Emerging in 2011, Anthony Maniscalco – who’s better known by his stage name Hook N Sling, first introduced himself onto the global stage with ‘Take You Higher’ – which went on to become a true House music anthem.
Since then, Platinum selling singles have followed & Hook N Sling has gone on to work with & remix for the biggest names in the game – incl. Calvin Harris, Halsey, Kygo, Miguel, John Legend, The Chainsmokers, Demi Lovato, Lana Del Rey, Ava Max and Bazzi.
We caught up with revered Australian producer Hook N Sling as he returns with his latest single ‘Cruel Summer’ feat. DARCI:
T.H.E – A warm welcome to T.H.E – Music Essentials, Anthony (Hook N Sling)! How’s your ’22 been so far?
Anthony – ’22 has been amazing so far. I’ve been releasing music I’m really proud of. Honestly after the pandemic I’ve had a more balanced approach to music and life. If you follow my socials, you’d see that I spend a lot time camping and traveling in nature. Now that I’m back touring again I still take the time to get out and switch off. It’s something I’ve learned I need to recharge and stay inspired.
T.H.E – Congratulations on the release of ‘Cruel Summer’, at what point did you decide to remake the classic Bananarama single?
Anthony – So Darci and I were chatting about old surfing movies and we got talking about the soundtrack to Blue Crush and yeah Cruel Summer was on that…we both thought it’d be a cool idea to cover.
T.H.E – Is this the first time you & DARCI have collaborated together?
Anthony – Yeah, the first time we’ve worked together!
T.H.E – When did production get underway & how long was the recording process, from start to finish?
Anthony – Honestly from start to finish it took over a year because we both were testing it in our sets but we never really had a plan to release it. Once we started getting some interest from labels we then thought it’d be something cool to put out during summer.
T.H.E – Are there any planned remixes to also be released, following on from your original version with DARCI?
Anthony – Stay tuned on that one!
T.H.E – After what’s been a difficult couple of years for all, how are you adjusting to a return to live shows & touring again?
Anthony – Yeah, it’s been quite a difficult time for sure …I did do some touring during the pandemic but not much. It definitely took an adjustment being away from home days at a time. I got so used to spending time at home and in the studio during the pandemic lol.
T.H.E – Looking further into 2022, do you have any other exclusive Hook N Sling news you can share with our readers?
Anthony – I leaked last week that I have collabs with Loud Luxury, Slushii and Glass Petals coming out alongside some of my own originals soon. So, they’re all happening in the next few months. Excited about all of these.
