We recently connected with Chip Hanna and have shared our conversation below.
Chip, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My latest record with Chip Hanna and the Berlin Three, “Days Gone By” is a fantastic journey into the whole DIY spectrum. This is the 3rd album release by the band after “Chip Hanna & the Berlin Three” and “Old South Jamboree”
First, I had to write the 13 new songs, which took several months and demo recordings. Second, I had to get myself to Germany to record basic tracks with the members of the Berlin Three, who are Tex Morton, Andy Laaf, and Valle Mortal. Their home base is Berlin and it makes more sense for me to to go to Germany, then for them to come here to Arizona to record.
Once basic tracks were cut in Berlin, and I made it back across the pond unscathed, Andy Laaf, who engineered the German sessions, sent the tracks to me here in Phoenix to add my parts and then mix the finished product. Along the way Jayson James, Roy Valencia and Lee Jones added their talents to the project. With the final mix and master complete, as is sometimes the case, I was needed for family matters and then, the world was hit with the Covid pandemic. This delayed release of the record for 4 years.
Fast forward to 2023. It is now time to make the album available everywhere, which includes pressing copies to sell at shows and in physical stores, which will require artwork and money, and securing and utilizing all streaming and download services to make the music available and easy to get. I will also have to get the word out about the release, so I will be contacting record reviewers and fanzines, which is known as “working the record”
DIY stands for Do It Yourself. After having to postpone release for so long, getting this music out is very meaningful to me, Especially since I will be Doing It Myself!
Chip Hanna
Phoenix, AZ
August 21, 2023
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Chip Hanna and I record and play music. I started on the drums and have toured and recorded with some early punk bands, Atomic Boy, US Bombs, One Man Army, The Weirdos, TSOL and most recently UXB.
I eventually started playing guitar and singing country and hillbilly music, and have performed in the US, England, Europe, Japan, Scandinavia, and Russia. I have released 2 full length records with Chip Hanna and the Berlin Three with another on deck and slated for release in 2024.
Playing music to me is an almost religious experience. I tend to lose myself in performances and rejuvenate my spirit with each song I sing. I perform locally in Arizona when I’m not on tour. The towns of Prescott, Williams and Scottsdale are locations of weekly gigs.
With the digital revolution, it’s possible for artists to record and produce their own music.. I have recorded and produced my own music and music for artists such as US Bombs, One Man Army, The Half Empties, The Amazombies, Jim Bachmann, and Coldsnap-9.
I’m always willing to explore any kind of music recording and welcome anyone to contact me regarding my availability and possibility of working and bringing a musical project to life.
Instagram: @thatdamntater
Facebook: @chiphanna
Email: [email protected]
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I first moved to Arizona, I had received no work as a drummer for many weeks. I decided to pursue playing the guitar and singing, which is a major pivot career-wise. Standing in front of a crowd of people and singing and playing guitar solo is a daunting prospect when you’re first starting out. There are also concerns of staying healthy, because if you don’t take care of yourself and get sick or worse, hungover, the ability to sing becomes non-existent. Fortunately I have been somewhat healthy and have given up alcohol and tobacco. Never be afraid to try something different.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of my career is the freedom from stress I’ve had my whole life. I realized early on that a 9 to 5 job was not for me. My father worked for 28 years at a company in Baton Rouge, where I’m from. One day, the company was shut down and he lost his job and his retirement pension after 28 years! He had given the best years of his life to that place. That’s when I knew that there had to be a better way. Plus, I’ve seen the world playing music. I have never regretted my decision to be a musician full time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chiphannamusic.com
- Instagram: @thatdamntater
- Facebook: ChipHanna
Image Credits
Michael Bunaun, SpongePix