Q & A With American Bang
American Bang has been out on the road in support of their major label, self-titled, debut album. The boys in the band were kind enough to take a few moments out of their busy schedule to answer a few questions for Hard Rock Hideout. Hard Rock Hideout (HRH): What was the recording process like for your major label debut album?
American Bang (AB): We cut the band live at Blackbird Studios in Nashville and then we went to Maui – where Bob Rock lives – and did some guitar overdubs and Jaren sang his vocals.
HRH: How did this differ from your prior recordings (I Shot the King) & (Move To the Music)?
AB: We recorded about the same way that we have in the past, this time we just had the luxury of having more time and a nicer studio to work in.
HRH: You were originally known as Bang Bang Bang. Why did you change your name to American Bang?
AB: Our first gig was on the 4th of July in 2005 and so when we were having some legal trouble with our old name we sat around for a couple days brainstorming and we landed on AMERICAN BANG. It felt like our band and was a BIG sounding name which is what we wanted.
HRH: What’s your favorite song on American Bang?
AB: Tough Question… I think we all really like All We Know. It was the last song written for the record and still feels new and fresh and it’s a fun listen on the album cause it gets to stretch out a little more.
HRH: Who was the inspiration behind I Wouldn’t Want To Be You?
AB: It’s a general thought about parents being hypocritical towards their kids, I think. Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you’ve got it all figured out and sometimes I think that’s easily overlooked. That story kind of comes out of seeing that happen to friends around us from time to time growing up.
HRH: You just wrapped up a tour in support of your self-titled debut – any stories that you can share?
AB: There’s been a lot of great stories! About a month ago we played Columbia, SC. and we were in the middle of Wild & Young and everyone was singing along and then all the sudden the power goes out in the whole building! About 10 minutes later it’s fixed and so we jump back on stage and finish the song from the point where the power went out. You never know what to expect from a live show!
HRH: What was your favorite stop on this most recent tour? Why?
AB: We did Austin, TX a few weeks back and we always just have such a great time down there. It’s a great music town. The crowds are really supportive of music and the downtown is one of the best places to hang in America.
HRH: Do you have plans to get back out on the road in the near future?
AB: We are out still for the rest of the year and will be into next year as well. We are doing some headlining shows this month in the Southeast and then we are doing a bunch of Radio Festivals in December with a lot of cool bands!
HRH: What bands would you like to go on tour with?
AB: Against Me, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty, My Morning Jacket, and on and on and on.
HRH: How long until you’re headlining Madison Square Garden?
AB: That might take a minute !
HRH: Have you been writing material for the next record?
AB: We have a few ideas we’ve been kicking around, but we are still focused on working this record for a while to come yet!
HRH: When do you plan to go into the studio to record your next album?
AB: I’d guess we’ll go in some time next year but there aren’t any plans right now.
HRH: What does the immediate future hold for American Bang?
AB: Tour, Tour, Tour!!!!!! Look out for us and come have a beer with us at the show!
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Terrific interview. These guys give off a great vibe in both their songs and this interview. Keep Rockin’, American Bang!