We were taken at first listen by the latest track from ANR (Awesome New Republic), the hurricane and natural disaster-inspired “It’s Around You” single. The University of Miami, School of Music duo — comprised of Brian Robertson (Keys, Vocals) and Michael-John Hanock (Vocals, Drums) — craft infinitely catchy songs built on synth riffs, swooning vocals and melodic harmonizing. Euphonic stuff to be sure, but not overtly sweet. Their Stay Kids album just dropped on 10k Islands (available on iTunes), so ANR is looking forward to its latest round of shows — following stints opening for the likes of Animal Collective, Neon Indian, Fucked Up and No Age. Read our To Whom It May Concern Q&A with ANR below…
Allow me to introduce myself, I’m…
John Hancock aka Michael-John Dewey Hancock of ANR, aka Awesome New Republic,
You can find me…
In a beat up white van, usually posted up at the drivers seat.
You might’ve heard of me because…
I am loud and my voice carries.
But why you really should know me is…
It’s good to get to know people. Keeps you from getting lost in your own introspective concept of reality.
My next order of business is…
Recording two more albums with ANR, helping my friends in Miami on their movie and video projects, and most immediately, playing another show in half an hour.
If it wasn’t for my parents I wouldn’t be where I am today.
The first piece of music I heard that I remember waking up my ears was…
The Beach Boys’ Endless Summer compilation.
The “It’s Around You” video below, plus hit the Jump to continue reading our interview with ANR…
ANR (Awesome New Republic) “It’s Around You” from Mayer\Leyva on Vimeo.
“I am trying to figure out the correlation between my sleepwalking, the spirit world, and another level of travel…“
The last piece of music I heard that woke up my ears is…
The new Chairlift song, Amanamanesia or however it’s spelled.
I hate to admit it, but I almost gave music up when…
Life became much more serious and immediately pressing than music.
But it all came together when…
I remembered how important it is for my mental health.
If I was taking a train from Paris to Madrid, the one person I’d want to share the cabin with would be…
Someone from that area. I would want to learn about where we’re passing through and about the person.
If you want to put a smile on my face, you should…
Put a horror movie I haven’t seen in my hands.
If you want to wipe that smile away, then you should…
Act violently in a real situation.
The last time I saw the sun come up I was…
A couple days ago.
The person I admire most…
There’s not really one person. I admire the collective more than the individual in general. Any group of people working for positive progress in their community.
The last time I lied was because…
I was not interested in fighting.
If you hit shuffle on my iPod you might be shocked to find…
Yourself listening to bootleg audio of Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies.
If you hit shuffle on my iPod I’d be embarrassed if it landed on…
Anything that gets less than a 7.5 on Pitchfork, obviously.
When I get my next really big check, I’m gonna go score…
A feeling of relief after getting out of debt.
But it’ll never replace…
My lifestyle.
My one magic power is…
Not yet for sure there yet. But I am trying to figure out the correlation between my sleepwalking, the spirit world, and another level of travel.
I’d like to give a quick shout-out to…
Coral Morphologic, Borscht, Jillian Mayer, Hunter Stephenson, Plains, and Animal Tropical.
And lastly, If I was Lost In a Supermarket, you’d find me…
At the fish section.
