Emerging from stoner roots into a powerful original force, Giant Haze discuss their evolution, raw live energy, ‘The Healing,’ and how emotion, groove, and authenticity shape their growing musical identity.
1. Giant
Haze first came together performing tribute shows to bands like Kyuss. At what
point did you realize the project had the potential to become its own creative
force?
That was when Pete shared an own song with the band. This had the same effect
as an erupting sun to us. We started to write new stuff very fast after this
initial kick off.
2. Your debut album Cosmic Mother received strong feedback from the
international stoner and doom community. How did the response to that record
influence your confidence as a band?
That was really flattering but nothing more. We do have a strong reputation as
a live band and there is the main focus for us. Craft a moment of art and
psychedelia with a strong energy, loose yourself and live in that moment for a
short time. It is our ritual.
3. Critics have compared your sound to a mix of Fu Manchu, Kyuss, and even
the raw attitude of Misfits. How do you personally describe the musical
identity of Giant Haze?
That fits pretty good :) Seriously the whole Stoner/Doom/Grunge thing is our
influence but we do not try to copy a band really. Our own way of celebrating
heavy music can be described best as written above „for fans of…“.
4. Your new single The Healing carries a strong emotional theme about loss
and perseverance. What inspired the story behind the song?
Life is the inspiration - more concrete its friends and people around us which
we know and who did not have an easy time, easy changes in life. Sometimes
because of the environment, sometimes because of their own mindset.
5. The track also captures a very authentic groove by recording drums and
bass live. Why is that live energy so important for the Giant Haze sound?
We did not just one take the rhythm section, we did also capture imperfect
vocal tracks, sometime recorded on the fly as a one take only. We love an
organic sound and it is all about that little dynamic bits and pieces that
makes it sound human and organic.
6. The ’90s influence is clearly present in your music, including echoes of
bands like Smashing Pumpkins. What is it about that era that continues to
inspire you creatively?
It was a time where it was technically possible to sound like you wanted it to
be - and you had the great 70s and 80s just behind as an inspiration. The
evolution of heavy music had a real peak in the 90s - together with a general
„I do not mind“ culture and „generation X“. But most important about the 90s is
the individual approach for music - every band had their own style and own
recipe of crafting unique songs that were all new for the scene.
7. Stoner rock often focuses on heavy riffs and atmosphere, but The Healing
also carries emotional depth. How do you balance heaviness with storytelling in
your songwriting?
We separate it :) the music is written mainly by Andi (bass guitar) and
sometimes as well by Pete (guitar) and Timo (drums) - but I can focus 100% on
the vocals and lyrics. So I can take my time and write something that matters
for me and might also have a value for other people. It is a process of healing
for me to write those lines. Nite: we have enough songs about fast cars and
beautiful girls, so we needed a bit more depth than that.
8. Giant Haze emerged from the underground scenes in Kiel. How has your
local music scene influenced the band’s development?
It is a social thing. You go to concerts and you try different bands and see
what works for you and what works with your audience. For us it is like a
family where a lot of people help and support each other.
9. Your debut record came out through Tonzonen Records. How has working with
the label helped bring your music to a wider international audience?
Big shoutout to Dirk and Olli from Tonzonen and Edition Vinyl Kommune! It is
great working with you and we love to be party of the family. Yes, again it is
a family kind of feeling here.
10. The title The Healing suggests moving forward after difficult
experiences. Do you see music itself as part of that healing process for both
musicians and listeners?
Absolutely - that is one core message in our song. But is is also about
understanding, why certain losses stay with you even for a long time afterwards
until you can finally let (or no let) them go.
11. Since the release of Cosmic Mother and now this new single, how do you
feel Giant Haze has evolved musically in such a short time?
Yes, absolutely - especially our live performance rituals get better and
better.
12. Finally, with the momentum building around The Healing, what can fans
expect next from Giant Haze in terms of new music, live shows, or future
releases?
We will write a new album later this year and will also do a tour in central
Europe in Autumn. The journey has started and it is far from being over.
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