Taking their name from a children’s book is just the beginning of eclectic behaviour for Toronto band Hooded Fang, who played their first show for naked cyclists, named their debut album Album and enjoy their weekly dose of Liz Lemon.
How did the band form?
A few of us lived in a house and started playing songs together.
Favourite instrument to play?
A guitar with some reverb, at the moment.
What are you inspired by?
The music our friends make, people who do what they want to in life, ion, punk, hip hop.
I’ve read you’re occasionally inspired by 30 Rock, how’s this season been treating you?
I just watched some last night. It’s going good. Want more Tracy though.
What’s your writing process?
It usually starts in my grimy bedroom. Making demos on a computer with a guitar and a drum machine. Then I sit outside and write some words, show it to the band.
Your full-length came out in October, how’s it been since then?
It’s been going well, creating opportunities for us to keep doing this and reach more people. Right now we are excited to release the next record which is in a near-completion stage right now.
Did you go into the record with a certain mindset or goal?
For Album, it was to create a pop album, pretty clean, with a lot of textures and parts. I think we succeeded in that. The next one will be way less textured and precious, more spontaneous.
How was the recording process?
It happened in bits and pieces. Everyone would come in and record their parts. It’s a fun way to do it and you have a lot of control, (when you’re recording in your bedroom), but trying a studio would be nice too.
Most rewarding part of the project?
Getting to play music all the time. Meeting awesome wierdos everywhere.
Most challenging part of the project?
The details. Organization. All that shit.
Artwork by the same artist as Honest Ed’s murals, how did that come about?
We decided to find out who did the signs there, because I was convinced that it was just one or two guys. So we went in and found out, and he turned out to be a real nice guy, who is now a part of the family. Dougie Kerr, the only Scottish in our fam right now. He’s been sign painting forever, and he also does a lot of the ice cream trucks around town.
You’ve become known for your high energy live shows, any pre-show rituals?
A beer or two.
What role does the audience play?
It helps when they’re having a good time or are engaged. One sees so many concerts in Toronto where people just stand at the back and are nervous to come up. It makes it awkward all around.
Most memorable gig?
One of our first shows, at a Wavelength gig at Sneaky Dee’s. There were over 200 bike couriers from around the world there, who had had a race around Toronto that day. A couple of them were naked too.
Plans for the future?
We’ve got a new record coming out in late spring I believe. Touring out west at the end of the month with Rural Alberta Advantage, playin some fests in the summer and more touring.
— Ally Hall
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