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Hundreds of fans turned out last week for the 80/35 Wild Card where five bands competed for an open slot at the festival. The Honeybees, Ely Falls, Hollywood Burnout and Blue Island Tribe all had a strong fan showing, but in the end it was Hanwell who emerged victorious. Frontman James Peterson rushed around People’s Court following the announcement, calling friends, hugging everyone and thanking fans for their vote. We managed to get him to sit still for a few minutes to answer some questions.
Not their first festival experience
The members of Hanwell helped organize and performed at Newton Indiefest in 2007-2008. “It was a few hundred people in a park.”
Thoughts on winning
“It’s cool. We’re such huge Malkmus and Broken Social Scene fans. To even be a part of the same music function as them is overwhelming. We feel very blessed.”
Biggest show to date
Hanwell opened for Augustana in April at the 10,000 Hours show, playing for hundreds of volunteers. Their largest solo show was an EP release in November for about 100 fans.
How they won
Hanwell turned out the vote by putting the word out online on sites like Facebook. “We rely on word of mouth and stay in touch with fans as best we can. We try to keep it personal.”
Should they have been in a bar?
Hanwell members Peterson and Austin Dunn just graduated high school in May. The band’s other three members are still in high school.
A cover from Hanwell you might not expect
The band did The Shins “Turn a Square” during their set, but held back another they could have done. “We do a pretty terrible version of 'Wires & Wool’ by The Envy Corps.” That might have been a smart move; The Envy Corps frontman Luke Pettipoole was in the audience at the Wild Card.
If they could get a band to cover a Hanwell song it would be
“I would really love to hear Arcade Fire do 'Berlew.’”
Hanwell at 80/35 Music Festival
When: Noon July 4
Where: East Free Stage, Western Gateway Park
Cost: Free for Hanwell’s performance, $35 for July 3, $45 July 4, $70 for both days through Iowatix.com
Info: 80-35.com or myspace.com/hanwellmusic
