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Copy Haho

Copy Haho by Martin Traynor

Copy Haho are most definitely the best band in the entire history of Stonehaven, a small town near Aberdeen. They make spiky and skewed melodic indie rock and are often found playing around Glasgow with musical comrades Dananananaykroyd and Errors. I always have a soft spot for Aberdeen bands, having spent a good few years there as a student trying to build up the local music scene (and starting diskant!), but Copy Haho are deserving of everyone’s interest. I initiated this interview over a year ago but I’m glad I never got around to sending the questions as they’re even better now. Bafflingly though, they still only have one (excellent) single available. Sort it out, record label folks!

Members, and what you do in the band:
Joe Hearty (Guitar/Vox), Rikki Will (Drums), Stuart Mcintosh (Guitar), Richard Scott (Bass)
Location: Stonehaven, Scotland
Formed: 2005

What do you think you sound like, and how different is that from what other people have said or written about you?

Joe: A lot of people compare us to early 90s alt-rock bands like Pavement and Husker Du – bands we were fairly ‘influenced’ by to begin with, but that now don’t really feel all that relevant… I can certainly understand the comparison though.

Richard: A few people have mentioned that we’re very young. We’re not 15! That doesn’t have anything to do with what we sound like though, as Joe’s voice has definitely broken.

Rikki: Someone once said Joe was whiney and mannered. I completely agree.

What do you do in your day-to-day lives, other than being Copy Haho?

Joe: I graduated from Grays [Aberdeen’s art school where I also went – M] last year, worked in design for a while and then quit my job to play music. Richard is studying English in Aberdeen. Both Stuart & Rikki are pretty much in the same boat as me – we’re starting to consider the band as more of a full time concern, which is exciting/scary.

Which is your favourite of your own songs and why?

Joe: It seems to change from show-to-show, but at the moment my favorite song of ours is ‘Pulling Push Ups’. It’s the newest song we play live and tends to get a good reaction.

How has The Magical World of MySpace™ helped your band?

Joe: The internet has made making new friends and organizing shows out with Stonehaven incredibly easy. I wouldn’t say it’s essential, but it can certainly help.

I lived in Aberdeen for 6 years and it was pretty much a musical desert. How are things now?

Joe: Aberdeen’s music scene is pretty much the same as it always has been. I guess venue/promoter wise it’s improved a lot in the past couple of years, which helps. Musically I’m not sure – I know of a handful of musicians/bands that are making really interesting music, but some are reluctant to travel south (or, at all) in order to let people hear what they’re doing.

Richard: A venue called The Lemon Tree closed down, but now it’s opening again, so pretty much exactly the same. I’d say Aberdeen punches above its weight quite a bit when it comes to touring bands. As for local bands I’m not really sure, we’re a bit rubbish when it comes to going to gigs!

Rikki: Em, Boredoms played here once. That was good.

Is there anything good about Stonehaven?

Joe: I’d like to think so… low crime rate, beach, woods, cliffs etc. It’s not exactly party-central but it can be great to come back to after a tour. It has its very own website too, a work of art – www.stonehavenitsspecial.co.uk

Richard: The chip shops are of a high quality, which makes it a bit depressing when ‘dining’ in other chip shops across the UK.

Rikki: It has some pretty awesome ducks! Although they have been known to get drunken and rowdy.

If there was a Copy Haho tribute band, what would they be called?

Joe: Coffee Annan & The Gases

Richard: Copy Haho Copies? Kooky Haheeehawhawhawhawhawheeho? Copying Haho?

Rikki: I second Richard’s. Well done.

What have you been listening to/reading lately that you’d recommend?

Joe: Joan Of Arc – Eventually, All At Once, The Halo Benders – God Don’t Make No Junk, Guided by Voices – Bee Thousand

Richard: I’d like to add to Joe’s suggestion of Bee Thousand; I think it’s one of the best albums EVER MADE! I’d also recommend Wonderswan, Hot Club de Paris and Bruce Springsteen.

Rikki: Chin Up Chin Up! Those dudes rule yeh.

The best things in life are free – what is your favorite thing that costs nothing?

Joe: I’m a fan of clean air.

Richard: Stealing internet connections. Hummus when it’s on a rider. This has happened twice (hint to promoters)

Rikki: Free train journeys are rare but pretty sweet. Also sheep are cool. Alive ones.

Tell me something I don’t know

Joe: Earthworms have five hearts

What are your upcoming band plans?

Joe: More of the same really. We’ve got a radio session, a couple more shows and some recording set for this month. We’re also speaking to a few people about getting something released, perhaps a single or an ep – any juice/dirt will be posted on our myspace page as and when it happens.

Contact:
website: www.myspace.com/copyhaho
band; copyhaho AT hotmail.co.uk
bookings; jason AT theartofagency.co.uk

Records we can buy:
7 inch single on I Fly Spitfires records, released 2006.