Having already set themselves up as one of the more innovative names on the rise right now, US duo ahaComa are back once again with their vibrant self-titled studio album.
Bringing back more of that bright and adventurous indie-pop aesthetic they are known for, this new six-track collection makes for an incredibly absorbing listen. Brimming with bright and infectious textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and stellar vocals throughout, they continue to shine as one of the more alluring names on the rise right now.
So with the new collection available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Hannah - Ukulele. My grandparents bought my brother a toy ukulele that I ended up playing around with. They ended up getting me a used ukulele that I actually taught myself to play.
Rob - Guitar. From a very young age (probably 4), I was absolutely enamoured with the guitar. I remember thinking it was the coolest, most beautiful thing in the entire world.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Hannah - I loved the Disney Channel and their musicals. Lizzie McGuire the Movie, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and Camp Rock were my favorites.
Rob - The first music that blew my mind, at the age of 7 or 8 was Green Day Dookie. My pre-teen and early teenage years were all about 90's rock like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Hannah - Metamorphosis by Hilary Duff.
Rob - My parents were super strict and religious, so the first CD they let us buy was Joan Osborne (what if god was one of us). We were just happy to get a CD.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Hannah - Probably Mr. Brightside by The Killers. It’s a great song and the storytelling is brilliant.
Rob - Across the Universe.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Hannah - Most songs are created from an idea or a melody that I’ll find a chord progression to then I go from there.
Rob - Not that I'm willing to say on record.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Hannah - A lot of new music out right now. Twenty One Pilots is my most listened to at the moment.
Rob - Right now, Khruangbin, DakhaBrakha, and Trio Mandili.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Hannah - I would love to tour with Miniature Tigers.
Rob - Bob Dylan.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hannah - People having their own connection and meaning of a song.
Rob - The feeling I get when I'm singing and playing a song (usually alone) and it feels and sounds 100% true.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Hannah - Some micro criticisms from people who don’t quite understand the music process and what all goes into it.
Rob - When I attempt to do that in front of people and fail.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Hannah - Writing, singing, and playing are all things you have to maintain like they’re muscles. The more you do them, the stronger they get.
Rob - Don't stop.
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ahaComa's new self-titled album is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.