In our very latest Band Spotlight, we chat to Harry Hanson (lead vocals and synth) from Adult DVD about the band’s creative inspirations, and much more!
S] Hi guys, how are you today?
Very well thanks, we are currently heading to Bristol for a show. Then Brighton tomorrow, Southampton Friday and Manchester Saturday. A fun little run ahead, Brighton and Manchester have sold out so morale is high!
S] I saw your live show a few days back – great stuff, how hard, or easy is it to pull the live representation of your sound off?
Well, thanks to Jake, it’s actually quite easy. He’s the brains of the set up (in intelligence and music equipment), we all sync the synths off his set up. In terms of representing the recorded sound, we use pretty much the same equipment as we did in the studio (hence all the shit we have to bring) so it sounds coherent to the recordings.
S] On that note, what would you say your biggest challenges as a band are?
We use a waterproof roof bag to put all the equipment in, which is a nightmare to pack. So that’s definitely been the biggest challenge, of today anyway.
S] What about the best thing about creating music as Adult DVD?
It’s honestly just so fun, we have the best time doing it. We write upbeat music so it naturally boosts our mood, without that being cringey.
S] To what extent, if any, has Leeds had an influence on your sound?
Me and Jonny are from Leeds already, but the rest of the band moved here because it’s a great place, with a great music scene too. But, we don’t sound like any bands in Leeds, so we’ve not been influenced by the sound. If anything it’s influenced us more to do our own thing and our own sound.
S] How do you define success as a band?
We are only at the start of any success, but just having gigs being busy, and people singing along is pretty nuts to us. Especially when we played over in Rotterdam, at Left of the Dial Festival. It was our first time playing out of the UK, and we played four shows in three days. Every show was busy and people knew the words to the songs, that was a real ‘wow we must be doing something right’ moment.
S] What about legacy?
People still singing Bill Murray long after we have died.
S] What ideas and themes went into ‘Yacht Money’?
Lyrically it’s actually quite morbid, it’s about growing up, the good life, financial troubles (selling the yacht) and getting old, all within four minutes 28 seconds. I don’t really like writing straight to the point, ‘woe is me’ songs, so it’s very much tongue in cheek – hence me crying about having to sell a yacht. Imagine having one in the first place!! I don’t have a yacht by the way. It’s expensive enough putting the heating on.
S] What three things would you each have to put in your ‘Sadman Mancave’?
Harry] Equaliser 1, Equaliser 2, Equaliser 3
Greg Lonsdale – lead vocals and synth] dvd player, phoenix nights on DVD, and wifi
Danny Blackburn – guitar and synth] Guinness tap, air hockey table, dodgy box
Jonny Newell – drums ] Record player, curry cooking book, oh and a record.
Jake Williams – synth] Time Crisis arcade game, karaoke machine and cocktail bar
George Manson – bass] Bowling alley, with a ramp and bumpers
Marco (who’s driving us)] 2 crates of San Miguel and a fridge
S] Another weird one for you, if you could come up with a Frankenstien’s Monster for Adult DVD – so, the head of Numan, the balls of Blur and the left knee of…Soulwax for example? – what would it be?
That Frankenstein seems pretty great to me.
S] Is there anything you’d like to add or promote that I’ve missed?
You’ve got everything for now, we are busy writing and recording at the minute. More on that soon.
S] Is there a message for the people who have supported your work, and will continue to do so?
Thanks so much! Loads of shows and new music this year.
S] Thanks so much for the time!!
No, thank you! great questions. Enjoyed that!
For more visit: https://adultdvd.band/
