Boston-based Hannah and the Bloodlines is the engaging indie/pop juggernaut of Hannah Sumner (vocals), Stephen Gaspar (guitar), Ryan Broderick (drums), Shaun Munday (bass), Cody Sterling (bass), and Jeremy Vovcsko (saxophone).  Ear candy, for certain.

Hannah was kind enough to agree to an e-mail interview with  SHEI, below (and, yes, the “bloodlines” name  will be explained).

1. Describe your sound in less than ten words.

If Sade got a little weird

2. Okay, now the brevities are out of the way- tell us more about The Bloodlines. You’re a five piece outfit- how’d you come together?  What inspired the name, “The Bloodlines”?

We all met in college, I was writing some songs, and a friend wanted to record them so I needed to put a band together. I didn’t really know anyone, so Stephen Gaspar, the guitar player, asked some of his friends and that’s how it came together. As the band grew the members really became a family, and I decided it could no longer go under my name, as it had, and I came up with ‘The Bloodlines’. The name also tied into my belief that everyone and everything affect each other. You have to put out the energy you wish to receive.

3. What inspires your music?  You’re the lead singer, but who else pens the lyrics?

About half the songs are written by me alone, the others are collaborations with the guitar player, Stephen Gaspar, except for Raven, which was inspired by [our] drummer, Ryan Broderick.

I think our main goal when we write is to create something unique and beautiful. Something that we would want to listen to.

4. “Raven’s” a pretty infectious song to the ears (in a good way); my favorite number on your Myspace.  What’s the story behind this  catchy tune?

Well, Ryan came to Stephen and I with an idea, and we told him to bring it to rehearsal, and voila!

The lyrics were written around the time of the election, when America was going to make the decision to continue it’s path or try a different course. There was this intense energy that everyone was building. It was great! Probably one of the first times CNN competed with MTV’s reality TV.

5. Your Myspace lists your record label as “Yum, yes please!”  Any deal in the making?

No, we haven’t found anything that would work for us yet, but it would be delicious!

Photo provided by the Artist

Well, I’m not sure many artists will be going platinum, as not many people buy records anymore, but there is still much success to be had. As a group we have been able to do 50 date tours, record albums, win awards, be featured in magazines, and play on the radio all over the country. I think when we can travel the world and support ourselves comfortably with music we will have achieved our goal, but we have already done some pretty cool things.

7. The Internet’s swimming with innumerable bands.  Have you found social networking – Myspace, Facebook, etc. – as a catalyst for exposure?  Or do you find it’s even more difficult to stand out in the digital divulge?

All of those networks are necessities for any group, but they are not going to set you above anyone. They do allow you to have a connection with your true fans, and make you more accessible to them, which is very important, especially in the beginning

8. To what band would you most directly compare The Bloodlines, but what makes your sound different?

Hahah, every time I answer this question people tell me I sound like someone completely different. We mix a lot of genres, but I think we might give off a vibe of if Dave Matthews Band had a child with The Police, and Sade was it’s godmother. Take a listen and tell me what you think, I would love to have this question answered.

9.Any particular memorable moments you’d care to share?

Well, receiving two awards for best New Artist  [Appetizer Golden Fork] while beating Iron & Wine in a category was pretty sweet. Also, at one of our last shows some kids got on stage and started dancing with me. That was amazing!

1o. Publicity time: Any URLs to share?  Upcoming shows, albums you want to plug?

We are recording our new EP as we speak! You can check out and download our current music at: http://soundcloud.com/bloodlinetones get info on shows here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannah-The-Bloodlines/42404736736.  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFcp-IkCb2M