An Interview With The Pop-Rock Band, HAAS On New Music, Favorite Artists and Much More!

“Behind Those Eyes” is the debut single from the pop/rock band HAAS. Released on January 25th, the corresponding music video will be released on February 12th. Lead vocalist Samantha Haas is the driving force behind the project. With HAAS, she strives to promote inclusivity and safety.

Connect With HAAS Here:

Twitter: @iamsamhaas

Instagram: @iamsamhaas

Facebook: @haasbandva

Learn more about HAAS in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What is on tap for the rest of your day?

• I will be traveling to the slopes to spend the weekend falling on my butt while also keeping up with the single Behind Those Eyes; I am excited to see people reacting to it!

Now that a new year has started, what musical goals does this band have for 2019? What are you most proud of about 2018? Do any of you make any New Years Resolutions? Mine is to read more for fun!

• 2019 I feel is going to be a great year for HAAS. Musical goals are to release the second single and finally drop the EP in spring. 2019 is the year to start playing live more often and get the music out there and build a fanbase. I hope by the end of  2019 we will have the ability to start touring.

• 2018 was a big year of learning about myself and actually putting this project together. I am most proud of what you guys haven’t seen or heard yet. The full EP is something I am extremely proud of because I never thought I’d see the day.

• I always make a lot of New Years Resolutions that I usually never follow through with. I have made the decision to get my butt back in shape, so when I am not working on music you will probably find me there. I also want to start learning the production side of music. I have always been interested in it but I was intimidated, but I will conquer that fear. Lastly, I just want to make sure I keep writing and making music and not sit on the stuff we haven’t released. I want to constantly be creating things I love as much as the single, Behind Those Eyes.

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together? Was it hard to think of a name that you could agree on?

• Since I am the sole member right now, those decisions were easy to make. I just hope future members understand the vision and love it as much as I do.

How do you think your hometowns have influenced the sound and how you all carry yourselves in this group?

• My hometown is small and everyone knows everyone as well as everything about everything. Having dreams of getting out of this town and changing the world through music has allowed me to really focus on that. People grow up here and stay; I was never like that. I never wanted to stay here. I want to travel and spread positivity with people that understand. I love my hometown, I have met amazing people. It has shaped the alternative sound. It is a form of music that some people find different which is what I want to portray. It is okay to be different and have different aspirations than those around you.

How has your various musical backgrounds helped shape the sound of this band?

• I take influences from every form of music. I enjoy seeing what other people think is a cool sound and what they have to say about things. Pop/rock is the perfect genre for HAAS’ music to fit into because it is meant to evoke frustration and a sense of anxiousness, because in those moments of writing that is what I was feeling.

How do you think that you have grown as a band since forming? What has remained the same?

• I believe that my influences and the way I write have matured. I have things I really want to say I don’t question myself as often. I had always second guessed myself because I didn’t know if people would like it. At this point in my life, you either love it or hate it and that’s okay. What has remained the same is my values and the main message behind HAAS; a safe space and inclusivity.

Let’s talk about your brand new single, “Behind Those Eyes,” that was just released. What was the inspiration for this song? How do you think it prepares listeners for more music from this group? What was it like making the music video for it that will be out next month?

• Behind Those Eyes was inspired by a toxic individual that had an immense amount of pull in my family dynamic, which I did not like. Once I started noticing red flags, I was honest with those around me and they failed to listen. So I did what I do best and put my feelings to paper. That person inspired the first verse. When I was trying to decide the direction I wanted to take it, I realized it wasn’t even about that person but about my dynamic with my sister. This song is a cry out to my sister. It is my last resort to “save her”. Sometimes honesty is needed even if that person doesn’t want to hear it.

• Behind Those Eyes prepares listeners for the ups and downs of relationships It really pulls at the heartstrings; it is relatable to everyone. Everyone has and will experience the ups and downs. The single shows that no one is invincible to love and loss.

• The music video was an easy, yet challenging process. I had to figure out whether I wanted it to be simple and leave it up to interpretation or tell the full story. I chose to kind of combine the two, which you will see next month. My good friend Taylor Wyscarver shot the video and did an awesome job showing my mental state at the time of all the things happening.

When do you plan on releasing more new music and a full collection of new songs? How will “Behind Those Eyes” compare to your other songs?

• HAAS plans to release new music sooner than later and plan to release the full EP early spring!

• Behind Those Eyes is the more mellow of the other songs. It is the most emotional of the bunch but adds that spunk of the guitars to get the frustration. The other songs are more upbeat other than the one other slower song. Guess you will find out soon!

Generally, how do you all go about writing your music? Do you write together or separately?

• I am a solo writer usually. Each process is different but I take an idea and expand on it. I always appreciate input from others but it usually sticks closely to what is written. I hope that I get the opportunity to co write because a unbiased person can bring new energy to a narrative.

Where do you think you are all happiest- in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?

• Hmm that is a great question but I believe that my happiest as of now is in the studio creating the work that people get to hear. I have never had the opportunity to really perform my music that people come out ot specifically hear. I am excited for that day because I believe that will alter that feeling. I do believe that each experience is a different form of happiness.

Where can people see you perform next? How has your recent tour been going? What has been a favorite show of yours so far? What do you think makes an ideal show for this group?

• As of right now there are no current shows booked. We hope with this single and future music that we will be able to play more often.

Do you find that all of social media and keeping up with your fans has gotten so overwhelming? Or do you rely heavily on others to take care of that for the band? Which platform would you say that you enjoy engaging with the most?

• I think getting used to using social media constantly yet not getting too caught up in it all is an adjustment. I have been enjoying the experience of putting things together for fans and letting them into my life and process of working. Instagram is the platform I enjoy engaging with most. I love seeing people post about my work and I love letting them into my life at a brief moment in time.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how you all think being musicians and in this band still gives you the most joy in life today? Do you find that your music is an escape to all the current events?

• What a world we live in, it is a scary time but at the same time I think young people have never been more together, creating a space of change. Being a musician allows me to talk about these things and give me a voice when other people or spaces won’t allow it. The joy is the people find shelter in the music and can escape from the current reality even though it still could discuss things happening. I believe right now the music HAAS creates is an escape from current events but allows for the place to look back at the past, acknowledge the present and looks towards a brighter future.

What musicians would you love to work with in the future? What artists have really been inspiring this group and your music since day 1?

• Brendon Urie is my top right now. He is a genius when it comes to merging sounds and experimenting. I’d love to sing with the queen herself, Hayley Williams. Alec Benjman is an amazing songwriter, I’d love to write with him. I’d also love to do something with Bring Me the Horizon, their new stuff is sick. Yungblud would be a cool colab; I love the way he writes about current things happening.  I could go on for days but I’ll leave it at that right now. Tell them they can call me up any time.

• I have been inspired from day one by Fleetwood Mac, Paramore, Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy, Against the Current, With Confidence, 5 Seconds of SUmmer, Real Friends, The Maine, State Champs, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles. Oh my gosh I could go on, but those are just a few to name.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

• I hope the message of my music is that it is okay to be hurt. You eventually move on and learn. I also want them to see that being yourself is awesome. You kick ass and are worth it!  I hope people take away that  learning is key to growth. I want them  to take away that being honest to one another and to oneself is the most important thing.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about this group?

• I love everyone who even took the time to look at this. HAAS would not being happening without your continuous love and support. I hope you enjoy what we have created and take something out of it! Thank you.