Republik: You have quite a crunchy edgy sound. Which are your influences?
And what would you say is your ‘certain something’ as a band,
in terms of sound, or lyrics?

Haunts: Our main influence was our desire to create something significant that
people could really sink their teeth into. Something with some weight and
substance that would work your brain, as well as your body. We wanted to
make music that was intense and danceable but with the power of a tight live
band, bridging dance and rock but in a way that nobody else was doing. The
music is theatrical and dark and is most inspired by modern city life. We
wanted to paint a picture of a world crumbling under the strain, a Tim
Burton style Gotham City. Lyrically, I wanted to bring this strange world
to life not so much by describing the place, but more the people that dwell
there; their strange lives and the bizarre situations they have managed to
get themselves into. We definitely focus on the darker side of life, but I
think a ‘certain something’ that perhaps sets us apart is that we try and do
it with a sense of humour. It’s very British to see the funny side in
something terrible, it’s a way of coping. Sometimes tragedy can be romantic
and you can find a certain glamour in failure.

Republik: Lots of talented guys are still rehearsing in the garage or living room,
afraid maybe to make the big step outside the exit door. You guys had a
pretty impressive and fast take off. How did it happen?

Haunts: The music industry is a vicious animal that will eat you up and spit out
your bones if you show fear. You need to have one hundred percent confidence
in what you are doing and a very thick skin. If you don’t believe in your
own music, nobody will. We have always stuck to our guns and things are
going well for us but we are still a very, very long way from where we want
to be. However, I don’t think a true artist ever feels satisfied with what
they’ve achieved. We’ve hung out and toured with a lot of people who are
considered to be ‘rock stars’, but most of them are just like us, striving
for bigger and better things and never really feeling like they’ve truly
made it.

Republik: Tell us a few good clubs for gigs in Europe.

Haunts: We have only recently done our first European tour and that was a whirlwind.
It’s hard to keep up with what city you’re in and what language you’re
supposed to be trying to speak. So when it comes to the end of the night and
we’ve had a few drinks, it’s very hard to say what clubs you have been to,
let alone if they’re any good or not. It’s always nice when they keep a bar
open late after the show and I remember we had a great time when they did
that at ‘Durer Kert’ in Budapest and ‘Arena’ in Vienna. We’re all really
excited to be coming to Bucharest and seeing how it compares!
In London we’re spoilt for choice, but if you’re only in town for a few days
you could have a night out in Camden Town, go to some pubs, a gig then Proud
or Club NME at KOKO.. or go east if you’re a little more adventurous, 333
Old Street or 93 Feet East on Brick Lane. It’s more exciting to discover
London for yourself though. Either way, if you’re clubbing in London make
sure you have lots of money in your pocket!

Republik: A music festival you’d recommend.

Haunts: Festivals are only as fun as the people you go with.. or the people you meet.
Reading Festival is usually mayhem, quite a party but can get a bit intense.
Glastonbury for the food.
We had a great time at T In The Park when we played, the Scottish know how
to have a good time. Roskilde is also amazing, quite a calm, relaxed
atmosphere compared to British festivals.

Republik: All time favourite song from another band you wish you’d composed.

Haunts: We wish we had written ‘White Wedding’ by Billy Idol. Sometimes we play it
live and try to palm it off as our own song to the more sheltered members of
the audience.

Republik: Tell us some rather unknown bands that you listen to in your playlist
these days and that you think are worth our readers’ attention.

Haunts: Some up-and-coming stuff I’ve been listening to on myspace. Parallels
[myspace.com/parallelsmarigold], Data [myspace.com/0data0], Bear Hands
[myspace.com/bearhandsband], Wax Stag [myspace.com/waxstag]. None of them
sound anything like Haunts. We like White Lies and Friendly Fires, who are
big in the UK but maybe not in Romania. Sometimes it’s nice to find
something old and a little dusty that becomes one of your favourite records
again.. ‘Night Time’ by Killing Joke for example, ‘Marquee Moon’ by
Television, or ‘Remain In Light’ by Talking Heads.

Republik: What would you change in the music industry? One thing that really
annoys you.

Haunts: It’s such an awkward beast that I can’t pinpoint one thing in particular.
Now that people expect to have music without paying for it, the glory days
of the music industry are over. It can’t afford to be as exploitative and
corrupt as it used to be. But it also means they can’t afford to take a
gamble with new bands. Unless it’s a sure thing, they’re not interested.
It’s good that the public have taken the power into their own hands but they
need to use that power wisely!