Interview with bandmembers Doug Hair & Michael Scott of Exhausted
- Hawk-IT Interviews
- Aug 7
- 16 min read
Welcome to Hawk-IT Interviews today I had Doug Hair & Micheal Scott of from a band called Exhausted. Exhausted is a Crossover Thrash Metal Band from Sioux Falls, South Dokata. We talked both guys upbring, the band, the music, who the metal community is from his part of the state, and much more.
Amit Ahuja: What were your hometowns or childhood environments like, and how did that early upbringing or global culture shape your perspective as a creator today?
Doug Hair: My childhood has led me to be a fairly quiet and observant person, overall. I grew up an only child in the country in South Dakota. No cable TV, high speed internet, and most of my friends lived a ways away. I grew up right next to a state park, so it was basically like I had a huge backyard; but that meant I spent a lot of solitary time outdoors. Once I get to know someone I'm pretty chatty, but I often don't have a lot to say to most people.
Michael Scott: I grew up in the country, no internet, 3ish channels on TV, miles from any friends... I had to find or create something to do. But, I remember that I took an early liking to rock music. From a very early age I just remember gravitating to my parent's Guns n Roses, ZZ Top, Ozzy records and the local rock radio stations. Around 4th-ish grade I also had an older cousin who would come up to South Dakota (where I'm from) from Tucson who would game and listen to KoRn, PanterA, Manson, 311, The Offspring, White Zombie etc... I really liked hanging out with him and loved that music he listened to and he let me borrow his CDs. I also had access to being around a guitar at an early age. While my mom wasn't actively playing guitar she grew up playing guitar, which I currently have her guitar which is a cherished possession. It's a 1968 Gibson ES-335. Then, for my birthday at the end of 6th grade I got my first guitar, started guitar lessons. My guitar teacher's son, Dave Vanderlinde, was in my same grade and he is an amazing drummer. We became very close friends and started our first band in 7th grade and we played in bands with one another all through high school. Still very close friends to this day. Our upcoming EP, we recorded ourselves with Dave's guidance and then he mixed and mastered it. I have been very lucky to have the great support and guidance from family and friends throughout my life!
Amit Ahuja: How did your formative relationships, struggles, or early inspirations influence your emotional depth and the way you approach self-expression now?
Doug Hair: My best friend got cancer in late high school and died during my first year of college. People move in and out of each other's lives, but the impressions we make on each other far outlast the immediate connection.
Amit Ahuja: When did your creative journey officially begin? Was there a defining moment that shifted you from being a fan or observer into feeling compelled to produce your own work?
Doug Hair: I joined my first band 12 or 13 years ago. I played some instruments growing up, but it was never a passion of mine. Over time, I get new creative itches that pull me in different directions. In terms of Exhausted, I was thrilled when I got the call to play bass, as I had grown up listening to some of the previous bands of the other members.
Amit Ahuja: Whenever you release a new song, album, piece of art, or creative project, do you usually go into it hoping people walk away with a specific message, emotion, or deeper meaning? Or do you prefer to keep things more open-ended so everyone can interpret the work in their own way and connect with it through their own personal experiences? I’d love to hear how you balance sharing your own vision while still leaving room for fans or audiences to find their own meaning in what you create.
Michael Scott: I hope people are moved by it in whatever way that means for them. Art is such a personal experience in both creation and experiencing. I hope there is substance there to grip them in whatever that means for them but there has to be substance enough to to grip at all.
Amit Ahuja: What made you choose your specific medium, industry, or discipline, and who inspired you to pursue it seriously rather than just keeping it as a hobby?
Doug Hair: I tried guitar for a while with it never feeling like it quite clicked. At some point, I realized that bass was what clicked. It took a while for me to realize how much I wanted to pursue it, though. I was in a band for a while, not really taking anything very seriously...then at some point it occurred to me that I got a lot more out of it if I just put in a bit more effort than I had. It was fine doing it casually, but I found it much more rewarding to take it more seriously and try to set and meet some goals. It's tiring, it's stressful, it's frustrating, but it's fulfilling.
Amit Ahuja: How would you describe your local or digital creative scene, and in what ways has that community influenced your style, identity, or presentation?
Doug Hair: The scene here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is small. There's a lot of good people working hard in the local scene, but there's really just not much going on overall. Not a large audience and not many larger acts coming through. On the one hand, it means you stand out a little easier, but it also feels a bit like we're on an island.
Michael Scott: A mixture of things. My cousin I talked about in my previous answer. He had a bass and he would let me play that. Then my mom had that beautiful Gibson... she rightfully didn't allow me to play that very much when I was little but just having those instruments in my world and apart of my schema probably helped me understand that these things make that music I love. Then, getting that first guitar in my hands, it was game over. I loved learning just how to play it. I was writing terrible two finger, non-sense dissonant chord riffs trying to write a song from the get go. But, then learning barre chords, palm muting etc... everything really started evolving and developing in my playing.
Amit Ahuja: Were there any specific venues, digital platforms, galleries, independent networks, festivals, or underground spaces that played a major role in your development?
Doug Hair: There's a relatively large local festival every summer called Four Winds. For many years now, that's been the largest weekend of the summer for myself, and many other musicians in the local scene.
Amit Ahuja: What initially drew you to the specific genre, style, or industry you are rooted in today, and what was it about that culture or aesthetic that resonated with you so deeply?
Doug Hair: I was in middle school the first time I heard metal music with harsh vocals. It was a small band out of Omaha, NE called Stigmata, and a friend showed me through one ear bud from his MP3 player. I was immediately freaked out, but it stirred something in me. Partly due to the scariness and partly despite it, I was drawn to it. After that I continued down the rabbit hole, and it's just never stopped. My tastes are still changing and evolving.
Amit Ahuja: Who were your earliest artistic inspirations, and how did their specific works help shape your approach to your craft or technique?
Doug Hair: In 2011 I saw Rob Zombie live for the first time. I was enraptured by his bassist, Piggy D. Something about his stage persona... I realized that was the thing I wanted.
Michael Scott: The earliest bands that really interested me were Nirvana, 311, Silverchair, Deftones and The Vandals. That was late grade school, early middle school. Then for the better part of middle school, with it being the late 90s, I got really into nuMetal. Slipknot, Mudvayne, KoRn, Soulfly, Sevendust which lead to what I think was one of my earliest heavy influences on my guitar playing which is Fear Factory. Dino's riffing has always hooked from an early age.
Then I got into more thrash bands like Slayer, Megadeth, the early Metallica albums and Anthrax (they should come up for a term for these large 4 bands at some point...). Which lead me to my favorite guitarist and probably biggest influence which is PanterA and Dimebag. In high school it just kept progressing to Death, Meshuggah, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Opeth, Tool, and other death metal bands and bands with prog elements. I loved odd timings and bands with a large rhythm vocabulary. Then in my first year of college I saw Gojira open up for Lamb of God and their rhythms and writing absolutely floored me. So, those three bands/guitarists have been probably my biggest influence among many other but those three really had a big impact on me. Fear Factory/Dino, PanterA/Dimebag, Gojira/whole band.
Amit Ahuja: Take us back to the birth of this project, collaborative group, or professional path. How did it begin, and what led to the defining moment where everything clicked?
Doug Hair: I'm not an original member, so I'm not the best person to answer this. All the other members have history with each other, though. It was just a matter of getting the right people in the right positions.
Michael Scott: Exhausted’s inception comes from the history members had with one another. Michael briefly played bass in The Tennessee Murder Club with Josh and Nick around 2009. He also had a history with Frank from previous bands that played shows together in the late 2000s. Nick and Michael went on to do a small project called Wretched Earth that had one EP. During the Covid lockdown Nick, Josh, Frank and Michael all worked together on a project jokingly called Thunder Rifflin, a track called “One and Done.” Little did they know, it wouldn’t just be one and done and they’d be writing together again in the future. Fast forward to the spring of 2023; Frank and Michael were talking about starting a new project. Frank crossed paths with Nick at a local show and also discussed starting a project with Michael. They then reached out to Josh to play drums. After getting together a few times and starting the writing process they had yet to add a bassist. They wanted fresh blood and fresh perspective for the band…someone none of them had worked with before. The band was aware of Doug from being in other projects and what a dynamic player he is and great stage presence he has. So he was a perfect fit and it became really apparent from first practices together that this mixture worked well! The lineup hasn’t changed. When we first started jamming and writing the first songs it just felt right. The riffs were heavy, yet groovy with high energy. Everyone just fit in perfectly.
Amit Ahuja: What was your original vision or intent when you first started out, and how has that evolved or surprised you compared to who you are today?
Doug Hair: Originally, the imagery was inspired by the 80s/90s skate punk aesthetic...sort of closer to the crossover thrash look of the late 80s. Nowadays, we've embraced a darker, harsher look.
Amit Ahuja: Did you consider other project names, aliases, or branding directions before settling on your current identity, or did it immediately stand out as the right choice?
Doug Hair: Again, this isn't as much my place, as I wasn't there for a lot of these initial decisions.
Amit Ahuja: What is the story behind your professional name or creative identity, and what does it represent for you emotionally, philosophically, or artistically?
Doug Hair: The name behind the band is somewhat tongue in cheek. On the one hand it ties into the nature of modern existence. We have all these modern conveniences, yet people are just as depressed and burnt out as ever. On the other hand, aside from myself, everyone in the band are in their 40s and 50s. All of us are veterans in the music scene. We're all just fucking exhausted
Amit Ahuja: How does your creative name or visual brand reflect the themes you explore (like transformation, duality, vulnerability, or rebellion), and has its meaning changed as your work has matured?
Doug Hair: Many of the lyrics written by our vocalist deal with the drudgery of modern life. It feels like everyone is disenchanted and burnt out. Living conditions and material conditions need not be as bad as they are. Yet we all grind and grind to just scrape by.
Michael Scott: We are a pretty straight forward metal and where we want a what you see is what you get. Many of us have been in bands where the visual aesthetics kind of came first and we didn't want that for this band.
Amit Ahuja: Did you experiment with different project names, aliases, aesthetics, or branding ideas before settling on your current identity, or did this one immediately stand out as the right representation of who you are creatively? I’d also love to hear if there’s any deeper meaning, story, or personal connection behind the name and how it reflects your work, personality, or artistic vision.
Michael Scott: For the band name Exhausted we had a list of ideas and names. There is a little tongue in cheek joke there when we named the band of a bunch of middle-aged men (Doug wasn't in the band at the time) playing metal are probably exhausted. But for me personally I just go with my name. Michael Scott is a name people remember around the office for some reason.
Amit Ahuja: What is the story behind your professional name or creative identity, and what does it represent for you emotionally, philosophically, or artistically?
Michael Scott: I write riffs... My nickname in high school was simple, "PanterA." Everyone knew I loved PanterA. But, as far as my creative name, I just go with my actual name. Sorry, nothing real interesting here
Amit Ahuja: Given the unique vulnerability of sharing your work, image, or performance, how do you handle stepping into the spotlight and connecting with your specific audience live or online?
Doug Hair: I would hazard a guess that all of us have been nervous at times. At this point, we've all been doing it for so long that it just comes naturally. It can be hard to share something you create with others, but it's torture to have something you've created never see the light of day.
Michael Scott: I love the act of preforming but struggle with the being in front of people. Even if that's just speaking in front of people for my job. But, I think it's really important for us to do the things that scare us. Helps us grow and realize it's fine and we don't need to worry.
Amit Ahuja: Have you ever received praise or a reaction to your work from fans, or family that really stayed with you? If so, is there a story behind it you’d like to share?”
Michael Scott: As a rhythm guitarist when someone praises my tone or riffs is one of the biggest compliments I can get and sticks with me.
Amit Ahuja: What are the honest highs and lows of being an independent creator in today's global landscape, and has this path changed you personally in ways you didn't expect?
Doug Hair: There's a lot of burnout. This is a passion project for all of us, we all have many other commitments. It's a lot of work to try to make it successful, and it can be incredibly discouraging at times. There's also the thrill from hearing people connecting with something you've put your effort into.
Michael Scott: I think the paradox of choice can be overwhelming as a listener and makes things very tough as an artist. There is just SO MUCH GOOD music out there. There really is. At the same time that makes it tough as a listener to spend too much time on any one record now-a-days unless something REALLY speaks to you. You have a certain record come out, you think it's really good but then... this other record just came out too that you need to go listen to. That same idea for artists makes it tough to really gain ground especially without "playing the game" of needing to constantly be releasing content.
Amit Ahuja: Despite the inevitable setbacks, stigmas, or challenges that can come with your specific field, what keeps you motivated and moving forward at this stage of your career?
Doug Hair: Some piss and vinegar, I suppose. The thought of failing gives a kind of 'fuck you' energy.
Michael Scott: I just have to create. I have been playing guitar and writing music since the 7th grade and whether it's been in a band setting or when I knew I was living and working where being in a band wasn't possible I built up a little recording home studio so I continue writing. Setbacks, challenges, stigmas can all be turned into motivation for creation.
Amit Ahuja: Looking closely at your latest releases, projects, or portfolios, what are the core meanings and stories behind them, and what kind of headspace were you in while creating them?
Doug Hair: We have an EP dropping in June, comprised of three songs we've been honing over the last few years. They've all had the road test, they've all had their last minute tweaks during the recording process. We're thrilled to finally have them out for people to listen to.
Amit Ahuja: How personal are these specific works to you, and do they reflect real-life experiences, struggles, or relationships you wanted to process through your art?
Doug Hair: They definitely reflect the struggle we all feel. The hope would be that others connect with it and it helps them put words to something they've been feeling, or that it maybe reinforces something they're already thinking. We're all in the same boat, and there's strength in numbers and awarenes
Amit Ahuja: Whether working solo or collaboratively, were there any moments during your recent creative processes that pushed you completely outside your comfort zone technically or emotionally?
Doug Hair: We did a lot of the engineering for this EP ourselves. Under guidance from Dave Vanderline of All Hail The Yeti, we did all the miking and tracking ourselves for this EP. Then Dave did all the editing, mixing, and mastering. He still had a ton of work to do, but it was a great learning experience to have him walk us through our side of the process.
Michael Scott: Our lead guitarist is a better technical player than I am and he pushes me a lot which is good. I have grown a lot through this endeavor as a guitar player.
Amit Ahuja: On a personal level, what does the act of expression or performance represent for you? Is it catharsis, healing, confrontation, self-discovery, or something else entirely?
Doug Hair: Catharsis to some extent. Largely, it's a grounding experience. For a moment, everything else fades away and you're just in the moment.
Michael Scott: There is a bit of release and catharsis as well as confronting fears of performing in front of others. It is also a way to connect with others through art.
Amit Ahuja: The creative path is full of rejection and self-doubt. What advice would you give to emerging talents on how to turn those difficult setbacks into motivation and longevity?
Doug Hair: Rejection is hard, but holding yourself back out of fear of rejection is worse. I have no idea how to advise someone on self doubt [laughs].
Michael Scott: Simply learn from those setbacks. Someone with no setbacks and no rejection is a person who hasn't grown as an artist.
Amit Ahuja: Given the intense emotional and professional demands of your work, how do you balance your career with your mental health and well-being?
Doug Hair: I struggle with this a lot. It's a tough thing to pursue, and I often end up in a bad headspace. The bitterly ironic thing for me is this: Music is the most grounding, relieving, and fulfilling thing in my life. It's also what causes me the most stress, anxiety, and negativity.
Michael Scott: I feel music and writing is good for my mental health. Now when you get into the business side of things, if that takes over that takes a toll on my mental health. Or the struggles at times in working with others and the problems that can come with any relationship with others. But, the music side, if that's kept in focus really helps my mental health.
Amit Ahuja: Who are three individuals—mentors, peers, or family members—who have had the most profound impact on your life, and what is the biggest lesson they taught you?
Doug Hair: It's so hard to name just three, and I don't want to leave anybody out and risk hurting anyone who has impacted me. Many many people around me have inspired me, and I'm very grateful for all of them.
Michael Scott: My mom. She was the one who first started me on this path of playing guitar as I mentioned in an earlier answer. My cousin Chuck/Charles who really helped me on my path of heavy music My best friend David Vanderlinde. He was my drummer all through high school. His dad my guitar teacher. Just a close, close friend that has helped me in so many ways as a musician and friend.
Amit Ahuja: Outside of your primary medium, what other forms of storytelling or imagery inspire you and bleed into your creative process?
Doug Hair: Film is a big one for me. I also love reading.
Michael Scott: Movies and video games but it's tough for those things to bleed into riff writing.
Amit Ahuja: If you could feature your work, style, or persona in any classic or modern film, which movie would you choose, and what kind of scene would it perfectly visualize or complement?
Doug Hair: Oh jeez I don't even know where to begin.
Michael Scott: Fight Club. I think the duality of man there is pretty on point for me. Being a high school special education teacher as well as playing in a metal band. For people in the metal scene it's surprise that I am a teacher and a coach, for my co-worker they are surprised that I play in a metal band... But for those who really get to know me, everyone just learns what a big dork I am at my core.
Amit Ahuja: What does the next chapter hold for your career? Are there any upcoming releases, events, collaborations, or new directions you are excited to share?
Doug Hair: Exhausted's new EP, Down To The Wire, is out June 26th. A few of my other bands have releases coming up this year as well, so I'm staying plenty busy.
Michael Scott: We have a new EP coming out June 26th. It is called, "End Result"
Amit Ahuja: To wrap things up, what final message would you like to leave for your supporters and anyone out there who is still trying to find their own authentic voice?
Doug Hair: Thank you so much for the support. We don't make this music to just have ourselves, we make it to share with others so we need the whole community. For anyone who's still trying to find their own authentic voice, just be yourself. Everybody is self-conscious. People recognize and gravitate to authenticity. But on the other hand you can't win them all, and you don't need to try.
Michael Scott: Take risks, try things, you don't know who your authentic self is sometimes until you find out what really isn't your authentic self. And don't be afraid to change your image who your authentic self was years ago because artists are dynamic characters and can change.
Amit Ahuja: Thanks Doug Hair & Michael Scott of Exhausted for sharing your stories with us today.
Please check out the links below, where you can listen to Exhausted’s music and support them.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/66dtZ1Ny9vDcoYwUg3wj96?si=pGR0xzh4TvCqSqCclCZwnA https://www.instagram.com/exhaustedband/
***All video and photo used towards end is by Michael Iverson of @grievance_imagery are credit to Exhausted useless otherwise noted**
Comments