The Power of East Coast Surf

Band Name: Hang Daddy

Genre: Surf / Instrumental

Geographical Area: New York City

Interview by email with Ed Di Gangi by email on 12/31/08

1. What is the current line-up of your band?

Eric Tolnes - 1st Guitar

Ed Di Gangi - 2nd Guitar

Joey Cotroneo - Drums

Ken Mezzacappa - Bass
 

2. How and when did you get started with your band?
 

We started in April 2008 with a phone conversation between Joey and myself. I told him I was looking to form a new band doing Surf tunes. He was very excited about this and asked if he could play the drums. Joey and I go way back... we were the founding members and vocalists of The Blue Meanies back in '97, so I gave him an audition on "drums" which he passed! Kenny is an old friend as well, and Eric was introduced to me by a friend who asked me if I needed a guitar player who wanted to play "surf guitar". The reason Eric plays guitar is because of "Surf Music".
 

3. What bands or music have influenced you most?

For this project: The Ventures, Dick Dale, The Rip Chords, Link Ray, Laika & the Cosmonauts, Santo & Johnny, The Safari's, The Tornadoes, The Lively Ones, The Belairs, The Astronauts, The Infernos, The Shadows, The Clee-Shays, Los Straitjackets...the list goes on and on...
 

 

4. What is the break down of cover vs. original material in your live shows and/or recordings?
 

We mostly play 'covers' at this time but have written a couple of new tunes that we have included in our recent shows. The new year will have Hang Daddy writing and recording our first CD titled "Hangin' with HANG DADDY!"
 

 

5. What recording have you done?
 

We did a few demos including an original called "Shark bite"

 

6. What kind of gear do you use?
 

I use a Vox AC 30 amp or a Fender all tube Hot Rod Deville amp and I play various Fender Strats. Eric plays a '64 Fender Strat, and a '64 Jag through a MusicMan 100RD  head w/ a Fender Bassman (2x12) JBL's, '63 re-issue Fender reverb tank and a Duncan Shape Shifter Tremelo pedal. Joey plays Gretch drums and Kenny plays a Fender 5 string Jazz bass and a Spector 5 string bass through an Ampeg SVT 4 Pro head with an Ampeg (4x10) cabinet and a Hartke (1x18) bottom if needed.
 

 

7. What is your band’s favorite food/beverage?
 

Tacos and beer with sishi chasers.

 

8. How do you get gigs?
 

Extortion and intimidation.
 

9. What are the difficulties you find playing your kind of music in your area? 
 

It's friggin' cold here!

 

10. What positive attributes does your band have that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?
 

We're all very attractive!
 

 

11. What have you found to be the single most effective promotional tool you’ve used to further your band’s musical path?


We basically shake down and "put the screws to" promoters & club owners.


12. What’s the most interesting performance experience you’ve had?
 

Playing on the beach at Asbury Park, N.J.

 

13. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA member?
 

Fame and fortune.

 

14. Anything else?
 

Get Well wishes to Dick Dale.