Vincent Hausman, American guitarist and vocalist for Doom metal band Howl. Interview June 5, 2013
In this interview…
1. How was it working on the latest Howl album Bloodlines?
The writing process for Bloodlines was fairly long and arduous, primarily because we set out to raise the bar and really challenge ourselves on this record. We’re also a band that writes together, so negotiating several competing voices is always tricky. We also wanted to be very prepared going into the studio, since recording sessions can be stressful when you don’t have your shit together. Conversely, when we finally did go into the studio, the experience was a great one. Our hard work had paid off, and everybody was grateful that we were both prepared, and that we showed up with an abundance of material. Zeus was also excellent as a producer and really helped the band deliver the strongest performances possible.
2. Where did the influences come from for this album?
The influences are mixed bag; we definitely wanted a more aggressive metal record, and we set out to give each song it’s own distinct character, as opposed to just piling together riffs. I can’t say we really listened to or channeled any specific bands in the making of Bloodlines. We had an idea of where we wanted to go with this record, and just let the material happen. We knew we wanted this new album to sound bigger, that we wanted to step it up on the songwriting, and that we wanted to introduce more variety and texture in both the vocals and the guitar playing.
3. Any tours coming soon for Howl?
For sure! This summer we’re doing a full US and Canada tour with our bros in Lord Dying (Relapse), and then another awesome tour is slated for the fall. Announcements on that soon!
4. When writing a song is there such a thing as investing too much time?
Yes, totally (laughs). Especially for me, as a control freak. I mean, it’s tough, right? You want to take all the time you need in order to perfect something, because there’s nothing more frustrating than the feeling that you rushed something and could’ve done better with more time. Then again, there’s something to be said for spontaneity, and songs reflecting a moment or mood, as opposed to them being a polished afterthought. I suppose I try to strike a balance between keeping the raw feeling of newly written musical, and arranging it through a lens of a more deliberate contemplation. Though I think it’s sometimes good for me to hear from my fellow band mates: “Dude, relax, the song is done.”
5. What equipment are you currently endorsing, etc.
Narragansett Beer
6. Without Social Media could bands today manage to survive?
Yes, and they are. You don’t need the internet to play music.
7. What were your earliest influences in life?
Musically? Ozzy Osbourne. I went to a record store as a kid, killing time in a mall while my Dad was shopping for kitchen utensils, and I found a cassette tape of “The Ultimate Sin”, one of his solo records. It had Ozzy on the cover as some weird fucking insect creature, crawling over a burning landscape of lava, flanked by a super tall chick in black leather pants. It totally blew my young mind, I bought the tape, and haven’t been the same since.
8. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Hmm.. there’s lots of weird shit. I’d say some cool stuff is my fairly large collection of West African music, thanks to my friend Will. From places like Mali, and from artists like Toumani Diabate, and Ali Farka Toure. Amazing stuff.
9. Someday do you see a biography being written about the experiences you acquired or will acquire in your life?
I don’t know about that, but maybe I’ll write one myself when I’m old and high. I’ve seen some crazy shit!!
10. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
What happens on tour stays on tour, son.
11. Where do you see Music in 100 years from now?
I just hope shit like nu-metal and that electronic singy, whiny dogshit like Attack Attack and awful crap like that haven’t become the standard bearers of heavy music. I have faith though. I don’t think technology can ever eclipse the basic human desire to pick up a guitar (or any other real, stringed instrument) and write a song.
Extra questions for Vincent Hausman from Howl
Life without music would be: as dumb as this question.
Favorite movie: Blade Runner
Favorite sport: dildohopping
Favorite food: beer
Favorite drink: beer
Favorite saying: beer!
Favorite car: Amish buggy turbo XL
Favorite book: Green Eggs and Ham
Favorite band: The Beatles
Star Wars or Star Trek: Blade Runner
PC or Mac: beer
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