BANDFANDANGO BAND 3: HIPPO CRYPTS

 In the lead up to Saturday's Bandfandango Finale at Nivara Lounge we caught up with another of the brand-new bands, Hippo Crypts! The band - Lott Larsson, Wairehu Grant and Rob Shirlow - answered some questions for us about their Bandfandango experience thus far!

Did you know the other band members before Bandfandango? Had any of you played music together? Wai and Lott had played together in The Goth and The Pixie, and I (Rob) knew them both from that. 

How did your band name come about? We were kicking ideas around and Lott came up with Hippo Crypts which really shone to us all I think...there were quite a few celebratory exclamation marks when that name came up. It had been a band name in Lott's head for a long time apparently, since his Seattle days. And it reminded me of Rocket From The Crypt and I ended up listening to them a bit afterwards so that was worthwhile.

How have you found the creative process and/or how did you decide on a style of music? We jammed a few riffs, just me and Wai at first, and then filled the detail in as we went. Wai is the lyricist and Lott's basslines are awesome. It's the first time I've drummed...a floor tom and snare...I'm shitting it tbh. We went for a QOTSA vibe at first, and I think it's neat, where we've ended up...as QOTSA as you can with two drums, a double bass and guitar!

How have you found the whole experience?! Personally really cool - I'd never have made music that sounded like this if it hadn't had been for the Bandfandango. 

Do you think your band will play shows after the Bandfandango finale? No idea! Maybe. Wai and Lott are super busy though with other bands and I hope to get Ancient Tapes going again soon. 

Finally...pick three words to describe your BF experience this far! Challenging Exciting Petrifying!