We caught up with London alt-rockers THE HUNNA prior to their appearance at RADIO 1'S BIG WEEKEND....
Hey guys, hope you're all well and getting excited for R1BW?
Hell yeah we are baby! We have always wanted to play #R1BW, It's gunna be real lit! All four us can't wait. We're ready to fire up on introducing stage!
You’re a 4 piece alternative rock act from London who create killer tunes, tell us something about a member of the band that not many people know?
We name Ryan (Frontman) Valentino because he was supposed to be born on Valentine's Day but he came a day late. After being told, the name stuck with us ever since and will forever be his squad name
You’re playing the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend on 28/05/16 how did you feel when you heard?
Straight blessed, went hardbars everywhere, there was a lot of celebratory moves involved. We seriously couldn't believe we got the slot!
How did it all come about?
We have all known each other for a long time, brothers from other mothers. We (Valentino & Bandana-Dan) met on a music practice college course when we were 16 years old. We played in many bands for many years. We then met Insta-King, luckily he just finished with a band and was down to drum for us. IK then suggested that The Prince should play bass, he did and the rest is history - Hunna up!
How have BBC Introducing helped you as a band?
They've honestly helped us loads. We've had our music played on many amazing BBC radio stations which included live recorded performances. Forever grateful.
Who are YOU most looking forward to seeing live at R1BW this year?
Fetty Wap, Chvrches, Craig David, Stormzy, Chase & Status, Mumford & Sons, Bring Me The Horizon and Twenty One Pilots.
How do you approach the whole songwriting process?
We (Bandana-Dan & Valentino-100) write and demo in BD-100's bedroom using Logic Pro X software. We have formulas and use them within the processes when writing. Personally we like to lyrically write about real life experiences that everyone understands and can relate with. Bless the H-Squad for being real. We took nearly two years out, unpaid and jobless writing as many songs as possible. After stocking up "The Hunna Bank" we then selected the best tracks with everyone and then continued to work on them with the full band Insta-King & The Prince. We have also had writing sessions with Tim Larcombe (Uncle-Tim) who has taught us a lot about writing and what it takes. He dah man!
It’s a jungle out there, so many bands and acts, what do you do in order to try and stand out from the rest?
Write good music, always be yourself and give 100% effort in everything you do - 1Hunna.
You’re playing a few dates in Canada and America in June, any that you’re particularly excited about?
All of them will be a dream come true, going to America has been a must for a long time 🇺🇸 The New York is sold out so that's gunna be a special one for sure! Can't wait to meet with 300 Entertainment, our US label we have just signed with and stoked to have a shop at The OVO Store - #HunnaLife
Social media plays such a big part in promotion these days, which of the various channels would you say have helped you the most?
Facebook all day erry day! - It's helped get our music heard globally and we have made so many new fans from it. We also have big love for Instagram and Snapchat. Always using those, add us up @TheHunnaBand.
What advice would you give to an artist or band who is thinking of getting in touch with BBC Introducing?
Do it 100% It's an amazing way to get heard as an artist or a band. The opportunities it can lead to are incredible, don't be a tool fool!
And finally, please would you give us the name of another BBC Introducing act that everyone should be checking out?
Personally we are really looking forward to seeing Wolfie - Bad ass name, bad ass image and most importantly we are feeling her music. Stoked for Rosie Lowe. Her BBC Introducing performance for "Women" was really great.
We'd like to thank the guys for taking time out to chat to us and we wish them every success in the future. We're really looking forward to seeing them at the R1BW event and judging by how fast their tour dates are selling out, you should be too! Why not spare a few minutes to have a look through their social media channels, they're all listed below the image....