An Interview with TommyHatz of Rocket Queen (USA)

An Interview with TommyHatz of Rocket Queen (USA)

I had the opportunity to hang out with TommyHatz (aka Tom Hatziemanouel) and talk all things music. His journey in this musical industry, and his future plans, and projects coming up. A local very well known LA musician, including being in the band Rocket Queen. He is definitely a huge part of the Los Angeles music scene. Here’s some of his past and future projects coming up.

* I was a long-time member of the band PROFESSIONAL MURDER MUSIC. The band is best known for its song Slow, featured on the soundtrack to the movie End Of Days (Arnold Schwarzenegger).

* I will be resuming my role as musical director and co-host of RAHK (Rock a holic Karaoke) when its new monthly residency begins at Three Clubs on June 12.

– some background info on what that is:
(RAHK is a live band karaoke event. Previously held at Viper Room and Skinny’s in North Hollywood before that. Created and hosted by Skum Love – Artist rep for Schecter Guitars and former personal assistant to Glenn Danzig.)

What first got you into music?
Many of my earliest childhood memories are closely related to music. Professionally, my first real gig was a band called Graves. A Misfits-adjacent project that released one record, toured the US a couple times, then fell apart 2 weeks before we were supposed to leave to tour Japan. The record is called Web of Dharma – and for a while it was a valuable collector’s item in the horror-punk community. No idea if it still is. I played guitar in that band.

Who inspired you to make music?
Everything inspires me to make music. Life’s struggles and its beauty. I’ve learned on several occasions that life without music is miserable for me.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?
It depends on who and what I’m creating for. I can adapt to many styles. I’m told that there is a very cinematic quality that is fundamental to the music I create. I tend to lean heavily into dynamics and space – Thunderous bursts of energy lurking in shadows of ambience. Sometimes silence says more than words or sound can muster. I’m also told that I have an ability to convey deep emotions within the sonic landscapes that I cultivate. But what do I know? I believe that artists create because it’s how we cope – with life, with trauma, with pain and grief, and even with happiness.

What is your creative process like?
First and foremost – what is the story you want to tell? Whether it’s lyrically, instrumentally, or even just emotionally. If there’s no story, there’s no song. Inspiration can come from anywhere. When I lived in New Jersey, I’d often go into NYC and just walk around – observing, absorbing – and reflecting on my own existence. It was very rare that I would come home without inspiration for a new song. I still do similar things here in LA. Whether it’s going for a drive, hiking, going out to the desert, or even just walking around my own neighborhood. It’s often useful to get away from the computer and the instruments – and just create in your head. One good thing about today’s tech is having the ability to record or write down ideas anywhere, anytime.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I want to collaborate with anyone that has true passion for what they are doing. Whether that be an independent artist like Whitney Tai, or a global superstar. I’ve had conversations and/or started collaborations with a few friends of mine, whose talents I highly respect: Jimmy Gnecco and Ashton Nyte are two that come to mind. I hope those songs come to fruition. But if not, that’s okay too. I’m still doing what I do. I’ve worked with some recognizable names in the past, and I am grateful for those experiences. But hey, get me in a room with Daniel Lanois, Jerry Cantrell, and Sia – and let’s write the next Chappel Roan hit single!

What is one message you would give to your fans?
A message for anyone reading this: SUPPORT artists and friends – Buy physical media and merch. Avoid asking for guest list admission and favors – if you can afford it. Everyone is struggling these days. Music is one of the few things in life that can universally heal and help us connect and cope. Those who create it deserve to live a life that allows them to keep creating.

What is the most useless talent you have?
No talent is useless. But it can be wasted.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Career is a practical word. It is a business, and musicians deserve to be respected as professionals. The predatory nature of the entertainment industry can be incredibly frustrating. However, music is not only that. It’s identity. It’s an instinct. It’s an outlet. It’s soul. For true musicians, there is no walking away from it. I’ve been down to that crossroads many times. Every time the siren calls, I submit to her. If music ceased to exist, I probably would too. If it never existed – I’d probably have taken over my father’s contracting business in New Jersey – or studied architecture in college. But I dropped out to go on tour, so there’s that.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
In many ways, it’s still the same game. Without the power and influence of the gatekeepers, it’s nearly impossible to make a significant impact. It’s easier to get yourself out into the water, but the sea keeps growing. The predators have evolved a bit, but they’re still out there. As they always have been. Music is continually being devalued. Relabeled as “content”.  Algorithmic learning engines scraping away at the organic organism to create a new machine. It’s not just music, but society in general. Humanity is evolving, devolving – for better or worse.

What is your favorite song to perform?
If I’m performing a song, it’s my favorite in that moment. Because if you’re not connecting with the music, then why do it?

Which famous musicians do you admire?
I admire anyone that bares their heart and soul and manages to connect with others. The ones who break through and reach the masses, and the ones still battling obscurity.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My father always told us: “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are”. In other words – Consider carefully and choose wisely who and what you associate with. I’ve learned that the hard way at times.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The same thing I would change about society in general. Take away the power of the predators. Those who create deserve to be valued for their work.

Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
At this point, it’s easier to say where I would like to that I haven’t yet. Somewhere like Madison Square Garden. In the meantime, I’ll continue to be performing with Rocket Queen (USA) – which is a female fronted Guns N’ Roses tribute band that isn’t afraid to be ourselves. We play the music with conviction and authenticity. But we don’t do cosplay and Charlotte doesn’t try to imitate Axl. Her talent stands on its own. We know we’re the underdogs but that’s okay. We’re doing quite well. Follow our socials (@rocketqueenusa) for upcoming shows.

I’ll also be performing with Whitney Tai (@whitneytai) on June 26th at Vulture Culture Oddities’ Espresso Sessions in Burbank – This will be a release party for her new single Slumber Party – which I cowrote, produced, and mixed. I also played guitar and keys on the record. Tim Stewart (Damnage and Lady Gaga) played bass on the record and Derek Abrams (Ministry) played drums. We will be joined by my RQUSA bandmates Greg Coates, Charlotte LaRue, and Griffin Tucker (of Classless Act) for this upcoming event. The release date for the song is June 13th.

What’s next for you?
Whatever the universe allows for me. I will continue to be driven by my ambitions. I will continue to create for as long as my mind and body allow. If you are reading this and want to collaborate with someone who doesn’t let ego get in the way of what’s right for the song, or need a producer or mixer who understands and respects the integrity of your art. I’m available.

(Interview and Photos by Denise Johnson)

TommyHatz on Instagram