[Photo courtesy of Alice Falkowski]

By Rocco Prioletti, Editorial Director

Hourglass are a five-piece alternative rock outfit based in Athens. The band is composed of singer Anna Scott, guitarists Jake Rickman and Diego Buhay, bassist Kate Tocke and drummer Carl McCutchen. I sat down with Hourglass before their performance at the ACRN x WIMI Halloween Bash at The Union to hear about their experience through the local music circuit.

[This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Rocco Prioletti (RP): You all pull from a wide range of genres throughout your setlist. So, who are some musicians that inspire and influence your playing styles?

Jake Rickman (JR): I would say this band is different from [my style] personally. But, I like Mitski. She’s sweet. Eloise, I believe she’s French. Check her out if you don’t know her yet. 

Diego Buhay (DB): In terms of just music taste in general, I don’t have an influence on my guitar. But, you can never go around with The Beatles.

Anna Scott (AS): Barbra Streisand taught me everything I know. So, definitely her.

Kate Tocke (KT): In terms of bass playing, I’m a big fan of Laura Lee from Khruangbin. Also, Men I Trust. But, from a rock standpoint, where I think we pull from — I like The White Stripes a lot.

Carl McCutchen (CM): I’m going to second Kruangbin. I’m a big Kruangbin fan.

DB: Also, White Stripes didn’t have a bassist.

KT: I know that, they’re my favorite band.

DB: But they still don’t have a bassist.

RP: Since you started playing in Athens earlier this year in February, how has your sound and relationship as a band progressed throughout this last year?

KT: We got Diego!

DB: Yeah, I just joined this past month.

KT: So, it’s progressed greatly because Diego is so good and talented and amazing at what he does.

RP: What did Diego bring to the table that wasn’t there beforehand?

AS: A little pazazz. 

JR: Diego is really good at melody, so he adds good context to songs.

DB: Aweee.

KT: He added a piece we didn’t know was missing.

DB: Aweee. 

AS: And your harmonies, your high harmonies are fabulous.

DB: Aweee.

RP: Do you guys have any pregame rituals you do before a show?

DB: Are we allowed to say it?

JR: We sacrifice a goat.

KT: We actually take a shot every time we go.

AS: Kinky shooters, to be specific.

KT: Just to get the blood pumpin’. 

DB: I take another piss. 

RP: What are your personal favorite songs to perform?

JR: Mine is “Bones.” It’s an original and it’s fun. It’s not about the words, it’s about the feeling.

KT: “Bones” is a good favorite. I also really like “Penny,” another original. 

AS: We’re doing “One Way or Another” by Blondie. I’m excited for that. 

CM: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz.

DB: I like the blend from “Bones” to “Watermelon.”

RP: What’s one word that you’d use to describe Hourglass?

KT: Sassy.

AS: Goofy?

CM: Fierce. 

JR: I’d say fun. 

DB: Divas.

RP: Community is a big part of playing in any local scene. So, what does the Athens scene mean to you? 

DB: To quote Jillian Kay, “Athens, you’re a dream.”

KT: I’ve never had a show where I haven’t been with other bands presenting me with so much love and comfort. Everyone is so nice, even with brands bringing from out of town, it’s just such a really good community.

DB: It’s camaraderie, you know? There are people that I probably met that I didn’t think I would through the band scene, and they’ve become really close friends.

JR: I would say it’s usually listening crowds. And if they’re not listening, they’re at least having fun, and that’s what matters.

RP: Lastly, what can people expect to hear from Hourglass in the near future?

JR: Hopefully graduation.

DB: You know, we just recorded in the studio, so we might release a few things.

KT: Keep an eye out for that. But, show-wise, we’re playing Benefest on November 22. So, show up at Casa. We’re playing with the wonderful Space Kid, Blush and Jone & The Hissyfits. It’s an amazing lineup. It doesn’t get better than that.