INTERVIEW: The Have

“The Have” are truly having it.

All grown up at the average age of 22 “The Have” have come along way, since their days jamming in Wanganui. With songs licensed for movies (The Devil Dared Me To), sports (Rugby 2007 and Burnout 2007) and TV ads (X Box, Canterbury for Rugby World Cup, Super 12’s in Australia), what have these boys not been up to? Their debut album “Back To The Burning Wreck”, sees them on their first nationwide rock n roll tour. Hot, young and awesome live, these boys seriously should not be missed. This time believe the hype, they certainly rock.

Lucy Wyatt speaks to Peter Mangan, to find out more.

Lucy Wyatt: Bet you are looking forward to promoting your debut album “Back to the Burning Wreck” to a New Zealand audience.

Peter Mangan: Can’t wait. We did a few gigs a few months ago, but it’s going to be great to cover both the North and the Sound Islands and see their reaction. Really looking forward to seeing our fans.

Lucy: It’s fantastic that the US producer Barrett Jones (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) got on board, how was it working with him?

Peter: It was something totally new for us working with an international producer. He has such a strong background and great advice. He had some really great ideas and we had fun trying lots of different recordings. The whole band really learnt a lot from him.

Lucy: He obviously influenced your finished sound with his US approach, creating a very polished album. Who are your influences?

Peter: Black Rebel Motor Club is really doing it for me this year and the blues. We’re all influenced by lots of different bands and styles, I guess it changes a lot each year.

Lucy: So how did the name “The Have” come about?

Peter: It’s interesting you ask about that. It was Blair’s idea at High School, he just came out with it, we all agreed and “The Have” it was. Just came out of nowhere really.

Lucy: I heard about the cameraman in Texas a couple of years ago having to wipe the beer off his camera because the crowd respected you so much. Apart from that, how do the US audience compare to the New Zealand crowd?

Peter: We’ll have to wait and see, hopefully they’ll get down like they have in the past and in like the crowd in the US. We just want them to have a good boogie, get the party happening; because that’s what we’re all about.

Lucy: You’ve come a long way quite quickly, where do you see yourselves next year? Any plans overseas?

Peter: We’re heading to Aussie in a few months to do some gigs, and we’ll probably relocate in the near future, as most Kiwi bands eventually do, but not quite sure yet.

Lucy: Back To The Burning Wreck has had very positive reviews. Was it hard to edit down the tracks? Do you have a favourite?

Peter: Yeah it was hard. We had 23 to edit down and we decided on 13 in the end. I guess my favourite is Oh, Oh, My, My.

Lucy: You guys are all pretty young and charging ahead nice and smoothly. What age were you when you looked at your idols and thought I can do that?

Peter: We were 16 at High School and we all had the same passion, tastes and ambitions. We started young. When you’re young it’s about having fun, now it’s paying off.

Lucy: Myspace has helped lots of bands worldwide, do you feel it has had much of an impact on your success?

Peter: I think it’s a great tool to use. It’s excellent to hear from our fans and keep in touch with them wherever they are in the world. Also for photos, so people can see what’s been happening at the gigs. It’s free advertising and access to our music, perfect.

More info

www.myspace.com/thehave

http://www.thehave.com