Tuesday, April 23, 2024

A Conversation with The Hazytones

It’s been a hell of a long time since I last had a conversation with a band. It’s long overdue that we sit down and have a chat with a beloved band that’s been getting bigger and better with every new release. So, without further ado, joining us from my hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I give you The Hazytones, a stoner rock/doom/psychedelic quartet. 

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.: First off, congratulations on your upcoming record, Wild Fever, it sounds fantastic! It’ll be out on May 10th via Black Throne Productions. Six years have elapsed since your last album, The Hazytones II: Monarchs of Oblivion, and in the meantime, Covid happened, lineup changes, etc. When did you first start working on Wild Fever and how much of it was completed pre- and post-Covid?

The Hazytones: We started working on it in 2019, the original goal was to release the record in 2020 or 2021, we started to record the tracks in the studio pre-covid. In Quebec at some point in 2021 you could not gather so it made it impossible to finish the record since we were recording it ourselves.

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.: In terms of this new lineup; Gabriel Prieur of Montreal fan favourites PRIEUR & LANDRY has become your drummer. You’re also touring with the duo on the current tour. Is this a permanent situation or is Prieur a guest drummer only for this specific record?

The Hazytones: Mick has been working with Prieur on this album since 2019, and they have been playing music together for over 12 years. He’s definitely a permanent member of this band because he doesn't only play drums he also sings lead and back vocal on Wild Fever.

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.: You’ve popped up on a couple of compilations since your last LP, including Ripple Music’s star-studded tribute to CCR, Burn on the Bayou, with a phenomenal cover of "Nighttime Is the Right Time.” Mick’s voice is perfectly suited to sing John Fogerty songs. In my opinion, you’d also sound terrific covering any of Nazareth’s catalogue. Are there any other bands that have been a big influence on you that you’d love to cover on a tribute album in the future?

The Hazytones: When we started working on the future album songs we were jamming a Beatles song called "Tomorrow Never Knows". We might try to rehearse it some more. We also did a Nirvana song called "Blew" on a Nirvana compilation. I’d say our most influential band is Black Sabbath.

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.: New album, new label. You’re now signed to the red-hot Canadian label Black Throne Productions (AAWKS, Sons of Arrakis). Can you tell us how that came about?

The Hazytones: We played on a tour in June 2023 and we stopped in Toronto on a show with Black Throne Productions at Orwell Bar. That’s where we met Ryan from BTP and we started to talk more from there and it ended with them signing us to their label in 2024.

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.: The Hazytones has a reputation as a solid live act. You’ve toured North America and Europe and have fans the world over. Have you guys missed touring?  What are your plans beyond the Eternal Delirium spring tour in Quebec and Ontario?

The Hazytones: We just got back from a tour in Europe in September 2023 but even if it’s only been six months we always miss touring, we would like to go back to Europe after the Eternal Delirium tour and maybe the USA.

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.: Thank you for your time! Is there anything else you’d like to say to your listeners and the stoner/heavy rock community?

The Hazytones: Thanks to the community for supporting the band, make sure to check out our new music video for upcoming single, title track of ‘’Wild Fever’’ April 26th.

 

The Hazytones on Bandcamp

The Hazytones on Facebook

The Hazytones on Instagram

The Hazytones on X (Twitter)

The Hazytones on Spotify

The Hazytones on Black Throne Productions’ Site 

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