Hans Chew

Hans Chew is a conspirator to a number of parties guilty of music obsession. In addition to fronting his own highly lauded eponymous band of sound fiends, he rides as honky-tonk pianist for psychedelic Americana and Thrill Jockey recording artist D. Charles Speer & the Helix, and his barrel-house and boogie piano can be heard alongside Jack Rose, on Jack’s releases The Black Dirt Sessions and Luck In The Valley. Hans is also a known associate of alt-Kraut-country rockers Oakley Hall, eternal jammers Endless Boogie, indie rock heavies Arbouretum, and avant-guitarist Chris Forsyth.

Hans lives in New York City. His debut album, Tennessee and Other Stories…., is currently out of print, though still available in digital format. It was included in the “Top 50 Albums of the Year” for 2010 by Uncut Magazine.

Already an accomplished drummer, Hans honed his skills as a pianist while residing at the infamous Clermont Hotel in Atlanta, GA. His most distinctive influences are those of New Orleans pianists James Booker, Professor Longhair, and Dr. John, as well as classic American rockers Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Leon Russell, and the work of post-punk singer/songwriter Nick Cave. Hans performed his first solo show in August 2009 opening for lo-fi psyche rocker Kurt Vile, toured the US in February 2011, and recently performed all three days of the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival in Ireland, followed by a week of solo engagements in the UK.