Following a batch of fresh and exciting offerings over the last few months, Washington DC-based artist Hyattsvillain has now returned to deliver his next energetic effort 'Dr. Colorado'.
Lifted from his forthcoming new album 'Short Songs For A Fast Life', which is set to land soon, 'Dr. Colorado' makes for a brilliantly bold and frenzied listen. Channelling a blistering and gritty punk aesthetic from start to finish, be prepared to pump your fists to this one throughout.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Drums. I like to hit things.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
A lot of the New York alternative/indie stuff in the 2000’s – the Strokes, Interpol, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs….stuff that was catchy and on the radio but still felt cool to me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I don’t remember really owning anything, but I remember listening to Lil Wayne’s “The Carter 2” all the way through and my mind was blown. That album really put me on to the cadence and flow of good rap.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”. It’s obviously perfect how it is, but that could be such a good punky rocking song.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I rarely sit down and say, I’m going to write a new song. Most of the time I’ll get inspired in the real world, use that inspiration to start writing words and then try to accompany that with music. The latest single Dr. Colorado started when I heard the story of Buster Keagan, this street weed dealer from N.E. Washington D.C. who moved to Colorado, cleaned up his act, and opened up a dispensary. Music-wise, I decided at the beginning of this project that it’s mostly going to be fast, distorted rock music. That limitation really helps in creating new stuff. There’s a distinct border that I don’t cross with this first collection of songs.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Newer stuff, I’ve been getting into bands from Australia - Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are rad and I’m always amazed at how crazy King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard get. Led Zeppelin always fits in the rotation and I’ve been swooning on the Zombies singer lately.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Primus. I’d just like to be able to watch from the side of the stage.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
For me, the rewarding part is bringing something new into the world. The collaboration between my partners is super fun too.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Breaking through all the noise. There is so much shite and it’s hard to get heard.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Frank Zappa gave this advice on a YouTube video I saw of him being interviewed: “Here’s the secret. There are two things that you have to do: one of them is to not stop and the other one is to keep going”.
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Hyattsvillain's new single 'Dr. Colorado' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.