In some ancient language I bet Naz Hoozbah translates to mean “rock and roll”.
Maybe not, but one listen to Ride The Wave, the debut three song EP from the Montreal rocker and we could start something.
Naz plays the kind of rock and roll that used to be on your Dad’s turntable. It’s a simple recipe, it’s loud, it’s ramshackle, it boogies and it straddles the sounds of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
He’s a mysterious dude, part Keith Richards, part Johnny Thunders, part Hendrix with the charisma of King Khan.
That’s a winning combo in my eyes.
Funny Lil’ Situation leads off, a wicked Hendrix jam with a punk sneer. Surf (Not Heazy) is old school raunch and roll, amped up Bo Diddley – Buddy Holly. Champagne Cocaine, a slow lounge, jangly Stones stroll closes out the EP.
As the man says, “there’s plenty more Hoozbah coming your way.” I’m looking forward to it.
For now meet: Naz Hoozbah!
I am….
I am Naz Hoozbah. I play guitar, write the songs and I sing.
On bass we had Mr. Gaffney on Funny and Sam on the other two, and Mr. Roots on the drums. Bobby on the keys. – huge shout out to those guys!
Tell us about your hometown scene…
Montreal’s a funny place. Its real vibrant when it comes to the arts and there’s pretty much everything for everyone whats that saying. There’s a pretty big underground scene, with shows ranging from trippy off-beat electronic stuff to garage rock to sweaty ass punk. There’s some good stuff! The hipsters run the town though..
What influences Naz Hoozbah lyrically?
Shit like being forced into an unhealthy relationship with Big Brother and his cuz Mr.Taxman at the same time, while they’re both cheating on you. You know? Anything really. Bob Dylan, life, girls.
Describe your sound as a cocktail – what would it be called and what would be in it?
Rock n Roll Tits
Ingredients: 1 ice-cube, 1 booze, 1 water
(serve chilled and with style)
What songs do you remember most from your childhood?
Californication by the Peppers, Smells like Teen Spirit, Enter Sandman, and Yellow Submarine. Some Ricky Martin too.
What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal?
Hoozbah’s spirit animal has to be a fox. Foxes are smart, they’re cute and they’re fluffy. They also make for good headwear.
If you could pick any time and place to travel back to for music, where would you go and what year would it be….?
Woodstock 69. Would definitely have wanted to do ’65 – ’75. No better time for music if you ask me.
If you could tour with any band/artist right now who would that be and why?
Danny and the Darleans. I found those guys on your blog and they fuckin’ rock. So much attitude, so much energy and good groove.
What would Naz Hoozbah do with $100,000?
Buy himself a van, a Binson Echorec, some batteries, stock up on guitar strings, and clear-out Discogs. Also he would probably get a spa membership and figure out a way to record at Abbey Road Studios with whatever’s left.
Give us your 10 song playlist for the tour van/bus/plane?
Damn guys.. So cruel.
Spooky – Dusty Springfield
Love Me Please Love Me – Michel Polnareff
That’s Life – Frank Sinatra
Harvest Moon – Neil Yüng
Don’t Let Me Down – The Beatles
Dirty, Dirty Feeling – Elvis Presley
Shattered – Rolling Stones
Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream – Bob Dylan
Fame – David Bowie
Voodoo Chile – Jimi Hendrix
****** Wild Life – Wings *******
When you’re not playing and have some time off, where could we find you…
At home listening to records and dancing around the living room or exploring the beautiful intricacies and aural pleasures that music has to offer. Or given’r buck 10 of course .
What’s up for the rest of 2016 and 2017?
The rest of 2016 is for going back to the drawing board and to allow some time for reflection, think on how exactly to tackle the next year, ground some things that are up in the air you know, shine the boots, shine the saddle and get ready to get back in it.
2017 we have a few more songs to record from the old batch of stuff (circa Ride The Wave), and then some new material that we gotta lay down to tape. Play some more gigs around town and try to throw together a lil tour when the summer comes around. Keep spreading the love basically.
