Interview with the Band The Haptics

December 16, 2024

Interview with the Band The Haptics

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View and MBM Ten Pounder. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all together different in your opinion?

The Haptics: I think it’s important to remain open to opportunities and experiences that come your way while retaining your core values that help you stay connected to yourself and your emotions. It can be a good idea to establish those values to yourself so that when you’re presented with an opportunity in your career, you have touchpoint on which you can weigh the pros and cons of moving forward. A lot of life is very unexpected and you gotta arm yourself with whatever you can.

CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is not an option?

The Haptics: Luckily we’re past the worst times of Covid, where most venues were closed. It’s really a pleasure to see the scene bustling again, with tons of indie bands playing around Vancouver (where we’re based). Still, there’s a lot of pipelines on which bands need to be present and active on, like Instagram and YouTube. I think it’s also important to have a balance between writing music and performing, so that you’re consistently inspired and coming with a fresh perspective.

CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?

The Haptics: I’ve never made pop music so I don’t think I’ve ever been in danger of over saturation. I don’t think consistently force-feeding yourself upon your fans is tasteful, but I do think providing them with content is important. It’s a fine line!

CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
The Haptics: I want to consistently grow and improve as an artist and not feel like I “peaked” at some previous time. I take my favorite songs I’ve written and hold up new work next to it, saying “does this fit?” And “is this just as good?”

CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?

The Haptics: For our band, Cam (the guitarist) usually comes in with a riff or a whole song he has put together on the guitar. I like to improvise vocal melodies and lyrics over it until I have something that really resonates with me and jives well with the music. I keep a backlog in my head of things I’d like to write about and sometimes scribble down key phrases that I’d like to utilize. Lately our bass player, Mike, has been writing more songs as well.

CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?

The Haptics: I write about everyday moments, feelings, or personal experiences that I think people can relate to. It’s so important to me that an individual not feel deathly alone all the time. Alienation is such a great danger, despite how close knit we are virtually. I think it’s brave to write about personal feelings and experiences as viscerally as possible, in the hopes of connecting with other people who might feel the same way, and possibly feel alone because of it.

CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?

The Haptics: When I was a kid my dad really made me feel like I was capable of anything I set my mind to. I’m really lucky to have had that support. He still comes to see my shows today.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?

The Haptics: We’ve got a new single, Biodome, coming out December 1st. We are really excited to release this one! Our video is special as well, it features brand new behind the scenes and moments with the band. Additionally, we’re playing a show in Vancouver on November 21st, at The Cobalt! Should be a good one.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

Check out The Haptics at:
Instagram: @the.haptics
Facebook: @The Haptics
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@the.haptics.cs
Official: www.thehaptics.ca

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.