(EDDIE):Tell us how Hammerbag got together?

(PAUL):Hmmm...Originally Hammerbag wasn't even a band - it was my solo project. I'd spent so many fruitless years playing in different bands, all of which went nowhere, and most of which were destined for failure.

Grand total of accomplishments?...Played lots of gigs, had lots of fun, made no money - and was really no closer to my goal of becoming a professional musician.At the breakup of the last band, I decided I had to do something...I wanted something to show for all my years playing...And since most musicians I had worked with (alright, there were some exceptions) were alcoholics, drug addicts, has - beens, or just plain idiots, I decided on a "solo project."

I would foot the bill, write all the songs, and get several of my best buddies and favorite musicians to play drums and bass.Other than the expense, it was the best thing I ever did. No hassles about song writing - "you don't like it? Go get your own solo project!" The only problem was that since I had to pay for everything myself - it took me forever to get it finished. My writing style has changed somewhat since I recorded the album.

Now Hammerbag is three people - myself, Paul Crane (all guitars, lead vocals) Myles Jarvis (bass and vocals) and Matt McIlmoyle. (drums) I've known both these guys for years and have worked on and off with Matt since 1994. We will probably add a second guitarist at some point, but I haven’t found the right guy yet…

(EDDIE):What are the bands main influences?

(PAUL): My influences, well - I like heavy music, from old Metallica, Maiden and Priest, to Corrosion of Conformity, Megadeth, Fear Factory and Pantera. I listen to a lot of guitar based music too – guys like Steve Morse and Satriani. As far as our sound – well, I’ve been told by several people that we have our own sound – I’m not really interested in doing something that’s already been done!

(EDDIE): Where can we hear and buy Hammerbag Cds?

(PAUL): I have Mp3s on my site.

HAMMERBAG I usually have about four songs that I switch around once a month or so. My main concern is getting Hammerbag out to metal fans everywhere – so I don’t mind posting the whole album in Mp3’s. The album is also available for sale off the website, and is in a couple of retail stores (HMV Kingston), Sam’s (Quinte Mall Belleville) in the southern Ontario area.

(EDDIE): What was your most memorable experience - making the CD – or playing a gig?

(PAUL): Hmmm…...Hard to say,As far as a learning experience goes, the CD was invaluable – I learned a ton. As far as memorable, I’d say it would have to be a gig my last band played in Northern Ontario – a place called Fort Frances! What a place – it’s a 24 hour drive from where we are...

First, we got caught in a forest fire, (no shit!) secondly, a drunken patron of our hotel fell asleep with a lighted smoke and nearly burned the hole place down, (according to the hotel manager, we saved his life) and thirdly, we seemed to be caught in some sort of ongoing war between an outlaw motorcycle gang and the local police forces. (Seems the previous year the gang had decided to turn the club we were at into their own private drinking establishment, and tossed everybody out. A combined force of the Fort Frances Police, The R.C.M.P. and the O.P.P. was needed to tear - gas them outta there. In the ensuing melange, one of the gang members was either severely hurt or killed, and, seeing that this was the one - year anniversary of the event, the boys were back in town to avenge their buddy....By doing it all again! Needless to say we survived the entire ordeal, but I’ll never forget it!

(EDDIE): Who produced the Cd and where was it produced?

(PAUL): The cd was produced by myself and Rick Scott of Scott Sound Studio in Belleville,Ontario.

(EDDIE): Where can we see Hammerbag play live, and what are your plans on upcoming shows – where and when?

(PAUL): Currently writing is the number one priority on the Hammerbag agenda, but we would like to be out doing some gigging soon. No plans for live shows as yet, but we’ll probably be playing in the “golden horseshoe” area of southern Ontario, as we are an all original heavy band – no covers of the “Tragically Hip” or “Matchbox 20” for us, thank you very fucking much.

(EDDIE): For people who never saw Hammerbag live, what could they expect to see?

(PAUL): “Bullshit free” heavy music. No puffy haired, big attitude “I’m a rockstar from LA” bullshit. I hate that stuff more than anything in the world. Loud, heavy, aggressive, dynamic, perhaps even a little “different.” That’s Hammerbag.

(EDDIE): Where are all the members from and history?

(PAUL): We’re all from south – central Ontario. We’re all in our early thirties. We’ve all been playing forever…yada, yada, yada.

(EDDIE): What is Hammmerbag planning next?

(PAUL): At this point, we’re looking to go into a big studio and redo and reproduce a couple of new tunes we did for some interested parties. There’s a good possibility they may be released to radio, so they have to be redone in a state – of – the art studio.

(EDDIE): Any current news?

(PAUL): I think after we finish up the next recording session, it’ll be time to get out and do some gigging…if anyone in Ontario can go an hour without hearing to the “Tragically Hip.”

(EDDIE):Well thanks paul for coming by and spending some time to tell the people whats up with "HAMMERBAG",and we will do this again sometime.

(PAUL): Well it was a blast,take care!!!!!Cheers.

You Can Check Out The Bands Site By Clicking Below.

HAMMERBAG

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