Currently Detroit by way of SoCal, self-proclaimed “poolside glitter trash” power-pop-punk-surf rockers Hayley And The Crushers are joining longtime influential punk music rockstars Screeching Weasel and The Queers to share the stage for a handful of tour dates, starting mid-March.
Before taking their music on the road, front woman Hayley Cain took time out for an OOTB Interview to discuss the tour and her adoration of Screeching Weasel and The Queers. She also gets personal on the origins of her musicianship, band challenges, The Crusherverse, as well as what’s in store for the rest of the year, including an LP.
Thank you for your time for this interview! What is your favorite song to perform live and why that song?
It changes depending on my mood, but I always enjoy playing the last song on our set, “Jewel Case.” We really get to thrash around and live our rock star fantasy with that one.
Wrote it in 2016 on a whim about a wild girl I tried to be friends with (who turned out to be way more trouble than I could handle).
Funny that it’s stood the test of time as our big closer all these years later.
My bass player / husband Dr Cain gets to do a big jump and our lead guitarist Ryan solos his butt off. It’s all very Motley Crue.
We also recently re-recorded the song so people can hear a super high energy studio version real soon!
What are a couple songs or bands on your playlist, currently?
Been circling The Primitives, a shimmery new wave band from the ‘80s, plus Pointed Sticks, also sort of ‘80s New Wave/Punk outfit from Canada.
As for modern music, I’ve been getting into current LA artist Dent May. I adore his song “Face Down in the Gutter of Your Love.”
There’s something cool in how he mixes different influences like The Beach Boys and synth pop. It’s like power clashing with fashion—best when you mix it all up!
When did you first become interested in music and what was it that made you say “this is what I need to do!”
When I saw Joan Jett at the mid state fair on the free stage when I was a kid—that pretty much sealed the deal for me!
I was converted. So I asked for a guitar.
Acoustic guitar was OK. But, when I realized an electric guitar could really amplify the melodies and songs and feelings in my head and heart I was hooked!
Throw in the fact I get to dress like a 90’s ice skater and how could I not be completely obsessed with the stage?
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the music industry and how have you overcome that?
The biggest challenge has been rolling with the constant personnel changes.
When you’re in a band with your significant other, there is this solid core, and it’s great to have long-term band members too.
But, at the end of the day, everyone has their own lives and their other commitments and passions.
That’s life!
So when a band member has to leave us, we hit the ground running.
It can be hard to not panic, and just learn to adjust, even if we’ve done it dozens of times. Luckily, we end up meeting the best people on the road and at shows.
I think part of what makes the band exciting is that our lineup does evolve and we really encourage our band members to be creative!
Once a crusher always a crusher, is how we see it.
We are grateful to have talented musicians we can rely on all over the country at this point.
How excited were you to pair up with The Queers and Screeching Weasel for the spring tour?
When I was just getting into playing guitar, I learned tons of Screeching Weasel songs, many by ear, though I also tortured my guitar teacher too.
I was and still am a die-hard weasel fan. The cheeky lyrics, unrelenting melody and sticky hooks have always inspired me.
As for the Queers, I remember buying Punk Rock Confidential and being enamored with how this snotty band combined nostalgic oldies vibes with this totally in-your-face attitude.
These are bands that not only sparked what would become my own style, they literally built the pop punk / melodic punk genre from the ground up.
So, to say I was excited to do this tour is an understatement.
What else do you have in store this year?
A full album, baby!
We have a ton of songs in progress and as we speak, I’m prepping for vocals.
Not sure how it all came together, but I’d say it has a lot to do with our current team.
Working with our guitar player/engineer Ryan Deliso in Detroit (he has a basement studio) and our regular producers Paul Roessler and John Miller at Kitten Robot Studio in LA, simultaneously allows us to build songs even while on the road, and straddle that line between “sun/fun” and punk grit.
I think moving cross country is one of the best things we could have done for the health of our band.
There’s been a lot of adjusting, but we are finally seeing the magic in this decision. You can hear it in the music.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m dropping my own rock ‘n roll memoir installments over at my Substack “Crusher Talk With Hayley” every other Thursday, and I have a very casual podcast every Tuesday (of the same name) where I gab and talk about what’s going on in my life or muse on creative topics.
As social media continues to barrel toward consuming the algorithm, I want to continue to build a tangible, real community with the people who really care about my music.
We call this special place The Crusherverse, because it really is a colorful world removed from the chaos of reality.
So, find me there if you want to be friends. It’s free. Come keep me company in The Crusherverse!
Listen To Latest EP
https://ffm.to/unsubscribetoday
Connect With Hayley And The Crushers
https://www.hayleyandthecrushers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hayleyand
https://www.instagram.com/hayleyand
https://www.youtube.com/channel
https://hayleycrusher.substack.com
Photos: Cory Marie Podielski
Comments
Post a Comment