So back in March I did a show with HC veterans Evergreen Terrace. For that show I had a solid local lineup including, Hollow Fox. It was the first time for me seeing this band live. I have seen a few of them before in previous projects. Immediately off the gun I fell in love with this band. The stage presence, energy and musicianship was all on spot. So I said to myself I have to interview this band.
So recently I chatted with my good friend Sean Moilanen (Vocals) about the band, their sound and what 2013 holds for them.
The Interview:
How did Hollow Fox come together and how does it differ from your previous bands (Miles From Alaska & Set The Sights)?
Hollow Fox came together while I was still recording with Miles From Alaska and I had nothing to do with it at first. When I found out they needed a singer I got into contact with my long time friend Mason Chimato (guitar) and set up a time for me to come out to a practice. The first time I heard them play through their set I knew I had to be apart of the band because it was exactly what I wanted out of a band. From there it was a long road of tweaking my vocals and my style to match the bands individual needs. This band is different in many ways from bands I’ve done in the past. HF has so much room for creativity; and as a result, the level I have set for myself is so much higher than anything I ever did in the metal / hardcore scene.
If you could make up your own genre for Hollow Fox, what would it be?
Art Rock. Art rock was originally a form of music which wanted to “extend the limits of rock & roll”, opting for a more experimental and conceptual outlook on music. I think as a band we fell in love with that idea and have kind of non-officially excepted that as our genre.
Who or what is some of your major influences that defines you as a vocalist?
I am influenced vocally by names such as Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath), Sam Carter (Architects), Jesse Lacey (Brand New), Cory Branden (Norma jean), Caleb Followill (Kings of Leon), Andy Hull (Manchester Orchestra), Bruno Mars, JT, Usher, Adam Lambert, Freddy Mercury (Queen), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith). A lot of folks have inspired me throughout the years.
If you could relay one message to your listeners, what would it be and why?
Be who you are. I’ve been thrown around and abused by so many clicks of people throughout the years and I’ve never conformed or thought one way or another because someone told me so. Form your own opinions and ideas and except the opinions of others as what they are, opinions. I am a total atheist and our new drummer is a Christian and we come together and talk about what we believe in or lack of, we make fun of each other, and most importantly we come together for a common cause. If everyone would join and unite this world would be filled with so much more creativity. Creativity minus all the judgment. If everyone could be creative (and also except that we all aren’t creative in the same ways) or creative for the same cause, and we supported each other regardless, we could love. It’s hard though and it takes time. Be yourself always and believe in who you are. Create your own existence, just be.
When can we expect a full length from Hollow Fox and what does the rest of 2013 hold for the band?
Not sure about a full length because of money constraints, but I believe an ep is in the works that will include songs such as :
The Author (re recorded)
Mend Them (re recorded)
Through The Cold
Souls
Consume Me
It will hopefully be out early this fall. We are super excited to welcome Cory Larkin on drums! His first show will be June 9th at the Noise Box in Brandon, FL. We are very optimistic for the future and even more excited that we finally have a solid lineup and now we can take our dreams to the next level.
If you could sign with any label who would it be and why?
I would sign with any label who would represent us fairly, has similar bands on their label and doesn’t want to change our music. Not sure who all is out there, but we definitely do not want to be a Rise Records – cookie cutter – lyric video – kind of band. We need room for creativity when it comes to how we represent ourselves both musically and visually to our listeners.
If you could tour with any three bands who would they be and why?
I know the guys would have very different answers. If I could tour with any three bands it would be : As Cities Burn, Circa Survive and Brand New, not because of how much I look up to those band but more because I know that playing for those bands fans would be very beneficial for us.
A lot of people say the music scene is dead in Fl. What is your take on this?
I don’t think it’s the best “scene” for Hollow Fox; but no. I think as long as music and art is in schools and in the lives of our youth, there will be music for people to play and listen to. The moment culture, music and art is sacrificed for business, science and math that will all come to a halt though. Support the arts & music programs!
In closing is there anything you would like to add for the readers?
We are all really excited to explore what the future holds for Hollow Fox. We finally have found a drummer (Cory Larkin) who is motivated to take our music to the next level rhythmically. The future looks bright for HF.
Hollow Fox on FB – https://www.facebook.com/HollowFoxBand
Hollow Fox on Tumblr – http://hollowfoxband.tumblr.com/
Interview By: Tim Morris
