Interview: Hunter Hunted
Sasquatch! Music Festival
The Gorge Amphitheater, George, WA
05.22.15
On the first day of this year’s Sasquatch! Music Festival we had the opportunity to chat with Dan Chang and Michael Garner of up-and-coming indie-electro-pop group Hunter Hunted. We took a short walk with this young band to dig into the festival scene and their favorite music, all while enjoying the spectacular views of the Gorge Amphitheater. They had a sense of humor, great energy, and a lot of enthusiasm, just like their music.
SMN: Are you gonna try and see any other bands while you’re here?
DC: Yeah there are definitely some bands we want to see, like Little Dragon, Mother Mother, I want to see Of Monsters And Men.
SMN: You guys are still pretty new, for people who don’t know your sound, how would you describe it?
MG: Very melodic, vocal, centered… do you want the industry speak?
SMN: If someone was here at Sasquatch and thinking about who to go see tomorrow.
DC: Ok. Well, high energy, a lot of harmonies. You know people say we have some kind of sense of California in there. Like there’s an optimism you feel when you hear it.
SMN: Well we already got Dan’s list – Michael, anyone you’re excited to see at the festival?
MG: Oh, Jungle. We’re actually not gonna get to enjoy the festival too much but there’s actually a ton of bands I want to see.
SMN: As he whips out a schedule.
MG: Trying to see what interviews we can ditch! No, but trying to figure if we’ll have the chance to see anybody. Of Monsters And Men, for sure. I would love to see Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, The War On Drugs. I would love to see Lana Del Rey, St. Vincent, there’s so many.
SMN: Are you guys here all weekend? That’s a lot of bands!
DC: No, no we’re on tour right now.
MG: Tame Impala would be amazing! Everyone. It’s a good festival!
SMN: Okay, desert island – what album do you take with you?
MG: Can we answer separately?
SMN: Yeah, of course. And then you can share.
DC: So if we each pick one and then we can switch every three days or so. I feel like I could go maybe four days with out getting sick of something.
MG: Think about like the first album you ever fell in love with.
SMN: What were they?
MG: I remember Weezer’s blue album, I was like whoa, it made me want to play music. Also, that Third Eye Blind album, and the Sublime self-titled too. These are the early, got me, holy shit music is good.
DC: Well I’m a nerd so I would take the Rent album, because you get two discs.
SMN: That’s legit. Well thanks for having a quick chat with us, we’re looking forward to the set tomorrow!
The next day they played early, but drew a fantastic crowd with their shimmery electro-pop and passionate energy. Their melodies are infectious, their beats strong, and deserving of the many accolades they’ve received in their few short years as a group. Their newest single “Blindside” from their forthcoming debut album will have you singing along immediately. Without a moment to spare, the boys were off to play a show in Seattle the very same night. But don’t worry, if you missed them, they’re actually coming back soon. Catch them at the Crocodile July 19th, or find another show near you here.
Interview by Stephanie Dore
Photo by Sunny Martini
