Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge again today, grab a brew and take a seat.
So how have you been since our last chat?
M- We’ve been holding up well, although a bit sick of it being cold, wet and dark… we’re ready for springtime now. It’s hard to do outdoor rituals when you can’t feel your feet.
How is the live music scene in Brighton holding up?
H- Not great, everything is still very quiet and the venues are struggling, it’s all a bit doom and gloom so we’ve just been channeling our magickal energy into song-writing and craft. We’re ready for the stage when it’s ready for us.
What green shoots or positives can you take out of the industry having so many changes of late?
M- Every system must be crushed before it can truly grow. I think that change is always necessary to show us what’s important. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that our artistic communities are so important and we must work together to rebuild them. And plant more trees.
Did you learn anything new in lockdown?
H- Mishkin learned all the songs from Zelda on ocarina. A most annoying pastime.
Have the challenges made HVIRESS stronger as a band?
We prefer to spend our time away from the rabble, working on our spellcraft so the opportunity has definitely made us stronger in this respect. Mishkin was even allowed a turn with the wand the other week
You have one phone call and you have been locked up for a crime you didn’t commit? Which member would you call first?
M: I would probably call Hana because if I called myself I might be subject to ridicule amongst the other inmates
If you could choose, would you prefer to time travel to the past or go forward in time? And why?
M – Hana has already been alive in various forms for the last 3000 years so perhaps the future? I would hope that witches are finally accepted in society and seen for the goddesses we really are.
Name a four piece band made up of legends – who would be in it? (drummer, bass, lead singer etc)
H – we’re already in a band of legends… sometimes Merlin even plays drums for us
If you could play any music festival which would it be?
Oh, we love festivals, anything with a good maypole and we’re there. In all seriousness though we would love to headline Witchfest but I’m not sure they’re down with hip-hop
We recently reviewed your last single. How did you feel the review went?
M – Pretty damn good really, we’re hoping the next one will blow your socks off too
I hear you have a new single brewing, what can you tell us about it?
Our new single is called Golden Apple, it’s inspired by the Judgement of Paris in Greek mythology and is a chilling blend of live instrumental samples within an electronic backing
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
I guess we were in kind of an obnoxious mood when we began this song as it’s basically about us being unattainable goddesses. It’s the first song we finished for HVIRESS and proudly sets the tone for future music we are working on.
What was the recording process like?
H – We take the studio recording very seriously. We make sure we drink plenty of mugwort tea to elevate us to a spiritual level before singing before the Goddess. It requires a clear state of mind and intense focus. M – I like to bathe in moon water before doing my parts, it helps to add that extra sparkle to my voice.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?
The biggest learning curve in writing the single was, don’t spill a glass of gin on your manager’s phone as you’re singing your own lyrics at him
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No, just mote it be
What are your plans for the year ahead?
2022 is a magickal number so we imagine it will mean more music, more videos and HVIRESS on tour. Look out for another single too, part three of our trilogy.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
To all our witches out there doing their pagan craft thing, HVIRESS salutes you. Blessed be from Hana & Mishkin.
ALSO ON RGM 👇