with habits, establishments or people.
HAPPY: How do you approach the songwriting process?
JAMES: I just try to write something everyday. Usually on guitar but I used to have a piano which was great for mixing things up. I will try to capture the best ‘rough’ version of that in my phone.
If there’s a lyric, narrative or theme that sticks out I will just write on that, mostly in the morning. I try to write every idea out, even if they’re bad as it makes way for better stuff.
Then I will just edit it down, until I get something hooky or nice. I really like simple songs, ones that are just easy and not confusing to play.
View this post on Instagram
HAPPY: Are there any particular artists or bands, aside from Nirvana, Tom Petty, and Oasis., that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
JAMES: I am drawn to songwriters, like Neil Young, Sarah Klang & Kevin Morby. It’s something to do with how people tell stories, saying something that’s been said before but in a new recycled way.
Also, visual artists and authors really impact me, the way they use words or colours really inspires me to carry on and create.
HAPPY: What do you hope listeners will take away from the experience of listening to “Severance”?
JAMES: Just that anyone listening to it will feel some sort of connection to it. I hope they can see themself in the music or the situations presented and feel like there is some hope in there.
I would love it if it just inspires someone to do something for themself, creatively.
HAPPY: Can you share a bit about your live performances? What can audiences expect when they come to see James Hooker & The Hallows play?
JAMES: As a band we are pretty steeped in rock and roll. No windmills or high kicks though. It’s usually loud but short and sweet.
View this post on Instagram
HAPPY: Are there any plans for future projects or collaborations that you’re excited to explore?
JAMES: I have been playing a lot of solo shows which have been really fun. It’s a totally different mindset but I feel it keeps you really honest.
I’ve had to get a lot better at trying to talk in between songs. I’ve been working a lot with Tyler Millott (The Terrifying Lows) who has just been great to work with.
He is a very talented guy. So I think just doing that but travelling to different parts of the world to do it.
HAPPY: How has your music evolved since your earlier works? Are there any significant changes or growth you’ve noticed in your sound?
JAMES: Big time, early on I was very much following styles of bands like The Vines and The White Stripes, now I feel I’m not so scared of more tender music.
I’m also a lot more open to different types of instrumentation in the recording process and collaborating on lyrics. I think it’s good keeping an open mind and trying to get sounds that are a bit weird or hard to decipher onto a song.
View this post on Instagram
HAPPY: Can you share a memorable moment or experience from the recording or production of “Severance”?
JAMES: I think our sessions are very uneventful from an ‘antics’ point of view. We had all rehearsed the songs for months leading up to it. So by the time we went there, it was just a breeze to record.
I do love that we recorded the main tracks live in the room together and you can hear some of our talking/joking at the start of “Little Old Me”. I really like that stuff on records, where you can hear bits of what would usually be cut out of the final mix.
View this post on Instagram
HAPPY: Are there any particular artists or bands, not necessarily in the same genre, that you’ve been listening to lately and find inspiring?
JAMES: Easily The Terrifying Lows, Tylers music is like a perfect blend of Nine Inch Nails and Interpol. So there’s that.
Neil (The Hallows guitarist) also plays with another James (In Love Online) with Liam Gough (The Teskey Brothers) and they have just put out new music called Tambourine Jesus.
View this post on Instagram
It’s just so very good. Finally, I found this artist called Babitha, just beautiful music. Beautiful tones.
HAPPY: Lastly, what makes you happy?
JAMES: Creating. Writing and playing music. I’m very lucky that I get to do that daily. I’ve found what I love and just do it.
