‘Watford will always be our home’

The Hunna are having a magnificent year. From playing the Roundhouse, to headlining a Reading Festival stage, to recording their second album, this band are on the up. Here singer Ryan Potter explains how they struck gold in Watford...

So you’re a Watford band?

Yes, we’re in Watford right now. I’m at Dan’s house in north Watford.

We all live about ten minutes away from each other, and we have been all our lives so far.

Do you think you’ll always stay in this area?

Well I think there are some dreams of maybe going out to California at some point, or crazy places like that. But Watford will always be our home, we’ve got family here. We’ll always be around.

How would you describe The Hunna’s sound?

I would describe it as turn up rock. That’s what we like to call it. Just passionate, energetic, real old rock and roll but with a slightly modern twist. Alternative punk rock.

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?

Everything that we write about are from real experiences that we have been through. The songs are just what is going on in our lives at the time.

What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you so far this year?

A lot has happened. We played the Roundhouse in London which was massive for us. As the last tour in general was. We have Reading and Leeds coming up, a headliner at the festival. It’s going to be mental.

When you look back at where you started, can you see how far you’ve progressed?

Yes, absolutely. We are working on the second album at the moment. We were in the studio last night and are really happy with the sound. We have got Brixton in January next year too.

Can you see there are more people going to your shows now, that more people know your songs?

The fan base has always been pretty strong and they are very passionate. More and more people are seeking us out and hearing our songs and enjoying them.

So what do you have planned for Reading Festival, headlining the Festival Republic Stage?

We have a few special things, there might be some cheerleaders involved [laughs], and some other things to do with guitars... I can’t say... but there are a few plans.

Is Reading Festival special for you?

We have always wanted to play it. And to play it on the Festival Republic stage last year and to have the turn out that we did, and for fans to sing the songs so loud. So to be asked to go back and headline that stage, it’s very special for us. We can’t wait for it.

Where did you all hang out when you were younger? You all went to different schools?

I went to Joan of Arc in Ricky, Dan (Dorney, guitarist) and Jermaine (Angin, bassist) went to Francis Combe, and Jack (Metcalfe, drummer) was at Parmiter’s.

So Jermaine and Dan have known each other since they were about seven. I met Dan at West Herts College on a music course.

There was lots of time in Cassiobury Park. We would get up to all kinds of mischief everywhere.

Any local venues that you used to play at?

Yes, the Railway Club. It was on St Albans Road. There was good scene, where Enter Shikari used to play and Don Broco. We played there quite a lot when we were younger. It was a good little scene. And The Flag, it was always known for bands.

Would you say there’s a Watford vibe?

I think there has always been a good surge of music and scene in Watford. Also St Albans, which is close. Quite a few bands have taken off and done quite well.

Where would you like to be in five years?

Our goal is to be the biggest band in the world, like Kings of Leon, The Killers, all the bands that we look up to and play stadiums, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds. Playing to thousands of people.

How did you get your big break, were you in Watford?

It was seven years before we got the record deal. It’s been a long time. We used to play anywhere and everywhere. Dan and I had an acoustic show in Watford at a bar called Rehab, and a guy connected to the label now saw us and put us in contact. It all just fit together.

Who is the most annoying member of the band?

I think we can all get pretty annoying! We literally are like a band of brothers and would hang out every day. We would always try to wind each other up... in a brotherly way!

See readingfestival.com