The Haptics formed in 2022, united by a love for post-punk. Based in Vancouver, their music blends dark post-punk beats with Alternative Rock and Grunge. Their name signifies a focus on sensory experiences.
Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band? Where do you call home?
We are The Haptics from Vancouver BC! Jin is our vocalist extraordinaire, Mike is our bassist/producer, Alexis bangs the drums and I’m Cam – guitar/songwriter/general organizer
- How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
Jin and I met in early 2022 via craigslist. In late 2023 we had a slight change of line-up and Mike joined us (again via craigslist) and then more recently Alexis joined up (via craigslist) to compete the current line-up.
- Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
No real recipe. Often Cam and sometimes Mike, brings in a riff or chord progression, sometimes a complete song. We then will jam it out, play around with it. Jin seems to be able to write lyrics in tight spots so before we even have a complete framework she’ll start laying lyrics overtop. When something clicks and we all can groove on it then we know we’ve hit on something.
- How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
Many people would describe our music as post-punk or garage rock. Maybe a hint of grunge and early 2000’s vibes
- What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
My own personal list, well a guilty pleasure is singing along to the Hall n Oats catalog. Love the vocal harmonies. I’ve embarrassed myself more than once singing along in the car or on the bus when I have my ear buds in
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
We usually load in/sound check and then find somewhere close to eat a meal together, have a few drinks. Generally loosen up before the show. We should come up with a pre-show cheer or something, any suggestions?
- Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
As a band we’ve played with some other very cool bands but no one that has left us speechless or starstruck. Here’s hoping on the next tour!
- What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
I think getting together and releasing the material we have so far is a major accomplishment. Our greatest achievement? Playing and headlining the Cobalt in Vancouver felt like a big milestone for us.
- What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
It’s got to have feeling, and a good melody. If you can match those things with a catchy groove then you know you’re on the right track
* When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
Ya that’s a tricky one. Sometimes you’ll write a song and bring it to the rehearsal space, and it will feel done right away. Other times it feels like it’s never going to be done. Most of the time as a band we will play a new song a lot and then we all kind of feel it’s ready to be played live
* What song of yours are you most proud of?
I think we continue to develop as songwriters so it’s really the latest stuff that gets me the most excited. “Biodome” was just released on streaming and I think it’s our best to date. I’m excited to share the rest of the upcoming album with the world! Look for it in late spring!
- *Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
Not impossible but in my experience very nearly impossible. One day when we have personal chefs on tour with us we can commit to eating healthy! Lol!
* Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
Inspiration can hit at the most unexpected times. You’ve got to get the ideas down while they’re fresh whether it be on the road or at home.
*What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
Oh man, ot super embarrassing but we we’re playing a show recently and we go to start the last song, which has a guitar intro….and I start to lean into it with as much emotion as I can. I got through the first 4 bars before I realized there was a power issue with my pedal board. Had to trouble shoot and then get back into it.
*What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
We’d love people to give us a listen! Expose us to the world!
*How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
Check us out at thehaptics.ca and on all streaming services! @the.haptics on insta
