1. So from the very first time I heard this band I knew that there was something different and exciting about this music. The songs are so well written. How does the band approach the writing process?
Dan- we usually write collectively as a whole. Its very rare for someone to come into practice with a finished song.
Alex- yeah there are many influences at play in a writing session so it can get interesting.
Sal - We do not have a specific way of working. One of us may start off with an idea and then collectively we add our own ideas to a piece or other times it just happens from a jamming session.
Aryan ¡V there is no specific songwriter within hanging doll, which allows each member to bring their own influences and ideas to the tracks.
Kev - It usually stems from one idea, with the rest of the band giving thier individual input,adding thier own layers and building from there as a whole.
2. The songs are multi-layered in their sound and carry a very mature approach that many bands achieve eventually, and some not at all. How long has this band been playing together?
Dan- the line up as it stands now has been together for just over a year and Sally joined us about 18 months back but the first incarnation of the band goes back 6 years ago when Alex and me first started playing together.
Alex- The band has always been about a grand/epic sound so it usually sounds pretty big I guess that is what makes it mature.
Kev - I Joined around 2 years ago, but since the current line up has been together we've grown as a band more thani could ever hope for.
Sal ¡V I think that musical influences and personal experiences and emotions over the years have helped us individually to develop strong ideas and amalgamated together produces the overall sound that we have achieved so far. We are still learning though so hopefully the sound will continue to develop into something stronger still.
Aryan ¡V I was the last addition to the line-up, I joined just over a year ago. I believe by multi-layering the sounds it helps define each songs atmosphere
3. Is there a primary song you feel best captures the bands sound?
Dan - I'm not sure if there is one specific song to point the finger at and say "that is the one" but I know we've all got our favourites to play.
Sal ¡V Not really as our tracks are quite diverse so I would not say that we have a specific sound.
Kev - Theres not one song id say captures our sound.
They all vary but have that @hanging Doll@ feel.
Aryan ¡V elaborating on what dan says really, we all have our favourites to perform on-stage, however I don¡¦t feel there is a specific song that sums up the overall sound of Hanging Doll, as the atmosphere of each song is different
4. Hanging Doll are getting some very big shows. What can fans expect to see from the band live?
Alex- We¡¦re always trying to evolve the show and make it match the music. We love playing live, so I guess you can expect a great show with some ass kickin gothic metal tunes!
Sal - A lot of energy, passion and loud guitars.
5. I see there are some Brazilian dates coming in May. How did these particular dates come about?
Alex- Its to do with a label in the U.K. called Gotham records, were not sure how it came about really.
6. Many bands are asked what influences them. How does it feel to be creating such dynamic music, that others are now being influenced by.
Alex- It is an honour really, personally I love music of all sorts but I love to create music that pulls on the heart strings. I am happy people are being moved by it.
Sal ¡V It is inconceivable to me that something that I am a part of is influencing others, it is both exciting and scary eek!
Kev - Feels pretty cool.
7. Since being together as Hanging Doll, are there any experiences that have came unexpected, or that you where unprepared for?
Dan - there have definitely been some pretty big upheavals along the way. The last major one was the line up change when we recruited Sally. Even though it was a bit unexpected, things have only gotten better for us since she joined.
Alex- I do not think that I was as prepared as I thought for the industry. I don¡¦t think you can ever really describe it, maybe only as an experience in itself.
Sal ¡V This was all totally unexpected. I have been in bands for years and nothing has ever really come to fruition so this is a real shock to the system. Things just keep going from strength to strength. I am grateful for every opportunity that we have been given so far.
8. Tell us about the debut album. When will it be ready, and will the songs from the EP "What Lies in Truth" be included?
Dan - It should be ready by June all being well. The tracks from the EP are on there but they're slightly different versions than before. All the songs on the album have live strings, something ¡§What Lies in Truth¡¨ was missing.
9. For each of you, what does being in this band mean to you?
Dan - For me this band represents being a part of a creative force that i'm extremely proud of.
Alex- being part of something bigger than myself and leaving a legacy.
Sal ¡V It gives me a great sense of achievement and fulfilment. From the music we create, to the bond that we all have together. We all keep the motivation between us going with hard work but also a lot of fun.
Kev - i am very proud to make music i love and be a part of hanging doll.
Aryan ¡V it brings me a vast deal of happiness to be creating music of which I enjoy listening to on a regular basis, and working alongside great musicians. The connection between the band personally as well as musically is fantastic!
10. Where can fans find Hanging Doll merchandise?
Dan - merchandise can be bought through the myspace site, its www. myspace.
com/hangingdoll
Alex - Or at Femme Metal Store Online contact Caz at Femmme Metal Promotions.
Many Thanks
Hanging Doll