INTERVIEW: Matt Gravolin – Hellions
HELLIONS have been trail blazing their way over the world with a really wacky mixture of theatrical hardcore gone pop. It’s brilliant and you’ll just have to trust us if you haven’t heard of them yet. The Australian quartet are set to release their fourth record in Rue this year, and it’s a real corker of record, so we had to find time to catch guitarist Matt Gravolin to find out about the band’s knack for musical theatrics and how that knack evolved from their scrappy early years.
You started writing Rue back in 2016, how did the lengthy writing process effect the material?
Matt: The time afforded us the comfort necessary to experiment with the songs and really delve into the theatricality of it. It gave us the time to hone in on the smaller details but also engendered a lot of overthinking.
How has your relationship with long time producer Shane Edwards evolved and benefited the band over your time working together?
Matt: Some of the boys and I have worked with Shane for about 12 years now, we have done and still do a lot of growing together. We’ll make a record and part ways, and by the time we reunite we’ll have ten dozen new lessons, techniques and tricks to exchange – we’ll throw it all in the pot and end up learning even more. After more than a decade of repeating that process, we’ve solidified an invaluable working and personal relationship with Shane – he will understand my ideas before they’ve left my head, and cares enough about them to put the hours required into ensuring that they come to life in the most spectacular way that they can.
Where did the inspiration for the theatrical elements of Rue come from for moments like Blueberry and (Theatre Of)? As they’re even more noticeable this time round as opposed to previous albums.
Matt: We’ve found that the largest part of our identity lies in our use of theatricality so it’s something we wanted to put a further focus on this time. We have the most fun with that side of things, too.
How did you guys react to the success and praise of Opera Oblivia and how did it effected the touring and writing in the following years?
Matt: We knew that we had something special on our hands but we couldn’t have predicted the praise. It was a humbling and validating roll out and cycle but, due to Opera Oblivia‘s success, there was indeed a significant increase in pressure when it came to writing a follow-up.
Rue is an album with a message, or multiple, to get across. What are you trying to get across to the listener?
Matt: Primarily that you’re not alone in any hardship you may be facing. All we have is each other.
The development from more classic hardcore fodder to the more poppy numbers on Rue is something that is more noticeable now. How has the HELLIONS sound developed over the years?
Matt: We initially wanted to combine the speed and attitude of hardcore with the melancholy of poppier stuff like MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE. As the albums went on, that aforementioned penchant for theatricality started to bleed into the music more and more and I’d be delving further into the 60’s and 70’s for inspiration rather than letting too much contemporary stuff rub off on the band. I think that has helped us to rid ourselves of any preconceived or subconscious rules regarding song structure and songwriting in general.
The lyrical content in HELLIONS is incredible stuff, how do you guys pen such thoughtful lyrics?
Matt: Thank you! I think the best thing a lyricist can do for themselves is to read a wide variety of books as often as possible so that all of those different perspectives and styles of writing rub off on you a little bit. I make notes often and write a lot while travelling, while inebriated and in unusual situations. I think that’s when the unique stuff comes out.
You guys have been fusing rap and rock for your whole career, but what do you guys think of the growing scene of metal/rap bands? Is this the next big ‘thing’?
Matt: Generally we don’t listen to too much heavy music, so I’m not educated enough to know if it’s the next big thing but that stylistic blend can be absolutely captivating when done correctly! OCEAN GROVE are an awesome example of that.
What is your favourite song on Rue and why?
Matt: Blueberry Odyssey! There are many stylistic and emotional flavours running through it concurrently, which has made for a unique experience. I think that’s my favourite chorus we’ve written so far.
Rue is set for release on October 19th via UNFD.
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