Feature: Haha Hear Hear Decodes “Demons Don't Sleep”
Credit: Pete Kingston
What was the creative process like for this particular single?
The song started off as a jam in Logic Pro about 7 years ago. I quickly threw in some midi drums and started messing around with the bass. I think the bassline you hear in Demons is more or less what I came up with then and there at the time. I moved on to something else and completely forgot about the demo until I stumbled across it a few years back. I thought it had something interesting about it so I finished it off.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in "Demons Don't Sleep?"
I was having these really strange dreams at the time. Stranger than usual. A couple of nights in a row I dreamt I kept waking up over and over again to realise I was still dreaming. The music felt like the perfect vehicle to have a little fun writing some tongue in cheek lyrics. I set out to take the listener on a visual daydream. The song also touches on obsessive thoughts and the accompanying anxiety.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this single?
In between sessions, my producer had Coolio in working on a few tracks. I was in the studio one evening after he’d been in. Coolio kindly left some whiskey behind so I thought It'd be rude not to get stuck into that whilst recording my vocals. So thanks for the booze Coolio. It gave the song some welly!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
From an early age, I’ve been obsessed with music and how it all comes together. It never ceases to amaze me. The 90’s were such a great decade to grow up musically as a kid. I loved heading over to my best friend’s house to watch MTV as much as I could. We’d sit there for hours on end taking it all in. So I guess a lot of that rubbed off on me and influenced my musical curiosity.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a musician, and how did you overcome them?
Having been in many bands over the years I’d have to say the biggest challenges are the cliche ones you hear about all the time. Getting your music out there, securing gigs, travelling up and down the country in cramped conditions, joggling band politics to name but a few. All the good stuff! Most were overcome by simply winging it and figuring it out as you went. Looking back in hindsight you come to realise that the challenges were actually the best parts. So embrace it all and have as much fun as you can experiencing it.
