1. Talk a bit about the new album, what was the process like for you guys this time?
Matt: The new record is a little more "friendly" you could say, it has more of an upbeat feel to it but at the same time is full of heavy riffs and attitude. I think this time around we had a better idea of how to write a record and I feel it really shows, the songs are crafted better compared to the first album and I think it flows better as well. I'm very proud of our new record it shows our growth as a band and as musicians.
2. What have you learned from recording/touring from your first album that you took with you when recording your new album?
Matt: We recorded at the same studio with the same producer (Greg Dawson @ BWC studios) so that made things a little easier the second time around. Greg was more familiar with our style and knew what we wanted.
Cyrus: Showmanship goes a very long way. Reputations can be used for power.
Steve: We learned how to push forward and survive almost anything as a band, despite the reoccurring obstacles that attempted to stand in our way. As for recording, the process was a lot more streamlined and comfortable...but there are always separate challenges in terms of writing and recording.
3. Were there any major challenges? Successes?
Matt: I think one major success was getting all the material done faster this time around. Our first record we wrote 40 songs or so and then picked the best ones to record, which took some time to do. With the new record we focused on what kind of sound we wanted and flushed out the tracks in no time (so it felt) but it wasn't all roses there were some challenges along the way, the screaming, the fighting, the millions of dollars lost, haha.
Cyrus: The Edge top 20 (we made top 6th), videos, and great shows.
Steve: With this record we wanted to do more – play more shows, tour, make new music video's etc. so those challenges actually ended up being successes in the end. Making challenges and meeting them is my idea of success.
4. How are you planning to prepare for your next tour? Is there going to be some cool things that fans can expect?
Matt: fans can expect to see me playing with my shirt off more... just kidding. Some new songs soon, a new video. I would tell the fans to expect the unexpected.
Steve: The actual preparation for our next tour will involve sleep deprivation tanks, meditation retreats and total seclusion from the outside world for a good 6 months before we hit the road. Then its safe to say that our live show will blow people's faces off.
5. There's a pretty reputable punk scene here in Toronto and Canada, how do you guys make yourselves stand out that much more? What do you think it is about the punk scene that's so significant to Toronto?
Steve : There are so many great punk bands here in Toronto – Career Suicide is a good example of what a great export of genuine punk we have here. If we were at all concerned with just being a punk band, I think we would be limiting our sound and potential as a band. The punk scene is significant to Toronto because it reflects the grittiness and reality of our city streets and broken homes - domestic disputes, class struggles and violence run rampant here (like any major city) and punk music is able to confront these issues head on. Otherwise all we have are fake sounding new wave pop acts. So we need punk to make Toronto a real city.
6. You guys have a cool mix of punk and grunge, is it challenging combining the two genres, or is it a lot easier?
Cyrus: We reflect on the genre labelling after the song is written. No intention to be a specific sound.
7. What's next for Hormoans?
Matt: writing new songs, collaborating with other artist, recording an E.P, playing new cities, taking over the world!
Cyrus: Central show, the Only One video, CMW, AND Bam
Steve: Looking forward to playing some festival dates later in the year, planning a small Ontario tour and have just finished principal shooting on a new music video with a secret director plus starting to write new music. Stay tuned!
For more on Hormoans, you can check them out on their social below!
http://www.hormoansmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HORMOANS-175348903891/
https://www.youtube.com/user/NOBRIGADE?feature=watch
https://twitter.com/HORMOANSMUSIC
https://soundcloud.com/hormoans