Five Minutes With: Alt-Indie Band The Hausplants

Formed by Iran-born Amir Alav (guitar), Mongolia-born Sondor Mendbayar (drums) and US-born Anna Zeleny (vocals/bass), The Hausplants crafts powerful soundscapes shaped by cultural hybridity and emotional depth.

In 2023, The Hausplants independently released their debut EP Bright, Indirect Light. Their second EP, Into Equilibrium, was released early 2025 with the support of MusicBC. Where their debut EP was a mix of clear influences, Into Equilibrium is evidence of the band finding its unified sonic footing. In a purely chemical sense, “equilibrium” is where a reaction is proceeding and reversing at equal rates. Their EP stands in this space, capturing the emotion of the exact moment. Into Equilibrium was critically embraced with features in Pop Fantasia, The Georgia Straight, Side Line Magazine, Tits Upon Tyne and airplay on KEXP, NPR, CJSF, CKUA, CJSW and CiTR.

Known locally for their energy on stage, The Hausplants were recognized as one of “10 Vancouver music acts to watch in 2026” by the Vancouver Sun. They have played over 50 shows and festivals from Khatsalano, Unreal City, Chilliwack Mural Festival, Pleasant Day Festival, and Vancouver Fringe to opening stages for Lena Lovich, Dozer, and Yuuf.

The Hausplants are especially passionate about social justice, community and the climate crisis. With members who identify as BIPOC, femme, 2SLGBTQ+, and neurodiverse, their music is informed by their lived experiences. They have played a benefit show for the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter, Greater Vancouver Foodbank, and annually organize a fundraiser show for Ancient Forest Alliance.

The Hausplants

Name:

The Hausplants

Genre:

Alternative indie punk

Founded:

2022

# of Albums:

2 EPs, 1 deluxe EP

Latest Album:

Equilibrium (Deluxe)

Latest Single:

Render Me

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Amir: Pink Floyd
Sondor: Radiohead
Zel: Animal Logic

Favourite musician now:

A: Blake Mills, Mark Ronson, Mahan Mirarab
S: Jon Beavis, Max Bassin
Z: Caroline Polachek sun, Janelle Monae moon, Laurie Anderson rising

Guilty pleasure song:

A: Gorillaz feat. Kali Uchis – she’s my collar
S: Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
Z: Vroom Vroom, Charli XCX (not that guilty tbh)

Live show ritual:

A: Chromatic warmup
S: Finger/wrist stretch
Z: Vocal warmups with a straw, trying not to blow out my vocal chords with yapping before the set

Favourite local musician:

A: Super K, Hope Slide, Actors
S: Super K, Gadfly
Z: Super K, 2 Girls 1 DAW, Devours, Haleluya Hailu (so many more!)

EP or LP?

LP

Early bird or night owl?

A: Early Bird
S: Night owl at core but forced to become early bird
Z: Recently transitioned night owl

Road or studio?

A: Studio 100%
S: Studio
Z: This June will be our first road experience, so will have to report back!

Where can we follow you?

Join our email newsletter for monthly band updates!

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | YouTube | Facebook

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

A: Haidilao Hot Pot Richmond
S: Sushi Kaido
Z: Do Chay

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

A: Main St.
S: Main St
Z: Marpole Avenue, perfect street for walking and thinking

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

A: Mount Pleasant Park and Habitat Island Park (my secret spots to sit and chill)
S: Jonathan Rogers Park. It gets sick view and chill
Z: Spanish Banks Beach, more chill than the other beaches close to Pacific Spirit Park walks

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

A: Biltmore, Rickshaw
S: Rickshaw, Greenauto
Z: Green Auto or Platform 9

What is your favourite music store in your city?

A: Red Cat Records, Tapestry Music
S: Neptoon Records
Z: Exile Guitars

 

About Emilea Semancik 390 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: