Today we're happy to announce Miami's own ANR (Awesome New Republic) will part of the Sonicbids Official SXSW Party, presented by Jansport and with our friends at Planetary Group. Join us on Friday, March 16, 11:30am-5:30pm at Maggie Mae's. And for a limited time, put your tastemaker skills to the test and tell us who should play alongside ANR. RSVP and vote here!
I got to catch up with vocalist John Hancock to hear more about ANR - and learned all kinds of things like their film scoring work, our shared affection of Prince and Bowie, and what else has been going on in the Republic of Awesome.
Here’s the obligatory “tell me about yourself” question. How and when was ANR born into the world?
JH: ANR started out as a side project from the band Brian and I were in in college. The project was actually called John Hancock ANR at the time. Once the other band halted, Brian got in on the project and we dropped the John Hancock part, made it a band with some other friends, and recorded our first album, "Witness now the birth of an awesome new republic."
Those that know me know that my favorite vocalist of all time is Freddie Mercury, so I’m clearly a sucker for bands with strong vocal lines and anthemic melodies - which I often hear in ANR. Are there any artists out there that have inspired these elements in your music?
JH: David Bowie and Prince are the most obvious singers that comes to mind. In general, I've always been really into the melodies sung by performer's in the 80's and 90's pop r&b game. Also the dynamic variety coming from the guys in Fugazi. And softer stuff like Arthur Russell. Dismemberment Plan, Q and not U, and early Liars were also big influences on ANR with how they combined rap and r&b and funk with post-punk while using things like synth bass and pads in the context of a rock band.
I understand you're no newbies to the SXSW mayhem. Any takeaways or lessons from your past experiences that are helping you prepare for this year?
JH: This year as opposed to other years, I think we'll be dieting more on juices, cultured drinks, and other new age dietary items rather than the obligatory barbecue and cheap beer. Maybe then we'll maintain a high energy level throughout.
Who are some of the bands or events you’re excited to check out yourself while in Austin?
JH: I'm particularly excited about the film and interactive portion this year, which I've never been to, but will be attending in support of "I Am Your Grandma" and "The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke" which we helped score. Other than that, I'm most looking forward to being surprised by things I've never heard of. And the Boss.
Aside from SXSW, what else has been going on with you guys that we should be on the lookout for over the next couple months?
JH: We're in the process of recording another album, so we'll be dropping stuff here and there from those sessions, like singles until its out later in the year. We'll be on the "Flannel Beach" compilation coming out via Discosoma Records that highlights bands coming out of South Florida. And we've got some side projects in the works with other friends down here in Miami that will be popping off.
Check our ANR's video for Stay Kids, also the title track off their LP.
