INTERVIEW WITH LOUDHAILER!

Photo By Ngamihi Pawa

I N T E R V I E W
Loudhailer
By Arpie Shirehorse

A few months back, HUP was alerted to the rarest of occurences....a new local band had formed. Huzzahs and hurrahs thought we. The band called themselves Loudhailer, and they were playing a few gigs in town. I headed over to their Soundcloud for a listen and it was good. More demos dropped in the weeks that followed, and the songs grew on me, having that weird knack of sounding like quite a lot of bands you know and like, but not one in particular. Anyway, I decided to ask a few more questions to find out a little more about one of Hamilton's newest bands.  

Who is Loudhailer and where are you from? 
We are Hugh Potter, Nick Pouwel-Strang and James Jobe. Hugh and Nick live in Hamilton and James is in Matamata aka Hobbithole.

What are your main influences musically? 
James: Nirvana, Rolling Stones, Oasis, AC/DC, Stone Roses, the Growlers, Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, anything with a catchy hook really. 
Hugh: James
Nick: Modest Mouse, Pinback, Kings of Leon, Portugal. The Man.

Are you into any local/NZ bands at the moment?
James: I really like Superette and Garageland, but The Datsuns are well up there.
Hugh: Heard great things about Looking for Alaska 
Nick:  Two Cartoons and Miles Caulder & The Rumours.

What is the goal for the band? 
James: Just to play some live gigs and get the songs out there.
Nick: And maybe tour Japan.

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You’ve got quite a few demos on Soundcloud – where do you record them?
James: I record them in my music room at home on Garageband so the guys can kind of get an idea for the songs.

Any plans to hit the studio and release something?
James: I’d love to get some better demos done and test out some recording studios. I’ve made the mistake in bands before with trying to go into the studio without having had loads of stage time and I think that’s really important to get a good sound in the studio.

Any more shows planned?
James: So far only the 28th Oct at the Nivara Lounge but am hoping to get more and open for as many bands as we can.

Who is the best cook in Loudhailer?
James: I’d have to say it’d be our silent fourth member, Mum.
Hugh: Nick puts out a great chip and dip.
Nick: Definitely Mother Jobe. My children’s children will hear about her exploits in the kitchen.

Who is the most sporty band member?
James: Nico broke his thumb in Netball so he’s gonna get my vote.
Hugh: As above, Nick’s a got a truly gifted mind for indoor netball.
Nick:  Hugh is excellent at lifting heavy objects and then putting them back down again.

Favourite and least vegetable?
James: Of course the versatile potato, then probably mushrooms on their own.
Hugh: Broccoli (superfood), then most other vegetables.
Nick: Steven Hawking. Jack Carrol.

Is National’s time up this time?
James: I’m not a massive fan of the band myself.
Hugh: Jacinda has a nice smile, but I’m not sure it’s any match for Bill’s social media presence.
Nick: Too little too late from J money and the angry headmaster.  I predict National will cruise home.

What is the best live show you have attended (anywhere/anytime)?
James : Much like good love making you always remember your first, so it’d have to be my first concert at Vector Arena, Def Leppard. Screamed like a little girl the whole time and they were awesome.
Hugh: Rolling Stones, Mt Smart
Nick: Pearl Jam. The very last Big Day Out.  I would sell my 89 year-old Grandmother into slavery to live that day over again.

If you could curate a show by any 3 bands living or dead, anywhere in the world, who is playing, where is it and what are we drinking?
James: Barcelona, Spain everyone’s on the beautiful reds and first up is The Beatles to warm us up, then The Stones playing Exile on Main St in its entirety with the pauses the way it was intended, then finally Nirvana to round off the night.
Hugh: Hyde Park. Foo fighters opening for Led Zeppelin, with the closing act of course being Loudhailer. Drinking Scotch.
Nick: Queen, Jimmi Hendrix and Rage Against the Machine. Western Springs. Nothing but tequila.