Hello Hallaballoo and welcome to College Radio Charts! Thanks for spending some time with us today. Can you introduce our readers to the band?
Hey, thanks for having us! We’re currently writing, recording, and performing with:
• James Gross – Guitar/Vocals
• Robert Lee – Vocals/Percussion
• Aaron Short – Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica
• Al Berg – Keys
• David Kittleson – Bass
• Max LaRock – Bass
• Kyle Primus – Drums
• Travis Johnston – Drums
We’re a group of friends who keep pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds, no matter where the road takes us.
You’ve been a band for over two decades and played more than 500 shows. What’s the secret to Hallaballoo’s longevity and chemistry after all these years?
The secret is simple: constant creativity and mutual support. We’re always writing, always pushing each other to come up with new ideas. We’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff and to embrace the chaos that comes with being road warriors. You quickly realize it takes more than talent to survive the long haul—it’s about passion, perseverance, and a little bit of madness.
Your sound walks a tightrope between blues, funk, and rock. Who were the big influences that shaped Hallaballoo’s musical DNA? And how has that evolved since 2001?
We’re all from different musical backgrounds, so we’ve never limited ourselves by genre. Every year, we write and record about 30 new songs. One major evolution over time has been our embrace of electronics—mixing the analog with the digital, just like the artists who’ve inspired us.
Do individual band members bring specific influences to the table, or is it a collective melting pot?
It’s definitely a melting pot. Each member brings something unique, but the magic happens when we all come together. Our diversity in influences is what keeps our sound fresh and unpredictable.
Minneapolis has such a rich musical legacy, from Prince to Hüsker Dü. How has being from this city shaped your identity as a band? Do you feel a connection to the legacy of artists who came before you?
Minneapolis is a hidden gem when it comes to music. We’re lucky to call this city home, with its endless live music venues and rich history of artists who shaped the scene. We connect to that legacy by keeping the spirit of live music alive in the Midwest, where people really appreciate the energy we bring to the stage.
What’s your approach to songwriting? Do the lyrics, melody, or rhythm usually come first, or does it vary depending on the project?
Our process is collaborative—someone brings in a demo, and the rest of us build from there. We do a lot of preproduction to fine-tune ideas. Spending time at destination studios, like in the middle of nowhere, really sparks new inspiration and brings something different to the table each time.
The single “Gravity” has this incredible blend of classic rock grit and modern polish. What was the vibe like recording at the legendary Pachyderm Studios, a place steeped in rock history? Did Nirvana’s or PJ Harvey’s energy seep into the process?
Pachyderm Studios is a magical place. You can feel the weight of its history in the walls—the energy of the artists who’ve recorded there is undeniable. It’s an experience that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else.
Every year, you travel to historic destination studios and document the process. This sound like a dream for any musician! How did this tradition come about? What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in these studios?
In 2023, we decided it was time to record like our heroes did, in legendary spaces. Our most memorable moment? Definitely Studio In the Country in Bogalusa, LA. It was our first time traveling 17 hours to a studio, and the whole experience felt like stepping into history.
“Chased Home For Christmas” is such a wild, cinematic take on holiday music. What inspired this unconventional Christmas story, and how did you balance the chaos with holiday spirit?
Aaron came up with this wild story and turned it into a song. It’s not your typical Christmas track—it’s chaotic, yes, but we balanced the madness with moments of holiday spirit. For more on the backstory, check out our YouTube!
Walk us through the collaborative process—how does a Hallaballoo song come to life, and how do each of you contribute to shaping the final product?
A song begins with a demo from one of us, then everyone adds their own parts from home studios. In the spring, we all meet up in Minneapolis to rehearse and refine ideas before heading to a destination studio for the final recording.
What’s the story behind “Free” and how it fits into Hallaballoo’s catalog? Did it come from a specific moment or feeling?
“Free” is Rob’s take on the life of a touring musician. It taps into our jam band and acid rock influences, capturing the freedom—and the chaos—of life on the road.
You’ve played over 500 shows across the U.S. since forming. Are there any particular gigs or venues that stand out as pivotal moments in Hallaballoo’s journey?
The West Coast in the summer is always a highlight for us—there’s always a great festival to play, and the crowds are full of energy. Those are the shows we always look forward to.
After more than 20 years of making music, what’s next for Hallaballoo? Are there any creative directions or projects you’ve been dying to explore but haven’t tackled yet?
2025 is looking promising! We’ve got a track being mixed by legendary producer Ron Nevison, a week booked at Pachyderm Studios in May, and a brand-new studio for us, London Bridge Studios in Seattle, scheduled for December. Big things ahead!
It sounds like there is some behind-the-scenes footage from your recent recording session that might be released in the near future. Do you have a favorite music documentary?
Yes! Our documentary about the 2024 recording sessions is currently in the editing stage. As history nerds, we’ve watched tons of music documentaries, so picking a favorite is tough.
Thank you so much for spending some time with us! Where can people go to find out more about your music?
Check out our socials for all the latest updates:
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
