Artist: Son of Han
Album: Son of Han
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Genre: Alternative
Four-time JUNO award winner Leot Hanson has unveiled his debut self-titled album as Son of Han. The concept behind the album was to create a multi-genre style, and he certainly achieved that.
The album has a running vibe and tone, with different performers from song to song. Hanson wanted to be as creative as possible while outsourcing ideas and melodies to great musicians to help build a different feeling, not stagnant or repetitive, and keep everything fresh and interesting.
Many of Hanson’s talented musician peers helped perform and arrange certain tracks throughout the EP. Over the course of a year the songs were molded and shaped into something that is connected tonally but also has completely different vibes from song to song, which makes for a more enjoyable listen.
The album features ten musicians from across Canada, primarily from Saskatchewan. The musicians on this album include Aspen Beveridge, Brad Heck, Tim D’Eon (Wintersleep), Micah Braun, Billy Tataryn, Kitchener Langfield, Kory Istace, Harrison Bourdon, and Grieg Beveridge. Part owner of Skullcreek Studios, Hanson has spent long days and nights with co-owner Aspen Beveridge, working on side projects and amping up his producing skills. Creative Saskatchewan funded the album and release through their recording and marketing grant programs.
The 9-song release features the three previous singles we will focus on today. The tracks “Dem Boyz,” “Arrows,” and “Slave & Rage” start the album with a bang.
“Dem Boyz” begins the album with an infectious groove and catchy lyrics. The track blends elements of various genres, such as rock and pop, from several decades. The vocals throughout the track are reminiscent of slacker rock fused with an upbeat mixture of pop and rock stylings.
On “Arrows,” the instrumentation pulls you in from the beginning, and once the vocals begin, there’s no turning back. Throughout the track, the vocals bring forth a creative fusion of rock, pop, and even moments with a reggae feel. The infectious chorus, “Well, shoes are on point, but what about your soul?
The money is good until it takes a hold, Ya got a nice bow, but who holds the arrow?, Who holds the arrow?” is an earworm if I’ve ever heard one, and the driving beat adds to the captivation.
The third track, “Slave & Rage,” is the latest single with a heavier, aggressive sound. The heavy guitar riffs, driving drums, and gruff vocals take the listener on a completely different journey from the two previous tracks. The song’s heaviness gives it a sense of power and intensity, while its grooving bassline and relaxed tempo create a laid-back, chill vibe.
Overall, the album as a whole is truly a journey—a journey through Leot’s career and a journey through various genres and influences. The first three singles show the listener three sides of Son of Han, proving that there is something for everyone on this release, as each of the nine songs differs from the one before it.
So what are you waiting for? Set aside 30 minutes and treat yourself to the fun, exciting experience that is Son of Han.
Listen to Son of Han below and learn more via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Heyooo, my name is Leot Hanson, and I’ve been in the Canadian music industry for 20 years with many avenues of success – I’m a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer of music in all sorts of genres. My newest venture is under the Moniker SON OF HAN, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what I’ve been cooking up.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
Very excited to have just released my brand new self-titled debut record, SON OF HAN. It came together by bangin’ around some tunes I’ve had on the back burner for quite some time. With the collaboration of some of my very talented musician friends, I was able to come through with a genuine, very colourful record. Full of personal experiences to fictional journeys, it’s got a wide array of Rock, Stoner rock, and pop sensibilities – a little something for everyone, I’d like to say.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
My best ideas come from somewhere between the conscious and subconscious, fueled by the impact of acid-soaked 60s and 70s Rock n Roll, Rnb, and soul to even pop music. I try to engage the listener by creating familiar melodies yet still unable to put the finger on them with a variety of sounds/ tones that differ from song to song for a unique listening experience.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
May 26/23 at The Capitol Music Club in Saskatoon, Sask, will be my first show, with Sam Corbett’s upcoming new project NUTANA.
What’s your goal for 2023?
SON OF HAN is very eager to get out on the road and showcase this record, I look forward to meeting new people who dig great music, and I hope to run into some familiar faces along the way. I will also jump back into the studio as soon as possible because several new tracks are bouncing around in my head! See y all out there, folks!