What do you do when you grew up in a time with music that had a big impact on you and you realize that that type of music is barely played on the radio anymore? You start composing and playing that music yourself! That’s exactly what HARDLAND does. The band makes modern day rockmusic and mixes it, in their own unique way, with the amazing characteristics of the 70’s and 80’s. Yes, we’re talking about long hair, even longer guitar solos that sound as if they’re coming from a wall of Marshall amplifiers, extensive keyboard parts and catchy lyrics that you’ll gladly sing along with. The songs are as real and original as the band members themselves and cover themes such as happiness, fear, love, helplessness and deceit. Just as a fortune-teller that lays her tarot cards before you, the songs from HARDLAND seem at first to be simple and predictable stories. In reality they invite everyone to their own interpretation…
When Paul and Aeilko (pronounced élcoo) wrote their first songs together (“The Only Answer”) they had no idea they would later form a band. Through the years it was clear their musical tastes matched more and more, which lead to writing more songs together. The inspiration fort his came in various forms: a newly built guitar by Paul, a difficult period in life by either of the two or just because of a briljant idea that needed to be directly immortalized…
In the past, bands would have to balance a tight budget, studios and record companies before they could shine as musicians, whereas new music can be made at home with studio quality. It was – especially for these very experienced musicians – to easily record their new material in top quality. This freedom lead to a number of tracks, that were first intended only fort hem, to form a life of their own. The extremely positive reaction from so many people surrounding Paul and Aeilko made the call tob ring out a CD even louder…
Around the time the mixes were finished, songs were mastered and returned from Abbey Road, the band received an offer to record their first video clip. The existing band members immediately began searching for stand-in musicians to participate in the clip. Luckily some old friends were willing to help out including bass player Toine Vanderlinden(ex Martyr, Hot Legs and Rebelstar and most recently he provided basslines for Tony Mills).
During the by now well-known shooting of the clip “Hot Gypsy”, Paul and Aeilko realized that HARDLAND was to be more than just a project. Shortly thereafter Eric Gijsen joined the ranks as their drummer and HARDLAND became a real band! Later followed by keyboardist Marco Kuiper and bassist Remi Riegel. Currently the band is working hard to get things ready for live performances!
HARDLAND wishes to convey the joyous experience they have while creating and playing their music.
