HAAS Talks Upcoming Debut Single “Behind Those Eyes” In Exclusive Interview (@IamSamHaas)
We had the chance to chat with HAAS about their upcoming single “Behind Those Eyes”, the recording process, and more in this exclusive interview. Check it out below!
- How did you form as a band?
HAAS was formed when my solo career wasn’t moving in the direction I wanted it too. I had been playing around with starting a band, but it wasn’t until I wrote “Behind Those Eyes” that things finally started to fit into place. The name HAAS came from the passing of my grandfather [he was the other musician in the family]; my father is the last male carrier of the name and I wanted such a unique name to live on.
- How does each member contribute to the group?
As of right now I [Sam Haas] am the only contributing member in the band. I write all the music, lyrics and come up with all the concepts regarding artwork/direction.
- What inspired your debut single “Behind Those Eyes?”
“Behind Those Eyes” was inspired by an incredibly toxic individual that had a tremendous amount of pull in my family dynamic. After seeing red flags and speaking honestly about my suspicions to my family members, no one listened or took my concerns seriously; so I wrote it down. As I continued to write the song and work the direction I wanted it to go, I realized it wasn’t even specifically about this individual, but about the person having so much influence over my younger sister. “Behind Those Eyes” is a cry out to my sister; it discusses how I did not recognize the person I had known my whole life. It was unbearable to see someone change some much because of the pull that individual had.
- What was the recording process like?
Recording “Behind Those Eyes” was the easiest, most fun I could have had. One of my best friends and producer, Eric St. Clair, helped tremendously in getting the most authentic version of me into this song. Having one of my good friends in the studio made it easier for both of us because we both knew what the other wanted.
- How does this song differ from your previous music?
“Behind Those Eyes” differs in many ways. This song is the most real and honest I have ever been while writing. My previous music was trying to fit the “industry standard” and I really believe that is why people had a hard time relating to it; it wasn’t authentic. I love the stuff I did previously, but I think people will relate more to my feelings and myself now than ever before.
- Do you have a favorite line or lyrics from the song?
Though each line in the song has a different meaning to me, my favorite set of lyrics are the bridge; “Hope years later down the road you’ve finally learned to cope, sorry I was too much of a coward. Sometimes strengths not in numbers. Only being alone fixes a problem, your problem.” It is at this point in the song where I am tired of trying and only cowards call it quits. People say that strength and change comes in the form of numbers and yes that is true, but there are certain circumstances where people only change when people leave them to fend for themselves. Having to give up on someone you love was the hardest decision I ever made.
- When and where can fans purchase or listen to the song?
“Behind Those Eyes” will be available on all streaming platforms and will be available on the HAAS youtube channel, youtube.com/HAASVA. It is releasing Friday January 25, 2019! I am ridiculously excited.
- What do you think fans are going to take away from the song?
I think fans are going to take away a feeling of sadness but within that sadness is strength. I think fans are going to take away that even though being honest about something can ruin a good thing, you know in your heart you have done everything possible to help that individual; you were honest. It takes courage and strength to be vulnerable with someone you love.
- Will you be hosting any events or going on any tours to promote the song?
On release day I will be planning to livestream on my instagram so we all can listen to the single together for the first time.
- Do you have any major goals for 2019?
My major goals for 2019 are to release more music and to start booking more shows. I hope to tour by the end of 2019.
- Do you have any other upcoming projects your fans can look forward to?
Plenty! HAAS’ next steps are to release another single and drop the first EP this spring. It is important to me to keep new things coming for fans to look forward too!
- Do you have any messages you’d like to send out to your fans?
Yes! I want to thank every one of you for waiting patiently while I figured out who I wanted to be and what I wanted to say. Thank you for your continuous support, I love you guys!
- What are your social media handles?
Twitter → @iamsamhaas
Instagram → @iamsamhaas
Facebook → @haasbandva
Youtube → youtube.com/HAASVA
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