Dante Haas - BARN - Interview April 2022

Dante Haas, the drummer of BARN from Boise, Idaho, is as unique as the band he plays in. We’ve been following this band for about a year now, and they are special… writing and performing way beyond their years, and in our opinion, keeping the roots of true progressive Death Metal alive. Check out their debut self-titled album that was released in November of 2020, when they were just 17-18 years old, on Bandcamp!

A few words from Dante Haas: “Ever since the creation of BARN, music has been the most important part of my life. I am so lucky to have such a great team of my best buds, creating music that we all love to play – as well as listen to. I heavily hope to create a career for myself behind the drumset, no matter how hard it may be. I want to sincerely thank SDM for pushing my work, and supporting my band in any way, shape, or form… Thank you.” ~Dante Haas

Dante Haas Interview:

SDM: How old were you when you started playing?

Dante: Started when I was about 7 and played around until I was 13, picked it back up, and started seriously at 16.

SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

Dante: No traditional school band experience, alternative music schooling as a kid (Boise Rock School).

SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?

Dante: Danny Carey, Sean Reinert, Lille Gruber, Tomas Haake, and George Kollias.

SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?

Dante: Dave Weckl, Bill Bruford, Mike Hamilton, Tim ‘Herb’ Alexander, Vinnie Paul, Richard Christy, Gene Hoglan, Flo Mounier, Trey Williams, Nolan Williams (TEXAS KETAMINE), Mario Duplantier, and Hannes Grossman.

SDM: Let us know 5 bands in your current personal rotation.

Dante:

Death, Dying Fetus, Defeated Sanity, Cynic, Decapitated.

(Local 5) Texas Ketamine, Infected Stench, Brutalism, Witness Chamber, Judas Cradle.

SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?

Dante: Stretch, tap my feet, get stoked, and a practice pad.

SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing?

Dante: I do not read music yet, I hope to in the future… I would most likely benefit from doing that.

SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?

Dante:

Tama Swingstar Kit

18″ Meinl Dark Classic Crash

20″ Zildjian A Custom Crash

12″ Zildjian A Custom Splash

22″ Paiste Metal Ride

21″ Zildjian Ping Ride

14″ Paiste 2002 hi-hats

SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be…

Dante: Stick with your buddies and have fun. Create your vision! Use your inspiration. Attempt to make tunes you would like to hear, and play whatever you like.

SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?

Dante: TOOL. Every time.

SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?

Dante: Besides drumming, I love to skate, create art, and make jokes.