Doomed Confessionary: Adam Joad (Scattered Hamlet)
Photo by Ben McMillen
Scattered Hamlet is not just a band; they’re a force of nature – where Southern grit collides with heavy-hitting rock ‘n’ roll. With deep roots in Appalachian soul and a raw, untamed energy, they’re the perfect blend of outlaw spirit and metal attitude. Known for their electric live shows, they channel the grit of back-road bar brawls, the freedom of open highways, and the rebellious heart of Americana. Scattered Hamlet isn’t here to fit a mold – they’re here to shatter it, leaving a trail of whiskey-soaked riffs, and unapologetic anthems in their wake.
Scattered Hamlet was formed in 2010 by lead vocalist Adam Joad and has relentlessly toured all over the states with widespread appeal from their down to earth accessibility, blue collar work ethic and outlaw vibe. The band consists of Adam Joad (vocals, harmonica, guitar), Rich Erwin (bass, vocals), Grant Jenkins (drums, vocals, percussion) and Sean Shepperd (lead guitar, vocals).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Appalachian outlaw rock. Like if you took cheap trucker speed and listened to a Skynyrd and Motörhead mashup while watching Smokey and the Bandit.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Umm, everything. Really getting kicked in the balls repeatedly but still finding a way to get back up and be resilient in the face of an industry that doesn’t want you to succeed.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Probably getting kicked in the balls repeatedly but still finding a way to get back up and be resilient in the face of an industry that doesn’t want you to succeed ha ha.
What was your biggest regret?
I don’t know, I tend not to allow my brain to think like that… It’s a trap. You can’t do anything about it unless you have a Delorean with a Flux Capacitor and a proper power source to go back in time. If you have one let’s go back in time and make some big sports bets so we can be tycoons when we come back to the future.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
In terms of tours we did, they all kind of run together at this point. Show wise though, probably playing Sturgis as support for Kid Rock or doing Rockfest the same day as Pantera. Those things were pretty cool. I grew up listening to both bands. Moments like that make you go back and say “wow maybe I did do something cool with my life.” In terms of ones I’ve watched, probably catching Rancid or Rage Against the Machine. They both killed it. Agnostic Front too, I caught them at a little place in West Virginia, that was the perfect spot to see NYHC OGs like that. Springsteen always crushes everyone though. You can’t put him in this equation. It’s like bringing a nuclear weapon to a knife fight. I caught Social Distortion awhile back too, I really like Mike Ness’s approach to songwriting and lyrics.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Probably how little anyone knows. No one knows shit about fuck. Everyone just acts like they do so you have to act that way too. I actually saw Joe Walsh say the same thing about the music industry in the 70’s, not much has changed in that regard.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
A lot of Danny Elfman’s Oingo Boingo era stuff. Also a few of our new tunes, I have to go back and learn what the hell I played on the album so I can do it live. I’ve been playing bass a lot at home along to Black Sabbath. Geezer Butler is just a vibe monster. It’s a great tool for understanding how the bass can work in a song.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
To get the sand out of my vagina and put my head up because I’m already further than 80% of people who try to pull off a career in this wacky bidness.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Probably wearing Hey Dudes and knowing more about the Highlander television series or Klingon Battle Culture than most human beings.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Appalachia?
I don’t really belong to a scene. I live in a bunker in the hills of Appalachia and I only come out to get in the van to go on tour or to go train MMA and JiuJitsu. I try to fish a lot too but I don’t have to talk to anyone or go far to do that.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re done for the year, the touring machine fires up again in 2025 and then we’ll be back to our schedule of bringing the rock everywhere.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We dropped three new singles so far with videos, eventually we’ll put the full album out but right now we’re going to keep putting out singles in the short term. The full album is done though.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Nah, unless I get invited somewhere my wife and I will probably stay home. SH has never played a New Year’s Eve show.
How can people best support your band?
Stream us on Spotify, buy merch, watch our videos, follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Some of those things don’t cost a dime to do and they all help more than you know.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Go forth and don’t be jabronious.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well