INTERVIEW: FHAT — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

FHAT

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I have been talking with the guys of FHAT…

about their awesome new single, Pleasure, and what its story is. Aaron and Sedric discuss how they found one another and the sort of music they vibe to; what comes next for them; if we might catch them on tour – they recommend some artists to have a look out for.

I ask them whether they have anything left to tick off their to-do list before the end of the year; whether being on stage is the most important part of music; what advice they would give to artists coming through – the guys end the interview by selecting some great songs.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Aaron: Great. Very eventful (laughs) #leoseason (fifth season of the astrological cycle, within which I was born). We released the first single, found an apartment in Berlin (move in next week) and it was Sedric’s birthday party last night.

Sedric: It’s been pretty epic. I think we’re still recovering.

How are you taking to the heat at the moment? Is it encouraging songwriting and creativity?

A: Yes. I love the heat; I love to be sweaty and wear as little clothes as possible.

S: I love it. I feel like it makes everything relaxed and easy. It’s always my happiest time of year, so making music is always fun.

Pleasure is your debut cut. What is the story behind the song?

A: After our first feature, Back to Life, we had been constantly writing songs for FHAT; experimenting with different styles and producers. Inspired by the SZA album and Ty Dolla Sign, we wanted some fast, really modern vibes so we met with Jumpa! He is a killer Trap, Hip-Hop and Electronic producer and he whipped up this track rather quickly - as Geminis usually do when given a challenge. The result was Pleasure - a sexy summer bop about how, sometimes, tough situations usually end up having great rewards.

S: Yeah. The thing I love about it is that each song we write is like a snapshot of our friendship and the positive impacts it’s had on us. It’s been a wild journey, but we really keep each other in line and we’re always pleasantly surprised by the end results. I’m STILL trying to figure out how the hell we ended up in Berlin!

How did FHAT find one another? When did you two meet?

A: We met three years ago at a birthday party in a castle in the Hollywood Hills. I had been living in L.A. working on music, becoming a vegetarian and doing yoga (you know, as one does in L.A. (laughs). We instantly became very close as if we’d known each other for years! Our friendship became so dear. I applied for a few travel credit card and we pulled an EAT PRAY LOVE! And ended up in Berlin

S: The weird thing is we’d both lived in New York for the same exact amount of time and knew some of the same people - I’m sure we’d passed each other a few times…but this random night in L.A., a few people from the castle party were going to a show of Aaron’s. At first glance, I thought he was very…’high on life’ (laughs). At the end of the night, he asked if I was a vampire. The next day we went to The Cheesecake Factory and laughed for hours. The rest is history.

Are you looking ahead at more material in the future? Might we see an E.P. later this year?

A: You will see A LOT from us in the coming year. We plan on releasing tons of music independently; a music video with a very special character from a popular U.K. television show. Def planning on more shows and would love to do a classic album like Kali Uchis, Daniel Caesar and Janelle Monáe have done. A body of work with visuals!

S: Absolutely! We’re working with so many people who just feel what we’re trying to do. I think, once we’ve achieved a few of our short-term goals with music videos, web series; singles and festivals, we’ll do a retreat in Spain and get started on a trippy FHAT album. We’re both such avid music lovers - we really want to present something special.

Which artists do you count as idols? Do you listen to the same sort of music?

A: Idols - Sade, Jessie ware; Jill Scott, Lianne La Havas; Emily King, Nina Simone….the list goes on. There is so much music I am in love with. Yes, I listen to lots of different styles of music but Alt-R&B, classic R&B; Soul and Jazz tend to be my go-to. #Gregoryporter #rachelleferrell

S: We do love a lot of the same stuff but always surprise each other with the deep cuts from our own faves. Aaron has this particular brand of early-2000s R&B/Pop that I never heard. It’s always nice to spark up, dance and laugh at how far music’s come since then…

As far as my own idols; they’re always singers who make me feel something transcendent. Like Whitney (Houston), Patti (Smith); Sade, Erykah (Badu), Sarah Vaughan; Le'Andria Johnson, Nat King Cole and Plácido Domingo. The list goes on but I’m picky with singers!

What do you hope to achieve before the end of 2018?

A: We really wanna nail the music video for Pleasure. We film mid-August and have a great team and concept for the tune. We would love to keep doing bigger shows. We played at a festival here in Berlin on the Red Bull tour bus and it went over really well!

S: I’m so pumped for these visuals. We have another directing team working on a video for another single of ours and I get the feeling it’ll be iconic. And at some point, I’d like to get back to the U.S. and take on some of the big stages there and show them what we’ve been working on.

Do you think there will be touring dates? Can we catch you play?

A: Yesss. That’s our ultimate goal! As electronic as our productions may be, they are very musical and we are classic SANGERS under all of that. The live shows are going to be amazing! There’s also been talks of opening for a special someone in October will keep you posted.

S: At the moment, we’ve been hitting in Berlin, testing out how all this music goes over. Would love to spread out over Europe in the next few months and eventually make it international!

Can you recall a time when you have had a really great time on stage? Who has been the most to perform with?

A: A few weeks ago at our show at Prachtwerk here in Berlin...the crowd was so into the vibes. We included an incredible pianist in the set and it felt great to play our music live and have people respond to it SOO well.

S: The first show we did at an event called Songversations was really special for me. It was our first time playing together and it was just us. So many people came out and showed love. They knew the words to our songs and danced like we were already stars. At that moment, I was like: ‘Yeah; this is a thing’.

How important is it getting up on stage and performing to the crowd? Are they the best times?!

A: Oh, yes. I started singing in a Jazz trio at eighteen in Pittsburgh and in New York; I was on a stage multiple times a week! I love to perform and to be performing your own original material is so rewarding!

S: It’s so crucial. Since I was a kid, it’s all I think about. We had this big, wall-to-wall mirror in my old house and I would run full-length concerts of all my favorite songs, complete with choreo; crowd banter and intermissions. I took it very seriously. So; to step on stage and have people singing back to us is just a dream.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

A: I have to say it’s been the past year-and-a-half traveling around and working on the FHAT project! Because it’s the two of us, there’s not as much pressure as solo project. FHAT is fueled by us being our most authentic selves and bringing the best out of each other! The journey so far has been hard; at times never knowing where your next paycheck is coming from but “we don’t mind the pain when it comes with so much pleasure”. Hahah

S: That’s a tough one. The first thing that comes to mind is actually when we recorded Back to Life. Up until that day, we’d never worked together. But, something about that song just brought it all together for me - our friendship, this path – and, what started as a random session, ended up just being a crazy studio party. The energy was so high.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

A: Would love to tour with Anderson. Paak or Tank and the Bangas…or Lizzo.

Rider: Coconut water, spinach pies; Hugo and face lotion to STAY MOIST!

S: I’d love to open for Tyler, Little Dragon or Ty Dolla Sign. We definitely need a drummer. I would keep the crowd guessing by swapping different instruments like trumpet, guitar and laser harp. We need a smoke machine and some fire. I’m a Leo: fire gets me going.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

A: Know your lane. Practice…a lot. Know the business as well. It’s a rapidly evolving tech age and you need to stay ahead of the curves. Lastly; MAKE GOOD S#%¥.

S: I’d say, don’t be afraid to create your own lane with respect to those who inspire you! Go deep within, find out exactly what message you would send yourself to heal yourself from whatever-the-f*ck and just put the work in to make it sound as clear as possible. If it’s meant to be, the universe will have your back.

IN THIS PHOTO: Noah Slee/PHOTO CREDIT: Wilk

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

A: Noah Slee if you haven’t already. Sonder. Louis III. Moli. Sedric Perry is also about to put some really amazing solo stuff out.

S: I’m flattered, pookie. There’s this girl, Aleana, from Philly I knew when I was in high-school. She’s just the complete package for me - voice, lyrical content; flow, how subtle she is with her delivery. It kind of reminds me of when I started listening to Jill Scott – and, of course, Aaron. Since our time together, I’ve watched him carve his own lane and find his truest voice. Sometimes, I’m still surprised by the sh*t he comes home with!

IN THIS PHOTO: Aleana

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

A: We’ve been going to a lot of lakes here in Berlin as the weather’s been great. We also love a good sauna/spa when we have some extra money.

S: we were going really hard this year where we didn’t have a day off. Even when we were off, we were talking about what the next move would be. But, recently we learned it’s healthy to put some distance in there every now and then. Berlin’s pretty wild so it’s easy to decompress. Hehe.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

A: Sade - When Am I Going to Make a Living