A relatively new band, The Hunna was formed fewer than two years ago, in October 2015. Not the kind of band to rest, they sold out a headlining UK tour right after releasing their first single, “Bonfire”. Announcing a debut album for summer 2016, less than a year after formation, paid off, as 100 reached #13 on the UK Official Charts and became a huge success on Spotify. Endlessly touring, the band has now sold out four consecutive UK tours and begun to tour internationally. Their third single, “You & Me”, reaching #28 on the US Alternative Songs chart, fueling sold-out shows in America. We talked to the band about their formation, life on the road, and even virtual reality.
How was The Hunna formed?
Dan & Tino met in music college, I met the guys locally as I was in bands and went to the same college a few years before. Jermaine was close friends with Dan at school and joined the band after I asked him. Then The Hunna was born!
Who were some of your musical influences?
We listen to all sorts of music new & old. Between the 4 of us, we love many artists. For example, Kings of Leon, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Skepta, Drake, Rae Sremmurd, Marvin Gaye, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Deftones, Bombay, Foals, Wiley, Paramore. The list goes on, haha.
You released your debut album 100 last year. What are some of your favorite tracks on the album?
We are fans of all the songs and favourite tracks can change depending on the mood or day. Recently, all four of us have been digging Rock My Way & Alive as they have been great tracks to play on tour too.
How does it feel to have found success, not only at home, but abroad as well?
It's a really nice feeling knowing we have fans all over supporting us. We've worked super hard to get here and love playing music together so it's great to spread that love!
You’re playing numerous festivals this year across the globe – any favorite places to play in particular?
We are still fairly new to the festival circuit but after last year, we are stoked to play Reading and Leeds again headlining Festival Republic. Our first festival in Madrid and the Community Festival in Finsbury Park are going to be sick too, we can't wait to rock out!
Are there any places you’d like to play that you’ve got your eyes on?
We are all hoping to play Glastonbury one day and another big one would be Coachella in the US. They are both MAD!
With nearly 100 shows played in 2016, how do you keep them fresh and interesting?
We always strive to make the set as tight and exciting as possible with lots of energy! We want everyone to have fun at our shows which keeps us gassed.
What do you enjoy doing in between shows, when you’re on the road?
We all dig fashion, so bit of shopping. And we are massive table football fans so wherever a table is, The Hunna is there in a flash. We love films and playing console, mainly FIFA & Call of Duty.
Where can folks find you online?
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music...you name it, we're on it! @TheHunnaBand
What’s it like having your song in a game, specifically in virtual reality?
Awesome! This is the first time this has ever happened, so we're excited to check the game out!
Have you tried Virtual Reality yourself? What do you think of VR as the next gaming tech?
We have tried it out with our brother Robbie as he's got one and it's pretty far out. I like old school and new tech.
Have you played Rock Band before? What do you think of the game?
An old version, and it was dope! We grew up on Guitar Hero so any music game is cool as it hopefully inspires people to pick up real instruments.
Are you gamers? What are some of your favorite games?
We all are gamers from back to the SNES/Mega Drive days. Jermaine is a pro on Call of Duty, Dan plays a lot of Halo with Tino, and we all play FIFA. I've got every year since France '98, haha. Grand Theft Auto, Need for Speed, Crash Bandicoot are a few we mess with heavy.
Anything else you’d like to say to the Rock Band community?
Thanks for the love, keep it 100, and we'll hopefully see you at a Hunna show in the future. Enjoy playing along!