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Hanif’s music is the result of a blend of musical tastes, ranging from obvious influences such as Gram Parsons, The Byrds, Tom Petty and The Jayhawks to more unexpected affections for artists like Mike Patton, The Clash and System of a Down. In the end it all sounds like Hanif, a unique mixture of Americana and pop – an appreciation for classic song writing with beautiful harmony vocals that identify the band.

With the EP “Stitch of Happiness” Hanif wants to start establishing themselves as a band, even though they’ve played together for about eight years now. The band is in the progress of recording their debut full length album with producer Paul Bothén, who amongst others has produced critically acclaimed Kristoffer Åström and The Bear Quartet.

No matter how many new recording techniques are invented, there will always be those who will hang on to that vague thing called ”vintage”. Meaning analogue recording to 2” magnetic tape, using old microphones and instruments today’s computer producers would laugh at.

Well, as much as the new technique has enabled independent bands to make albums for virtually (no pun intended) no money at all, Hanif still embrace vintage sound.

So it’s no wonder that the band was more than delighted when Mr. Analogue himself, Björn Olsson, agreed to produce their debut EP. Björn is a former member of The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Spain and Union Carbide Productions, and is now a praised solo artist and producer, having committed bands such as Granada, Franke and Embassy to tape.

“Stitch of Happiness” is recorded and mixed in four days and there’s no escaping the hiss, hums or noise that joined the music in its journey to tape. Hanif wanted a spontaneous feel to the music so all of the basic tracks are first- or second takes. If they wanted reverb on the harmony vocals, Ismael was simply recorded out in the staircase to the studio.