The Hunts are the most recent of “family bands” to enamor PHILTHY MAG (The Last Bison; Mission Zero; The Staves; Haim; He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister…) The Chesapeake, Virginia-based band of seven siblings are set to release their debut album, Those Younger Days, on June 9th, courtesy of Cherrytree Records and Interscope. The album boasts a rollicking folk pop perfect for soundtracking a summer’s evening spent contemplating youthful existentialism. There’s also a touch of ‘90s alternativeness that is reminiscent of playful sonic poetics somewhere in-between the brilliance of Idlewild and the popular appeal of Counting Crows… with an added and charming Southern twang, not dissimilar to the likes of The Lumineers. The band are also currently on a pretty big North American tour that will have them playing Firefly on June 19th, sharing a bill with Paul McCartney and Morrissey, before headlining upstairs at World Café Live on Sunday, the 21st. I recently got a chance to catch a brief chat with the band about… well, what they’re all about.
Izzy Cihak: So I hate to start with a cliché, but I always have to ask this question to all acts I interview that fall into this category… Since you’re a “family band,” I’m curious: Do you have any particular favorite bands of siblings (even if not entirely) from musical history?
The Hunts: Our personal favorite family bands definitely come from the oldies! Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Mamas & the Papas, etc…
Izzy Cihak: Since you’re still a relatively new band, is there anything you think is especially important for fans and potential fans to know about you and your process of creating music?
The Hunts: We’re seven brothers and sisters who love to tell our childhood stories through our music! We grew up in the woods and fields of southern Virginia with music always in our home.
Izzy Cihak: You’re about to release your Those Younger Days in early June. How would you characterize the album for those who might be, thus far, unfamiliar with your sounds?
The Hunts: Yes! We’re stoked to release our first full-length album with Cherrytree records on June 9th! Those Younger Days is a collection of ten songs with brother and sister harmonies, stringed instruments, whimsical melodies, stories of childhood imaginations, songs of joy and of nostalgia.
Izzy Cihak: Do you currently have a particular favorite track?
The Hunts: At the moment, one of our favorite tracks on the album is “Valentina,” along with it being really fun to play, we each cherish the story behind it. “It’s often the bitter things I’ve seen // that complement the ending,” is a lyric that has meant the most to us.
Izzy Cihak: And you’re going to be playing our very own World Café Live once again toward the end of June. What can be expected of the live experience?
TheHunts: This will be our second visit to World Cafe Live and we can’t wait! We hope that everyone will come out to enjoy listening to seven brothers and sisters create music together!
Izzy Cihak: You’re also going to be playing the Firefly Festival that same weekend, which is also in our region. Are there any acts you’re especially excited to get to see or share the stage with?
The Hunts: We are so honored to be playing at the Firefly Festival! To be put on the same bill as Paul McCartney absolutely blows our minds.
Izzy Cihak: And finally, what are your most significant hopes and plans for the second half of 2015?
The Hunts: Some other exciting plans for 2015 include our show at Austin City Limits, the Landmark Festival, expanding radio play, and meeting people all over the country!
