What advice would you give to people just starting out in the music industry?
Do it with love and intention. Music should be joyful for you and add something to your life.
Don’t worry about what other people will think of your music. Do what comes naturally or feels most attractive to you. You’ll find fellows along the way.
What were your musical influences growing up?
I was a huge fan of Garbage, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Low. I find a lot of grunge quite soulful and hits you in that raw, aching place.
Who did you watch at your first ever gig you attended?
I was lucky, I saw Radiohead at The Gorge in Seattle when I was 9. It was raining slightly and we sat on a hill overlooking the stage. It was magical.
“I felt like I was transported to another world.”
About The Haptics
The Haptics formed in 2022, united by a love for post punk. Based in Vancouver, their music blends dark post punk beats with Alternative Rock and Grunge.
Cam (Guitar), Jin (Vocals), Mike (Bass) and Alexis (Drums) are The Haptics.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are with music?
I’ve struggled with depression and other mental health issues for the majority of my life.
It’s an ongoing battle to be in the right place where I can continue making music and collaborating. But it’s the best therapy!
What was your best performance?
I think my best performance, vocally, was when we recorded “Bodies” and “Zeroes” in studio. We were in the zone that day. It gives me chills now to listen to them.
How do you feel about sampling, do you use sampling?
have used samples in my solo electronic project (“half-fantasy”) but not extensively. Using samples isn’t as easy as it sounds! It’s crafting art from puzzle pieces. I respect it. We haven’t used samples in The Haptics yet.
If you could choose from a historical gig, from any era who would you have seen and why?
I’d love to have been at a Beethoven concert when Moonlight Sonata dropped. The third movement is my favourite piece of classical (I like to play it when I’m stressed out!).
Can you imagine being an audience listening to that for the first time? I also would have liked to be at Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged show. What a visceral performance.
Do you have a moment you could share with the magazine from your previous gigs or recording experiences?
We recently took a trip to Victoria, BC, to play a gig there. It was really fun to be on the road with the boys and I enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with them. It was a fun show and we were stoked to play further out in B.C.
What’s your favourite song and why?
I love “Zeroes”. The lyrics describe the experience of being in a hospital but finding community through mutual experience, and finding solace in interpersonal connections.
It’s dedicated to a girl I met in Berlin, Germany, who sadly passed away during her hospital stay. I think it’s powerful.
Why do you make music?
Music is so special. It transports us, transforms our experience, and carries us through so much. It’s really such an expressive medium. I find a lot of joy and healing in it.
Talk us through your song writing process.
Cam’s (guitarist, back-up vocalist) always working on riffs and melodies. He’ll bring an unfinished piece to practice (sometimes a full song) and we’ll hash it out together, and I’ll write my vocal melodies and lyrics with the existing music to create a complete song. Mike, our bassist, began writing for us as well. Stay tuned!
Musik Magazine 2025
