Hank & Cupcakes, a drum-and-bass duo based in Brooklyn and originally from Tel Aviv, will be performing a series of concerts as part of a tour celebrating the release of their debut CD.  We had a chance to chat with them recently, just after they completed the first leg of their tour.  They will be making a series of stops in our area, as part of the second leg, in early July. Learn more about those stops, along with a review of their debut, by clicking here.

1. For the uninitiated, how would you describe your music?
Hot sweaty futuristic rock 'n' roll.

2. You've been on the road a lot over the past year or two.  Are there any areas that were particularly exciting to visit?
Being on the road in itself is always exciting for us. There are some areas who have had us back a lot over that period of time and with whom we've developed a very special relationship including Harrisburg, Pa.; Rochester, N.Y.; Tampa, Fla.; Utica, N.Y.; Miami, Fla.; Chicago; and Newport, R.I., to name a few.

3. You moved from Tel Aviv to Havana, and then ultimately to Brooklyn; what would you say is the best thing about the move?
Without sounding corny, coming to the states gave us the opportunity to realize our dreams. We come from a very small country with very limited opportunities for rock 'n' rollers. The size of this place, the openness to music and the culture are a real source of inspiration and hope.

4. Anything you particularly miss, given you've been gone awhile now?
Truthfully, the more we're away, the less we miss.

5. What music do you find yourself drawn to? Any artists that you're particularly fond of?
We just saw Crystal Fighters play the Music Hall Of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and they were awesome! We also just played a show with Electric Youth in Chicago 2 nights ago and they were amazing. We're always looking for a strong raw energy to feed off and find it not only in music.

6. What's your favorite tracks on the album?
We'll answer this one separately:
Hank: Sweet Potion, Jersey Girl and the Ain't No Love remix feat. Mallard All Day by Will 'the 83rd' McNair.
Cupcakes: Fly, See Though, Born Again

7. You'll be in Connecticut for two performances in July; what can people expect when they come to see you?
They can expect to see two people sweating their souls away and giving it everything they got.

8. You've said that the sounds and sights of New York were inspirational; what do you draw upon for inspiration when writing your songs?
Cupcakes: Anything surrounding me both physically and emotionally can be a source of inspiration once my head is clear and my heart is open.

9. You've managed to record at the famous Hansa studios, tour extensively, and put out a wonderful debut album.  What's your next step?
Firstly thanks! Our next step is to tour as much as we can in support of this new album and get back into the studio as quickly as possible to record the next.

Tags: 2012, 39-05, JUNE