Hard Girls is a California punk trio with post-punk leanings comprised of of vocalist / guitarist Mike Huguenor, vocalist / bassist Morgan Herrell, and drummer Max Feshbach. The group formed out of San Jose’s independent music community in 2008 and have since released a handful of EPs, and three full-lengths, most recently Hard (Asian Man Records) in 2014. Word on the street says there is also a new record in the works for 2017 (check out a new track here). In addition to Hard Girls, the bandmates also perform with former Operation Ivy / Common Rider frontman Jesse Michaels under the moniker Classics of Love.
On Sunday, September 18 Hard Girls plays Riot Fest & Carnival. Come check ‘ em out, and before you do, read our 10 Questions as answered by the full band.
What is the first album you ever purchased?
Mike: Soundgarden, Superunknown, baby.
Morgan: Vanilla Ice, “Go Ninja” (Cassingle from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 soundtrack).
Max: The first record I ever bought with my own hard earned money was Punk O Rama Vol. 4- Straight Outta The Pit.
Name one band that changed your life. How?
Mike: Deerhoof. Seeing them around around the Bay when I was growing up made me realize how open the possibilities are for music.
Morgan: The Ramones, I grew up in a lot of classic rock and classical music from my parents. The Ramones were the first band I heard where I thought, “Hey this is awesome! Maybe I could do this…”. Still one of my favorite bands today.
Max: Propagandhi. I started listening to them around the same time I started listening to all those other Fat Wreck bands but they were the only band with any staying power. They were political and confrontational but had a sense of humor. It really opened a lot of doors for me. As they progressed and matured musically, it was also a gateway into heavier music and more melodic stuff like The Weakerthans.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
Mike: Huey Lewis & the News, baby
Morgan: John Lee Hooker age 12 with my Mom!
Max: Propagandhi
What was the last concert you attended (that was not your own)?
Mike: Dyke Drama, Try the Pie, Great Hart, and Snooze
Morgan: Bosse-De-Nage and So Hideous
Max: Cayetana and Fake Boyfriend
What is your favorite tour snack?
Mike: Maybe almonds.
Morgan: Trail mix or bread and cheese.
Max: I stock up on canned beans before tour. Mostly black beans and garbanzo beans. Sprinkle on some nutritional yeast and tapatio and you’re in heaven. Mmmm!
What is one book we should read?
Mike: The Obscene Bird of Night by Jose Donoso
Morgan: Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny
Max: What?
Tell us your best festival survival tip.
Mike: Get into a heated argument about Benghazi with every security guard you see.
Morgan: Drink water? Bring your own if you can…
Max: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Actually, don’t sweat at all if you can avoid it.
If you were running for president during this election, what would be the top item on your platform?
Mike: No snitches
Morgan: Too many guns, get rid of lots of em! Cops too…
Max: I have no plans to run until next election.
Imagine the world is ending at midnight. What are your plans for the rest of the day?
Mike: Getting the playlist ready for later
Morgan: Find as many people I love as possible and tell them I love them! Sex, music, food, go out with a bang baby!
Max: Have sex and eat food then die in the arms of my bandmates.
What is the best song ever written?
Mike: “Sex Bomb” by Flipper
Morgan: “You’re All I Need to Get By,” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Max: I don’t know but I’m sure it’s a Motown song.
The Related Rabbit Hole
