What inspired the name of the band? What are your influences and are they the same as when you started out?
Henry Chinaski is the fictional alter ego of writer Charles Bukowski, one of my favorite authors. Known for his hard-drinking, womanizing ways, Chinaski works various low-paying jobs and navigates a life filled with poverty and volatile relationships. Despite his rough exterior, he has a deep love for literature and classical music, reflecting Bukowski’s own gritty, raw, and darkly humorous style – which I try to carry into the music.
I listen to music constantly, from when I get up to when I work, to when I’m in the car or the gym… I’m always on a quest to find new sounds that inspire me or make me think about songwriting differently. In terms of the artists who have influenced me most, I’d say the major ones are R.E.M., The Replacements, Bob Mould, Neil Young, CSNY, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, St Vincent, Biffy Clyro, The Smiths, Bob Dylan, Rocket from the Crypt, Joni Mitchell… there are so many!
How and why do you write what you do?
First and foremost, I’m inspired by strong emotions – some of the songs are quite political and reflect feelings of anger, disappointment and bitterness at some of the injustices that I see in the world, particularly here in my new home of the U.S.
I also like to write about heartbreak, hurt, and anger – the funny thing is that I’m an incredibly optimistic and positive person, but for me as a songwriter it’s a lot more productive to connect to those more negative emotions and remind others that they’re not alone in feeling them.
Honestly, I have no idea… it just comes to me. I’ve been writing songs since I was about 13 – they just come to me, usually in my head, and work their way our when I pick up a guitar or sit behind the piano.
I think subconsciously the kind of music I write is really heavily influenced by the music I love and listen to – it sounds selfish but I always write for myself first and foremost. “What do I want to hear and what would make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up?” is usually the first question I ask… I think once you get into writing for anyone other than yourself, songwriting can become a little performative and lose some of that raw emotion.
How and why do you write what you do?
First and foremost, I’m inspired by strong emotions – some of the songs are quite political and reflect feelings of anger, disappointment and bitterness at some of the injustices that I see in the world, particularly here in my new home of the U.S.
I also like to write about heartbreak, hurt, and anger – the funny thing is that I’m an incredibly optimistic and positive person, but for me as a songwriter it’s a lot more productive to connect to those more negative emotions and remind others that they’re not alone in feeling them.
Honestly, I have no idea… it just comes to me. I’ve been writing songs since I was about 13 – they just come to me, usually in my head, and work their way our when I pick up a guitar or sit behind the piano.
I think subconsciously the kind of music I write is really heavily influenced by the music I love and listen to – it sounds selfish but I always write for myself first and foremost. “What do I want to hear and what would make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up?” is usually the first question I ask… I think once you get into writing for anyone other than yourself, songwriting can become a little performative and lose some of that raw emotion.
Live
I’ve always surrounded myself with really talented musicians, and my aim for the live shows is to honor the songs on the record but really take them to different places. On any given night that may mean extending them, talking about them in advance to explain them, changing the dynamics… I love the uniqueness of live performance, and would never want to play the same song the same way twice.
Live
I’ve always surrounded myself with really talented musicians, and my aim for the live shows is to honor the songs on the record but really take them to different places. On any given night that may mean extending them, talking about them in advance to explain them, changing the dynamics… I love the uniqueness of live performance, and would never want to play the same song the same way twice.
What plans do you have for the future?
New songs! Living over here in the U.S.A. is great, I’m very happy – so the challenge is to recapture some of that Scottish bitterness and use it as a catalyst for some new lyrics and new musical ventures. I’m so proud of our debut album, but really want to make sure that the next one pushes the boundaries while doubling down on the stuff that resonated so strongly with people in the first place.