A Hellion: a rowdy, mischievous, troublesome person… A description that perfectly defines the spirit of this band, we are hell-bent on delivering erratic, rebellious and confronting music that challenges the concept of what is and isn’t acceptable within the confines of our chosen genres. My name is Matt and i play guitar in Hellions. We are currently on the road with Dream On Dreamer, A Skylit Drive and No Bragging Rights!
Congratulations on the success of Die Young, achieving what you have in the space of time since you formed is almost unheard of. Was it always your hope for things to move relatively quickly or did it almost just happen before your eyes?
Thank-you! We feel humbled to have our record met with such enthusiasm, we had always hoped that it’d do well but we didn’t expect it to play out the way it has, we’re very fortunate.
Before heading off to Thailand to record Die Young, you had written the material in a number of months. Is this how you guys have worked in the previous projects you’ve been involved with, writing material in a short space of time or slowly pulling it together with no real rush?
Whilst performing in erstwhile projects, we had taken much longer to write, this one just happened to come together quite naturally, it was a very efficient process! Anthony, Dre and myself put a ton of hours into pre-production which helped expedite it all.
Recording with Shane Edwards in Thailand must have been an experience not to be forgotten, what was it like? And what was the highlight of recording in Karma Sound Studios?
Absolutely, it far exceeded our expectations. Karma Sound Studio is a utopia, if ever we found ourselves lacking inspiration it was easily ameliorated by just having a wander around or retreating to the grass / gardens for a while. The highlight was befriending all the wonderful people that we were fortunate enough to meet there, everyone associated with Karma are completely genuine and affable people, there’s a profound conviviality in the air over at Karma and it afforded us a relaxed and productive experience.
Was it all business while you were there or did you find some time to explore and check out the hardcore scene that’s growing in the Southeast Asian nation?
We didn’t have all that much time to venture out whilst we were over there! We went out for two evenings but didn’t get around to checking out a show, we’ll make a point of it next time though!
Some of you have been involved with We Are Unified before under The Bride, what’s it like working with them and what does it mean for you to be working with them again under Hellions?
Yeah Anthony, Dre and myself had worked with UNFD for nearly two years prior to Hellions inception and Dylan had worked with them whilst in his previous band House vs. Hurricane. We’ve been afforded a great number of opportunities that we wouldn’t have been privy to if we hadn’t signed to UNFD, we’re very fortunate and hopefully things just keep going the way they have been!
You’re about to head around the country with none other than Dream On Dreamer, also under We Are Unified, what are you most looking forward to on tour?
We’ve just begun that one and it’s been great so far! We were all looking forward to watching No Bragging Rights and A Skylit Drive each night and to hang out with our good friends in DOD!
Why should we come and check you out?
Because we play like we’ve been set on fire.
What can we expect of Hellions in 2014?
Mad vibes! Plenty of touring and another record. Thanks for your time!
