INTERVIEW: Holy White Hounds - Bunbury 2016

(Holy White Hounds credit: Lindsey Brynes)

Des Moines-based alternative rock band Holy White Hounds recently released their debut album, Sparkle Sparkle via Razor & Tie Records and are currently on tour in support, including a stop at the Bunbury Music Festival this Sunday, June 5.  The fun-loving quartet’s blues-drenched riffs, rumbling rhythms and catchy, arena-worthy alt. rock melodies are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Atlas and the Anchor spoke with vocalist/guitarist Brenton Dean prior to their performance about the new album, playing outdoor fests and more.      

Your debut album, Sparkle, Sparkle was recently released, what inspired and/or influenced the writing of the album? 

“Our musical influences are all over the place. We find a lot of inspiration in things that we don't necessarily sound like. The Beastie Boys are probably one of my most inspirational bands.  The Beastie Boys and Violent Femmes are the groups that inspired me a lot while I was writing. Sonically we got into a lot of old Black Sabbath, Van Halen, and Queens of the Stone Age when we were in the studio.” - Brenton Dean

You are scheduled to play a lot of festivals this summer including Bonnaroo and Bunbury.  What do you like best about playing these big outdoor music festivals?

“Festivals are great because there are so many people there. I also love playing outdoor shows because the music sounds so much more pure. There are no walls for the sound to bounce off of so it always feels so natural…” – BD

I know your fans are excited to see you at Bunbury this weekend but what bands are you most excited to see?

“Probably Mudcrutch. I've never seen Tom Petty before. I'm really looking forward to seeing what guitar he uses. Being one of Tom Petty's guitars would be a lot like being one of Cesar Millan's dogs.” – BD

The energetic standout single, “Switchblade” with its buzzing bass-led rhythm and grungy blues-rock riffs sounds like a fun one to play.  What is your favorite song to play live and why?

“Our current single 'Switchblade' has been a lot of fun to play at shows. Maybe it’s because it's the first single and gets such an immediate reaction. But it also has a really fun build to it. I've also really enjoyed playing 'Ghost Arm.' But, you know, I'm a sucker for a big guitar riff.” – BD

What can new listeners expect from a Holy White Hounds performance?

“Fun! Fun is pretty much our mission statement. It depends on how hot it is outside… Maybe some short shorts and mesh T-shirts. Rain or shine everyone will be soaking wet...If you know what I mean.” – BD

Stream “Oh Mama” here: https://soundcloud.com/razorandtie/holy-white-hounds-oh-mama

For tickets and more info: http://bunburyfestival.com/ & http://www.holywhitehounds.com/