Beanbag
Questions Answered By Hunz (Vocals).
May 2000
Interviewed by Pedro
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Related Links:
Official Website
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PRP: How was Beanbag formed?
Hunz: Five years ago, the guitarist, Michael, started beanbag. After about 1 year or so, he found all of us for the band. Hirvy, me and this other drummer. Another year went and we lost our drummer, and got Phil and this is the line up today.
PRP: I know you are a Christian band. Have you ever suffered any discrimination for trying to spread the word of God in your songs?
Hunz: Nope. None at all.
PRP: When you were first forming the band, were you ever afraid that this kind of reaction could come from people?
Hunz: Sure, I think everyone would fear this reaction, but we just remained true to our faith and kept things real. People around the world need to see integrity and we hope that's what we can bring.
PRP: Why "Beanbag" as the band's name? Any particular reasons, or have you just thought it sounded cool?
Hunz: It just sounded cool at the time, although it's not sounding so cool now (laughs).
PRP: Any line-up changes since the band's start?
Hunz: Just the one mentioned before. We lost our old drummer and got a new one.
PRP: Considering that the buzz around Beanbag is relatively big, and that you guys already toured other countries besides your own, is the band extremely hopeful that something bigger will happen to you in the upcoming months, and are dedicating all of your time to the band and it's music, or do you actually have other jobs and realize that the future in music is something completely uncertain, and that you may never get the chance you deserve?
Hunz: I think the thing that makes beanbag beanbag is that we don't strive to be a BIG band. We just want to do what God wants. If everything was offered and then taken away, then everyone would be fine. If nothing was offered and we never did what is deemed "successful" then we would also be happy. We are happy just to do a be where God wants us.
PRP: People have previously told me that you guys have a sound similar to a "mixture between Sevendust with Rage Against the Machine." I take both of those bands are some of your influences. Would you be interested in adding any other bands to the list?
Hunz: Personally, beanbag is a collection of all different styles. All of us share a common ground in that we dislike country music a lot. I personally haven't heard any Sevendust music, and I don't like Rage Against the Machine too much (the other's in the band do though). I like Nine Inch Nails and Tori Amos, and a lot of trance music like Sasha and Digweed. I also love the Deftones album hanging for the next one.
PRP: Do you think that those influences are directly reflected on Beanbag's sound? How would you describe the kind of music you're doing?
Hunz: I think that since we are so different with our likes and dislikes, that makes Beanbag's sound. We don't strive to sound like anyone; we just write and make sounds over the music to make things work. We still haven't found what we would call our music, but 'emocore' sounds cool.
PRP: What's the song writing process like?
Hunz: Starts off as a bass or guitar line then into a jam session. Then the song is taped and we go through and think of an arrangement and then I add vocals over the top of it.
PRP: Do you think that the kind of sound you do today can be considered as something original, or everything it could ever be done with music has already been done?
Hunz: I think everyone's hope is to be different, but as Solomon said, "nothing is new under the sun". So we accept that as the fate sin gave us, but it's not too say that you can't take what's out there and make it different. I'm also a very strong believer that God can give us something more then anything seen. I mean, he did create this universe and everything in it. He rocks.
PRP: Has Beanbag ever been approached by any record label, being it small, medium or a major?
Hunz: Well, we are signed too INPop. Before that we were approached by others but we settled with INPop.
PRP: Do you think that Beanbag falls into the "new metal" category?
Hunz: I guess it does, not so much in sound but more in mentality. We all want to do something new and different with the genre "rock".
PRP: Any big plans in the horizon?
Hunz: The next album. We are in the studio now and it's sounding really good. Can't wait to get it out there.
PRP: Who'd you most like to tour with?
Hunz: That's a tough one. I think Deftones or Tool would be neat.
PRP: Any favorite quote?
Hunz: "Better to remain a fool then to open your mouth and confirm it for everyone." But I love the bible, books esp. Read Job.
PRP: In your opinion, is Beanbag completely ready to sign a record deal with a major label and tour the world?? When I ask this, I want to know not only technically ready, but emotionally ready as well. In other words, would you be ready for fame and pressure?
Hunz: I think that, like everything, you take it one step at a time. It feels overwhelming, but when you focus in on the things that matter, God, then you can do everything. "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." So as a human, I feel overwhelmed, but with Christ I don't.
PRP: Any last comments or thanks?
Hunz: Thank you to everyone for their support with us it's been so good. THANKS!
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