Interview with Hunter Raymond Vocals/Drums with HEAD and Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
HR: Trying to have the most fun possible, while writing awesome songs. On stage is where Head is at our best, we play hard and love performing. We don’t over think, keep it simple and make it flashy.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
HR: I’m from out west in Calgary Alberta, as a young one I picked up the snare drum in sea cadets, then from there met some punks in junior highschool and started making a horrible racket for my mom to enjoy. I’ve always loved music, it came naturally to me, a true love story.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
HR: Beyond skateboarding I always thought music was the best thing you could be doing. Honestly skate videos are how I learned about a lot of the bands I like. Also I’ve been blessed with record nerd friends who show me all the coolest music, I’m very thankful for them. Musicians look cool, get girls, live free, It’s a lifestyle, All of which is very appealing to me. The lawlessness of touring, I love the road.
All my lyrics come from experiences, emotions, and sometimes I add in little bits of storytelling to help create a visual in the mind.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
HR: Touring, Inspiring others to do well and grow to their full potential. I love writing songs, and it feels good to know people truly enjoy them. That’s the real gold. I love feeding the energy of a crowd, playing my best and spreading the love,
and hopefully making a living on the way.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
HR: My personal proudest moment is when my old Band MidnightMalice co-headlined a 2 day metal festival with Satan-UK in Tokyo Japan. That was a wild and honouring experience. It would be sweet to get back there again.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new
artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
HR: I agree it is a challenge and honestly I’m not very good at it. If you have the money, pay a professional.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
HR: Head usually throws our own shows, or we get offers to play. Head is actually throwing a show Today July 22, 2023 in association with Fuzzed and Buzzed for the release of Heads new singles Burning Bridges / Rockin Radio. Very excited to rock the house tonight! Head also has a show booked for September 16th, 2023 so if you are in the Toronto area be sure to come check us out!
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
HR: It’s a love/hate. I like how you can listen to everything all the time, and that it’s so easy to find new music to listen to. I don’t like how it’s made everyone feel like music should be free. People put a lot of time, energy and money into making quality music. If people are enjoying your music, you should be compensated for your hard work. also back when you had to go to the record store for your music it was a lot more fun. You cared more about what you listened to, you’d get way more into the bands. Holding the actual record, reading the liner notes and lyrics, studying the photos. you cared more, now you can easily forget about a song or band you really liked.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
HR: Hard question, there are so many great songs! Every band is the best band you ever heard while you listen to their record. Today as we speak I’m cranking up the Motorhead, overkill album.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
HR: I’m sure there are things I don’t like but I can’t think of any right now. Stay positive! Everything has its downside.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
HR: Head is working on writing new songs to play live and then eventually make the 2nd album, which is very exciting! I personally have been making a solo album as well. It’s a bit different style but still a full band rockin ‘record. I played lots of the parts myself then got some amazingly talented friends to help lay down those crucial and tasty parts including some bitchin bass lines, piano parts, rippin lead guitar and the wildest violin you ever heard. Hopefully I’ll be able to release it this fall.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
HR: Look up Head on spotify, Instagram @Headrnr and also at headrnr.bandcamp.com which is where you can hear our new singles Burning Bridges / Rockin Radio!
If you are interested in checking out some of my solo stuff I have a demo/ep out at hunterraymond.bandcamp.com and the ep is also on Spotify under Hunter Raymond
HEAD links:
Band/Artist location – Toronto, Ontario
Facebook – Soundcloud – Bandcamp –
Instagram – Apple – Spotify – Deezer –
Check our page for HEAD
