Hector Gannet talk about the band's latest releases!
Hello Hector Gannet, thanks for your time. Would it be please possible to introduce your band to our readers, as well as your roles in it? Hello! My name is Aaron Duff, I’m a singer, guitarist and songwriter. I started to work under the moniker of ‘Hector Gannet’ about three years ago. It began as a solo project but quickly developed into more of a band set-up when I enlisted the help of Jack Coe on drums, Joe Coady on bass and Martin Wann on guitar. I still occasionally perform solo under the name Hector Gannet, so really it’s just the name I use for anything I’m doing creatively. With a worldwide pandemic going on, how have you handled the management of your band over the past few months? It’s been extremely difficult to function as a band. Obviously all plans for live shows this year had to be cancelled or postponed and we couldn’t rehearse as a band at all. Lockdown did, however, provide the time to focus on writing. Perhaps the only good thing to come out of it all for me is that I’ve managed to work on new material. So I’m glad that that time hasn’t been wasted. On top of that, we’ve managed to release an album! It’s been quite strange putting something during these uncertain times, but I really think it’s important to do what we can, and to continue to progress. You've recently dropped a specially-licensed vintage footage video for your single ‘Hollow’. Can you please explain the story behind this footage? Yeah, the footage is from North East Film Archive. It’s taken from a film called ‘Methodism & The Miner’ from 1959 and features coal mines in areas such as Seaham in County Durham. I think it’s amazing that we’re able to use this sort of thing for a music video. This kind of footage is of huge cultural significance and it gives a great insight into that way of life. And the imagery, I feel, really emphasizes the meaning behind the song. What's the story behind the song itself, ‘Hollow’? Where did you find your inspiration? The song was inspired by the north east’s coal mining heritage. It’s emotional and physical remanence sort of adorns the area, like eerie reminders of a bygone age. Coal mining is a significant part of our culture. It deserves to be remembered and celebrated whilst also acknowledging the impact that it had on life and the surrounding environment. As well as acknowledging the impact that the demise of such an industry has on the identity of a people and a place. This song is taken from your debut album, “Big Harcar”, out now. How long have you worked on this record? It’s been a long time in the making, really. Some of the songs are fairly new in relation to others which have evolved over quite some time. They were all recorded at roughly the same time with the intention of creating this body of work. And I feel like it came together really well, showing all sides of Hector Gannet up to this point. Any funny story to share from your recording or writing sessions? I make the most of any opportunity to give Jack a fright. So any time we're together and not busy rehearsing or recording, I’m usually hiding behind doors, curtains, under tables, in cupboards, boxes and bins, like a coiled viper, waiting to strike. I have video evidence of most of these incidences, just about one for every rehearsal session. I’m sure you are, like a lot of people, missing live shows. Do you already have some dates planned for the end of the year or 2021 to promote this debut record? We did have two sold out shows at Tyne Bank Brewery, Newcastle in November. But sadly, with the new lockdown restriction coming into force, they will have to be postponed. We also have sold out matinee and evening shows planned for December 4th at The Cluny 2, Newcastle, so fingers crossed they can still go ahead as planned. It’s just so hard to plan this sort of thing now, as has been proven time and time again this year, you just don’t know what’s around the corner. I’ll be continuing to write throughout and hopefully we’ll be able to get in and record as soon as circumstances allow. The last words are for you. If you have a message to convey, here’s your chance to talk about it! I’d really like to thank everyone for the support they’ve given HG during such difficult times. It’s heartwarming to know that, even in times of such uncertainty, art is still valued by so many. It was overwhelming to see how many people ordered our album and to see four gigs sell out in our local area was unbelievable! This is something that we should all keep in mind, it's so important to support each other, in times like these more than ever, whether it's from a personal or business perspective, we should always be there for one another. To quote the late, great Joe Strummer "without people you’re nothing". Thanks for your time!
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