Backward: its KNATSABOOH.
Either way it doesn't make sense.
But it doesn't really have to when you are playing in front of thousands of people every night.
As Orlando is to boy bands, so is Southern California is to rock bands. (I think we've been robbed.)And another one has vegetated out of the Golden State-Hoobastank. Though I can't really tell you what the name means, I can tell you who they are: four guys from Agoura Hills and surrounding areas who have just released their self-titled debut, Doug Robb, vocals; Dan Estrin, guitar; Markku Lappalainen, bass; and Chris Hesse, drums. This quartet develops a kind of sound that is comparable to Incubus and Linkin Park. And why not? They all grew up together.
Hoobastank self released their first album, "They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To", in 1995 selling all copies, local and abroad. Now you can hear their hit single, "Crawling In The Dark," about every twenty minutes on a couple of local radio stations. Currently the band is busy with a demanding schedule, just returning from Europe with Incubus and now touring with 311.The boys took a break from their to-do list and talked with me about their new found notoreity.
Q: Incubus, Linkin Park, Hoobastank. Differnt names, same music?
A: That is what people say, but we have our differences. We are all from the same area in California, so of course we are going to sound similar. And, basically right now there is nother else out there. Once people become more familiar with us they will see a difference.
Q: So you guys were pretty well hooked up in the music business, being such good friends with the guys from Incubus and Linkin Park. Do you ever think that you are where you are because of luck?
A: Well yeah, we were totally lucky. There were a lot of people that helped us out. Rob's brother, Tom, has worked security for bands for a while. He was able to hook us up and get us on the stage with the lead singer of Live.
Q: You just came back from Europe on tour with Incubus. What was the response like from the Europeans?
A: Actully, we had about the same response as over here. It was great.
Q: Did you take a break to check out the sights?
A: Yeah, it was out first time there are we were pretty busy, but we did get a day off in Barcelona. That was our favorite. We took the day to play around and rented scooters and went around the city. It is really different over there. Everybody smokes.
Q: Now you are back in the U.S. and just began touring with 311.
A: Yeah I know. It's amazing. Everything is blowing up! Opening for 311 is awesome and a good percentage of the crowd is ours.
Q: Performing half way around the world and now here? Is it all kind of hectic?
A: No complaints. you can't really complain when you are playing in front of thousands of people. You cant have a bad time. The only things is that you do get homesick and wish you could spend more time with your family.
Q: Are you getting to the point where you are recognizable and you just can't relax and hang out with your friends?
A: Not really. We have been gone for a couple of months.More people recognize Doug than the rest of us.
Q: What were you guys doing to make a living before everything came together for you? Did you quit your jobs immediatley after you were signed?
A: Well, I (Chris) was working at a plant nursery and and I gave them two week notice, but that only lasted for 3 days. I couldn't help it. It was the happiest day of my life. Doug and Dan were working at the YMCA as counselors and Markku was doing set design.
Q:What's next for Hoobastank?
A: After our tour with 311, we tour with Incubus again for a couple more weeks and then we get a two week break. I think a couple of us are going to Hawaii for some relaxation. Then we will come back, and make a new record and start it all over again.
