EMQs with Hi/Jack
EMQ’s with HI/JACK
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Milwaukee based Punk/Rock/Alternative band Hi/Jack. Huge thanks to guitarist & vocalist Max Liam for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Max Liam. I am the guitarist and lead vocalist. The band came together as a result of both our bands falling apart, but we had been unknowingly sharing a bassist. We ended up doing a one-off show with said bassist, and Ron (Terrell, Drummer) and I decided to keep in touch after. One thing led to another.
How did you come up with your band name?
The idea was to come up with an attention grabbing name. Hi/Jack seemed to fit the bill and the backslash was my little tip of the hat to AC/DC, who got me into Rock n Roll.
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from the US. Specifically, Milwaukee! The metal scene here is weird. Lots of bands, not a lot of collaboration, and the idea of competition over camaraderie is pretty heavily present.
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)?
Latest release is our compilation EP “Rank And File” which came out on the 6th December!
Who have been your greatest influences?
AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Green Day, The Clash and Metallica are definitely there. Early Van Halen too!
What first got you into music?
AC/DC’s Back in Black! It started everything for me.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Foo Fighters/Dave Grohl!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Any? I’ll say Glastonbury or maybe Wacken.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing too weird! We got a big stuffed Batman once. That was cool.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Honestly, just the biggest thank you and all the love I can give.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
That’s a hard question. But today I’ll say Malcolm Young. I know AC/DC seem to have confirmed a new album with tracks Malcolm recorded, but I think having him actually there would be much cooler. No disrespect to Stevie Young!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Best thing is getting out there and playing for people. Worst thing, I guess, is when you end up playing to an empty room. But, that’s part of it, man. Gotta pay your dues!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I wish labels would go back to signing bands and then “developing” them. Allowing them to grow and mature with a guiding hand. Not just signing bands that make a quick buck and disappear after a few years.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Besides Back in Black? I’ll say Led Zeppelin IV.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
In my opinion, any of the actual physical options if better than downloads. But, out of the three, I really like how vinyl sounds. There is a difference, just like there’s a difference between a bit-crushed Mp3 and a CD.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I think overall the best gig would either be when we opened for Saving Abel a few months ago, or the second time we played with One-Eyed Doll.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I have no idea. Before music, I was way into Science, until I discovered I was terrible at Algebra, which can be integral to most sciences!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Living: Dave Grohl, Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen, Billie Joe Armstrong and Jimmy Page.
Dead: Bon Scott, Kurt Cobain, Joe Strummer, David Bowie and Muddy Waters.
What’s next for the band?
We will be putting out a full length LP in 2020 via Blue Collar Records. Then, of course, we plan to do a tour and play more shows than we did this past year. Really rev it up!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.hijackmke.com
www.facebook.com/hijackmke
www.twitter.com/hijackmke
www.instagram.com/hijackmke
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I’m more of a Tunnock’s man myself. But my co-worker insists it’s a biscuit!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We are super grateful for how much we’ve progressed this year. Also a huge thank you to our wives, Kendel and Kris, for all your love and support these last 6 years! See ya’ll in 2020!
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