American Punk Rock Band H.F.A. (Hailing From Anywhere) was founded in September of 2022, by Dave Basile & Christopher Forester and were soon joined by backup vocals/lyricists Bradley aka lil B-rad. The group released their debut album “Hopeful to Hopeless” on April 9, 2023.
I sat down with the band to talk about their early memories of music, how they got together and their process of writing and recording songs in the studio. Check out all things H.F.A. here.
CMM-What was the first music that really made an impact on all of you growing up and what artist or band did you all enjoy the most?
Chris-The first music that made a huge impact on me was seeing a Michigan band called “Wack Trucks”. I first saw them at a local venue in Charlotte Mi. The lead singer had so much fun I knew from then preforming punk rock is something I had to do. The Bass player in the “Wack Trucks” was Rick Johnson the bass player from Mustard Plug. Man I would love to do a album with his studio “Cold War Records The band I Enjoyed the most F… man that is a hard question so many good ones to pick from. The Descendents, Minute Men, Unabombers.
(Bradley’s God Father) Dave-Misfits and Fat Wreck Chords bands.
Bradley-The Descendents
CMM-How did H.F.A. get started. Being that you all are made up of a Father, Son and God Farther how does the dynamic play into the sound of the band?
Chris-Dave and I met at a local show in Virginia Beach. After years of jamming on and off we recorded a song with lyrics written by my son Bradley and from there the band was set in motion. .
Dave: Chris was talking about playing music again and after Brad told me about how he wanted to write music I wanted to help the guys out with recording. It was a good bonding experience and closes in on common things that we deal with no matter our age
Bradley-It sounds Great, I think
CMM-How do you all usually go about writing songs and recording? What are some of your favorite guitars and gear you all use to get your sound? From the videos on your youtube channel it looks like you all have a great time working in the studio.
Chris-it’s really a mixed bag how the three of us write songs. Dave and I pull from old songs we have written and not released over the years of being musicians. Bradley also brings us lyrics and ideas for some songs. Or just jamming for fun we are like Damnnn let’s use that riff.
As far as recording goes, Dave deserves all the props. We use a scarlet midi interface and a laptop. My favorite guitar is a Squire 51 we used on a few tracks on the album. I run a peavey 5150. But for the album we used plugins. Yes writing, recording, mastering, shooting videos it’s family time. We make the music we make because we enjoy doing it. I’m happy to hear that that comes across in our videos.
Dave-I’m really just a sucker for Ibanez and Jackson gear but it’s all the plugins with reaper. Anything that sounds distorted
Bradley-I just sing randomly and give ideas.
CMM-If you all could do a score for any film director who would it be and what would the film be about?
Chris-Man I’d like to score a film for Dan Ackroyd. The film would be about beating up a bully Named Billy
Dave-A Kevin Smith Hockey movie.
Bradley-The film would be about 4 guys starting a band.
CMM-What do you all have coming up next? Any new recordings/shows??
Chris-We have a few works in progress but no dates are set for upcoming releases. a new music video or single might pop up out of the blue who knows. We are a studio Band.
Dave-Honestly wanting to take a break. Never had a desire to play a show after 21 seeing as how I’m old, have anxiety and don’t drink
