HATTIE GREEN

HATTIE GREEN are:
Rocky – vocals
N.R Janoes – guitars
Nikos Kastanas – bass
Thanos Dimitriou – drums

Hattie Green – N.R. Janoes:
“We are preparing an album and it will be titled ‘Dead End’.”

It didn’t take long, since I saw them live for the first time, the sound of the guitar in the room brought out heavy rock notes, the drums were looking for their own and claiming it in every way, when the bass joined them harmoniously, then the voice of Nikos Kastanas came to bind the whole ensemble in a magical way.
Suddenly, the lights came on and Hattie Green appeared, everyone was screaming, shouting and clapping, while bodies danced in a chaotic and lively room and the only thing that could be heard clearly is the combination of pure hard and heavy rock, combined with familiar sounds and rhythms in the American heavy rock scene of the 70s.
Hattie Green, has a rough and steady rock and at the same time, an unchanging and always current and dynamic action.
In short, it’s a source of talentede and pure rock music authenticity.
Hattie Green, it’s a Greek-German band born in Athens in 2007 by the leader of the group, the talented and successful Nikos Kastanas.
The whole line up, is Michael Neukirchner (aka Rocky)/ vocals, Nikos Kastanas/ bass, Thanos Dimitriou/ drums and N.R Janoes on guitars.
Their acclaimed debut ‘Here comes the Lady’, later came ‘Burning Wheels'( discography: ‘Banker’s Dreamland’), ‘Party Time'( discography: ‘Here comes the Lady’) and many other hits that catapulted them to the heights.
Let’s also refer to their latest fire ‘Lost’, which broken all records so far, by Iason Productions.
What’s in store for us next?
The guitarist of Hattie Green N.R Janoes, opened his heart to Radiohp.net and talked to us about the band, about their new gem ‘Lost’, about their cooperation with Paul Di Anno and Cliff Evans, the lockdown period and their plans.
Are you ready to get on board?
How was Hattie Green born and how did the name of the band come about?
“Hattie Green were formed in 2007. Τhe history of the band’s name is lost in time. The currently line up is Michael Neukirchner (aka Rocky) vocals, Nikos Kastanas – bass, Thanos Dimitriou – drums and me on guitars.”
To be honest, I was thrilled listening to your songs, but why you have not achieved recognition by the general public?
“First of all, I want to thank you for your kind words. On the second leg something we hear from a lot of people. We’ve had accidents, I guess. Economic crisis, ups and downs, and in the end a lockdown. But we’re still here. We’re still strong and ready to rock.”
How do you see your evolution through time as well as through the eyes of your fans?
“We started in 2007. Many members came and went from the band. Everyone contributed to the band. We worked with great artists and had great collaborators. We travelled and met a lot of people. We gained a lot of experience. I think evolution is reflected in our work. We have some very good new material that we’re looking forward to release.”
Which of your songs stand out and why?
“Difficult question…We have two albums and both contains great songs. I could mention ‘Rocket Roll’ or ‘Burning Wheels’, a song that was included in a compilation of the Fireworks magazine. It’s not about the quality of the two songs, but for personal reasons.”
What is the composition mix, which consists of the magic potion of the band?
“We have been together for many years and above all we are friends. We are a family. There is no magic. We work a lot and we are on a very good level.”
Talk to us about your latest release, ‘Lost’ (feat. Dimitra Koenka).
“It’s a very beautiful song that we started working on before the arrival of covid. It’s a special song for us because it’s completely different to our style and Dimitra΄s fantastic voice has made it one of my favorites.”
You have given concerts in Greece and abroad, which concert do you remember most?
“We enjoy all shows in the same way. Whether it’s a small venue or a festival. In order to answer this question, I would say the first mini tour we did in 2009, in Central Europe.”
Tell us a few words about your cooperation with the extraordinary Paul Di Anno and Cliff Evans.
“It was a great honour for us to have Paul’s participation on our first album. That’s why a very good, mutual friend of ours, Lea Hart, stepped in. The same of course goes for Cliff from the legendary band Tank. He listened to the ‘Party Time’ and wrote one of his signature solos. There are many stories specifically about Paul Di Anno, but it’s not easy to share them publicly.”
How difficult was the lockdown period for you, both musically and personally?
“It was a nightmare. We’ve had our share of human losses. Musically it was extremely difficult. 2-3 years of inactivity. Such a waste of time…”
What are you planning for the near future?
“We are preparing a new album. We are recording a new album. We have some very nice songs. It will be pleasant surprise for our friends. Really…The album will be released sometime in 2024 and will be titled ‘Dead End’. We also want to take part in concerts and give as many as possible.”…Maria Stella Tsatsi…