We interviewed Peter Michel of up and coming band Hibou. Here’s what he had to say:
1. When did you begin playing your instrument(s)?
I started classical piano lessons when I was 3 years old, then started accumulating other instruments over time. I think I started playing guitar when I was about 9 or 10.
2. How often do you practice?
Whenever I have free time I'm usually playing some instrument, but I don't really think of it as practicing. The whole band has practice a few times a week, or if we are about to go on tour we try and get some time in almost everyday.
3. How did you begin drumming for Craft Spells?
My buddy Jack knew Justin, who writes the music for Craft Spells. Justin was coming up to Seattle to play a show and was going to use a drum machine. We all ran through the songs in Jack's basement for fun with me playing live drums, and after a few songs he asked me to join the band.
4. What was high school like for you?
I hated high school more than I can express. For the first couple years I went to a brick and mortar school in Lake City, Seattle. I switched to online school so I could tour with Craft Spells, and after I quit the band I finished up my online classes and did a few community college classes.
5. What are you looking forward to?
The new year, more touring, meeting people, Europe, the full length, the emperors new groove, breakfast, the hobbit part 2 (if it's better than part 1, if not, I'm not excited), puberty.
6. Where do you discover new music?
Mostly friends show me tunes. I know a lot of people that do the whole sifting through youtube related videos until they find something good, which is awesome, but I don't have the attention span for that.
7. What is your creative process?
So far for all things Hibou, I lay a drum track down, then record a bass line, record a lead guitar part, go back and completely change the bass line, record rhythm guitar or a corresponding lead part, and vocal melodies/synths always come last.
8. What are you listening to currently?
New Arctic Monkeys, Lures, Alt-J, Tangerine, Specials, Chrome Sparks, TOE
9. Who are you inspired by musically?
Another Sunny Day, Field Mice, The Cure, Smiths..
10. What are your biggest career landmarks- what are you proud of thus far and what do you wish for in the future?
Playing on KEXP and getting #1 on the NW music charts was awesome, also getting a write up in NME & songs getting used in video games and touring. We're all really excited to head to Europe in the spring, and hopefully start touring with some rad bands.
11. Is music your full time job? If not, how do you balance work and music?
{C}I also work a retail job a couple days a week when I'm not on tour. I still live with my folks, which works out perfectly for the time being.
12. Do you have any advice for teenagers/young adults interested in entering the music industry?
I'd say be careful because more often than not industry folk will try to fuck you over. Also you really do gotta give it your all- being in school, having a full time job, and touring doesn't really work out too well.