Tell us about yourself and your music
Of course. I am a jack of all trades really. One of the last bards out there. A dying breed. I have done everything from delivery driving to hard labor. I went back to school in 2016 and now have a degree in Military History. I am working on several books that will begin to see the light of day soon. I am also branching off into voice acting and e-book production for anyone who might be in need of that service. Haunebu II’s music has certainly improved in quality and I am happy with how it has evolved. Many of the songs are taken from personal experiences and as one might notice, there is a theme to the entirety of my discography. For more on that, folks are free to visit my website and for those who are curious can subscribe to the member area of the site. There is a voluminous amount of information supporting the reality of the Haunebu II. The music simply reflects this idea.
Talk to us more about your latest release
Fires In The Night is a cornucopia of song and sounds. I have over 300 hours into the tracks. I started it in late May divulging only the title on Facebook, but it took on a life of its own and seems to be somewhat prophetic with what is going on in the streets of most major U.S cities and as the west coast is in flames. I think my favorite songs are Skin In The Game-Timeless, Fractal, and Already There.
What inspired you to write this release?
I was kicking around a few ideas earlier in 2020 and with the Covid-19 pandemic and the quarantine measures, I just felt that I should start recording. So I began that process in June. I actually think I have become a bit addicted to the whole recording process. It’s like a puzzle of recordings that I love to figure out. I also just do it for my own sanity or else these ideas would just be bouncing around in my head.
Describe the writing and recording process
For me, it usually starts with a guitar riff or a beat that keeps coming to the forefront of my mind. Sometimes it will do so until it annoys me ha-ha. I will take whatever initial idea it happens to me and I will work that in order to expand it into a few phrases that make musical sense if you will. Then I will record it so I don’t forget it. From that point, I will begin a sort of wordplay in an attempt to add some lyrics, and the rest tends to follow closely behind.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
I am getting older now and have paid my dues on the road when I was younger so probably not right now. Especially with the pandemic in effect. I would like to do a few shows but I am just enjoying producing the music itself as of late. Given the right opportunity though, I would consider it. It is just such a monumental task to put a show together, much less a tour. I have been avoiding it for the time being but maybe by next spring, I will be ready. Heck, at that point. I may have another body of work-ready too. Until then look for an online event or two.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I’m no marketing expert but I would have to say that standing out has not been that hard for the Haunebu II project. It’s easy to be swallowed whole by the volume of music and entertainment out there.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Oh my goodness. Well, I am native to Washington state so I will always have soft spot for the old Seattle grunge music. I have been a long time Foo Fighters fan. I like the music of the Self. I have also been revisiting a bunch of Bob Schneider. I have recently taken a liking to the bluegrass of all things. Particularly Ricky Skaggs. His mandolin skills are unmatched in my view. Plus I listen to a lot of electronica. My all-time favorite is Chris Cornell though admittedly since his passing, his music has been difficult for me to listen to.
Who are your biggest influences?
Well, I mentioned the 90’s Seattle scene. Pretty much anything from then. I love the Beatles. Who doesn’t? Paul McCartney has been a big influence on me. The late great Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon, pretty much all classic rock. That alludes to the fact that I am somewhat of a traditionalist.
Tell us about your passions
I love to spend time with my fiance’. She is my main passion and my world. We travel a lot and get to visit lots of places together. I adore cats. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. I have 5. I am also hung up on the whole history of UFOs. I would love to see more disclosure by governments of the world on the topic. I have thousands of hours of study into figuring out just what the heck is going on with that.
What else is happening next in your world?
I am going to be turning my attention to popping out a couple of books. I am working on the outline for one that is a more mainstream military history in nature and I have started typing the first chapter of another on the origin of the Haunebu II.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Haunebu II
Connect with Haunebu II
Website: https://haunebu2.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Haunebu2official/about/?ref=page_internalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trsparks36/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbNiPbpaD4sHSIsSOPraasw?view_as=subscriberReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/thomassparks36?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav
