Hyper, Messy & Beautiful — Catching up with Melbourne Post-Punk band Hydra Fashion Week
Hydra Fashion Week, groundbreaking for their genre-bending music and live performance, is back with a bang as they release their latest single, "Don't Stop!" The track marks their triumphant return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus and was released on Tuesday the 22nd of August.
"Don't Stop!" is a captivating jangly post-punk anthem that exudes an irresistible energy from start to finish. Breaking free from the confines of traditional Melbourne post-punk , Hydra Fashion Week infuses elements of hyper-pop and prog-rap, giving the song a unique global appeal. Anchored by a zig-zagging anthemic riff "Don't Stop!" is a musical journey that explodes with propulsive energy and culminates in sweet catharsis. It's more than just a song; it's an "end of history" hymn that encapsulates the complex emotions of a generation standing at the precipice of time.
"Hydra Fashion Week's 'Don't Stop!' is like the big bang, bursting forth with a rapid 4/4 kick," says Charlie Teitelbaum, the mastermind behind Hydra Fashion Week. "It's an origin story, the first episode of a new era. It embodies the push and pull, the back and forth of history in motion. With a sick guitar riff and a message of resilience, 'Don't Stop!' encourages us all to keep moving forward, even when the world feels like it's ending."
The single release is just the beginning for Hydra Fashion Week, as they've announced the upcoming release of their second single, "Total Freefall," set to drop in mid-October. The band's innovative sound, self-described as "Jazzy-Hyper-Punk," is a testament to their ability to blend seemingly disparate genres into a cohesive and mesmerizing sonic experience. Their live shows have garnered widespread acclaim, with Abby Butler of Triple J Unearthed hailing them as one of the most exciting acts in Melbourne's live scene.
Hydra Fashion Week is led by Charlie Teitelbaum, also known as Hydra's Heads, who was previously associated with iconic Melbourne bands Huntly & Biscotti. Their music is a fusion of no-wave, jazz, punk, and progressive pop, creating a captivating blend that defies easy classification. This innovative approach to music has earned them coveted slots supporting artists such as Gabriella Cohen, Cry Club, and Party Dozen, along with headlining performances at notable events like Bush Music Festival and Melbourne Music Week.
The “Don’t Stop!” Music Video was Directed by James Dryden & Lachlan Thompson, and James spoke briefly with us saying “ Directing Hydra Fashion Week's debut music video was an absolute delight! This project holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favourites. Despite the challenges posed by our daring and intense concept, crafted alongside Charlie, the experience ultimately proved incredibly rewarding”
Building upon the success of earlier releases like "Delete" and "First Person Shooter," Hydra Fashion Week's track "SICK (day #132)" gained international recognition during the lockdown period, earning accolades from respected outlets like NME and Troublejuice. With high rotation on esteemed radio stations such as Triple J, Triple R, and PBS FM, and multiple appearances on playlists curated by Apple Music and Spotify, Hydra Fashion Week has solidified their place in the contemporary music landscape.
"Don't Stop!" serves as a resounding statement of Hydra Fashion Week's return, ready to shake up the music world once again. As they unveil their new single at the upcoming launch show at The Grace Darling Hotel on September 23, audiences can expect an unforgettable experience that transcends boundaries and sets the stage for the exciting musical journey that lies ahead featuring supports like Eaglemount, Big Chocolate and DJ MUM - Tickets On Sale Now!
Tina from SUBCULTURE? caught up with Charlie (Lead from Hydra Fashion Week) to touch base about their background to coming into music, the meaning behind Don’t Stop, and next announced single ‘Total Freefall’
Can you elaborate on the meaning of your new single, “Don’t Stop”?
Don’t Stop is our new big bang, but the big bang is banging at a rapid 4/4 kick. Don’t Stop is origin story and episode one of our telenova. I guess the song is inspired by the abstract but sometimes overwhelming feeling that you are standing at the edge of time, or the "end of history". This is a phenomena that tends to be generational. It’s also got a sick guitar riff.
Who are your main inspirations?
Buddy Holly, Charli xcx, symbolism, existential memes
What instruments have you learnt?
I started learning piano from a young age, and then from there have taught myself a few others in a very crude way (guitar, synth, production & singing)
What does your song-writing and recording process look like?
Every song has its own process. Often I’ll come up with a shell of a song and run it with the band, leaving certain moments open for improvisation. Other times, I'll write every bit of the music out and a lot experimentation comes in the studio or production side after recording.
What are you most excited about in returning to the music scene?
We are so so excited to be sharing new music. The past few years have been a bit stop start kinda like skrt skrt with the gears, but now we are planning on moving up to the 5th gear where you’rre cruising down the highway, building up speed and the hits are dropping at speedy space like vroom vroom.
Can you tell us a hint on what your next single, “Total Freefall”, is about?
Total Freefall is about being an artist, and the act of creation. It questions the process of making and authorship, in a fun and playful way, which I think is cute. If you listen closely, there are hints and easter eggs. Obviously you can’t do that yet as it’s not out. You’ll have to wait!!
If you could describe your music in three words, what would they be?
hyper, messy, beautiful
What do you want listeners to take away from your music?
That you too can be hyper, messy & beautiful
—Instagram: @hydrafashionweek