Hydra Melody
Austin, TX // SXSW
Interview and Photos by Jordan Fischels
Q: How did you come up with the band name?
A: Actually, when we began we were really crazy inspired by The Mars Volta and we were basically soloing on top of each other and putting vocals on top of that. It was just this crazy thing and Hydra Melody came about. It made sense with what were doing at the time, and then as we started progressing, our music started becoming more pop oriented. The name kind of stuck and we had already grown a fan base. People liked the name so we kept it.
Q: I know you guys played SXSW last year. How has playing this year compared to last year? Has it had a similar vibe or is it a completely different experience this time around?
A: We did play last year and we played one show the year before, but this is the first time we’ve ever done it for six shows, two shows a day on this kind of scale. It’s been an experience, for sure. We’re having a blast, but at the end of the day, we are so exhausted. But during the day, we are just so busy and there is so much going on, you don’t have time to think about it.
Q: I know you guys are from San Antonio. Being from the area, did you ever attend SXSW just as spectators? Did you ever think it’d be something you’d eventually get to play? Is it different playing it now?
A: Absolutely! Last year we only played two shows. There was enough time to kind of do our own thing. This year it’s completely different. We’ve only had time to see one band. We’re doing our stuff, loading up and all. It’s a different experience. It is cool being here on that side of it, and not really having the time to be “the fan,” the spectator. Actually being a part of it is a different experience. It’s really cool! You know, it’s so much, so fast from two shows last year to six shows this year; it’s a complete turnaround.
Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
A: None that we can talk about on the microphone. [Laughs] A shot of warm whiskey for the vocalist! But, we have our own subtle little ways. We’ll go around to each other and say, “We’re going to go out tonight and we’re going to do this and this”… pump each other up. Then we’ll give each other the nod, look around and we are ready to go.
Q: Who would you say has influenced you the most? Whether it be musically or personally.
A: Life’s experiences, you know. Things that happen to an individual are very unique. Nobody is ever going to have the same life experiences, not even if you are an identical twin. You’re never going to have the same life experiences as the next person, so just everything we’ve gone through musically and otherwise have really just shaped us. I think a lot of us knew a long time ago that this is what we wanted to do. I think we’ve had experiences in our life that we wouldn’t have necessarily have had if we didn’t choose this path. You never know what you’re going to get. It’s something new everyday and that’s what is really cool about it. It’s really inspiring to never know what’s going to come your way.
Q: I hear you have an album due to be released early summer of this year – I’m sure you’re excited about it. Anything you can tell us about the album?
A: Probably mid to late summer. It’s going to be a lot different. We’re going in there with songs kind of 75% done, 60% done and really, really working to capture the essence of the songs with the production and everything like that. That’s something we’ve never really done before. Usually, we go in with the songs completely finished. One of the other things we are trying to capture is our live presence when recording. We hadn’t really been able to do that successfully, so just having like that raw powerful sound that you get from seeing a band play, from being there; we are trying to portray that energy into the recording. We want you to feel like you are at our show, because our shows are really energetic. It’s hard to translate that onto a recording. Two singles are now out on iTunes, so check them out.
Q: What has been the “Highlight” of your career? Personally and collectively.
A: Probably, CMJ. CMJ was an experience, it isn’t that SXSW isn’t just as great; but at CMJ they have these panels all day, everyday. You get to talk with people that have been in the business and know what they are doing and are giving you great advice. They’re not telling you how to actually do things, but they’re pointing you in that direction, and it was really cool to come home after that 42 day tour and really put that knowledge to use – all the notes we took for our manager chat and everything. That was probably the highlight being able to be a part of something like that and also learning so much at the same time. That was probably one of the coolest things. Also, when we got to tour Mexico City in Central Mexico, we got to meet so many crazy people and see so many Aztec pyramids. We never would have gotten the chance to do that if we didn’t play music. You get to experience crazy things that most people won’t understand.
