Huntertones' Transmission
In an era where audiences crave authenticity, Huntertones delivers. True believers in the power of direct communication, saxophonist Dan White, trumpeter/sousaphone player Jon Lampley, trombonist Chris Ott, guitarist Joshua Hill, bassist Adam DeAscentis and drummer John Hubbell consistently bring genuine artistry straight to the people. Demonstrating commitment to what’s real, this outfit reaches new heights with the new album Transmission. We got in contact with saxophonist Dan White. Despite his very busy schedule, he was so extremely kind to send us vinyl copies of the album and disclose details about the album (dog Daphne's Snaggletooth) and share his sincere and undeniable thoughts on how AI music is contaminating the space we're in as human beings (quoting the wise Dr. Malcolm from Jurassic Park).
Adding to Huntertones’ uniquely forward social and sonic dynamic is the presence of a few key guests and frequent collaborators. Percussionist Nêgah Santos, known for her work in the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, appears in several places, providing another layer of invention in the mix. Rachael Price, of Lake Street Dive brings her soulful voice into the equation on Bonnie Raitt’s Thank You. And jazz icon Kurt Elling powers a wonderfully expressive take on a Glen Campbell-associated favorite, with keyboardist Justin Stanton, of Snarky Puppy, serving as an indispensable ingredient in the arrangement.
Recorded in a single room without isolation, and documenting the results on video for all to see and hear, Huntertones leaves no doubt as to why its following is loyal, large and growing.
In parallel to full-group pursuits—appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and performing with Lawrence, Lake Street Dive, Louis Cato, Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter, and Cory Wong—Huntertones’ horns operate both in the pocket and outside the box. In every way, shape and form, Huntertones captivates with a connective energy like no other.
TNF: One of our favorite tracks on the new album is Snaggletooth with a bit of chaos, the funk vibe and rock beat. What’s the story behind the title?
Dan: "A chaotic set of teeth that belong to the composer Chris Ott's dog Daphne. After an expensive doggy dental surgery her lip gets snaggled and curls up."
TNF: The album was recorded live with everyone in one single room without headphones, real and pure. No AI. What’s your opinion about the rise of AI and tools like Suno in music?
Dan: "I have had several situations where AI music is put on in the background. What's wrong with silence? As a person that is listening all the time I question the need for music in all situations...boarding a plane, in an elevator--do we really need music playing? It's okay to sit with our thoughts in silence and not add more noise.
Suno and some of these AI's have committed the most epic theft of intellectual property in human history. It's an exciting gunslinger approach of shoot first ask questions later while we're jumping both feet into the deep end... to quote the wise Dr. Malcolm "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should" (Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park).
If people cannot tell the difference between AI music and human music that's one thing. If they do not care that's a whole other conversation. Artists work their entire lives listening, watching, feeling, reflecting, honing their craft, and committing to create. That journey is worth respecting. Putting smooth music that fits into an easy genre on for every occasion lowers the value of music and desensitises your ear. Imagine before recordings or speakers-- listening to music knowing that might be the ONLY time you hear that piece or that artist. I'm trying to bring that level of focus to my ears. Some days I catch myself carelessly putting music on for a run while I ignore it lost in thought. Other times I am able to immerse myself in the music and really listen. I do think that many of the world's problems would be solved if people would listen to one another! Music and art made by humans is nutrition for the soul."
TNF: The vocal contributions on the album are from Rachel Price (Thank You) and Kurt Elling (Wichita Lineman). You work closely with them in Lake Street Dive en Superblue. This was the first time they contributed to a Huntertones album. How was it to work with them in this setting?
Dan: "If you had told young me that Rachael Price and Kurt Elling are going to be singing on a Huntertones record I would have lost it! They are both such inspiring artistic FORCES. Fortunately I've listened to both of them for a long time and that familiarity aided in imagining the arrangements and building the tunes with them."
TNF: You must be a busy man looking at everything you do: touring, composing, arranging, managing the band, collabs with other artists, solo projects and much more. Same goes for the other band members. How do you organise all these different activities without getting crazy?
Dan: "This job is just that; crazy! I am fortunate to work with so many amazing people that make the daily hustle and work worth it. There is nothing like writing, collaborating, improvising, and touring the world with your friends... Coffee helps too :) "
Huntertones will be on tour in the USA in autumn. The new album Transmission is available in our record store. Tracks of the new album can be heard in our Spotify playlists. Also featured in our playlists are tracks the solo album Notes to Self of trumpet player Jon Lampley. And check out the track Mameya from Dan White with the great guitarist Charlie Hunter. On November 13 the full album will be released.
