Music Promotions is honoured to have spoken with the fantastic Red Hook about their UK shows, making music and much more.
For anyone new to RedHook could you tell us more about who you are?
We’re a heavy alternative rock band from Sydney Australia who writes songs you can probably relate to. Genre-wise we’re also quite elastic – we’ve been called everything from pop-punk to death metal and we kind of like it that way.
You’ve actually been together since 2017, How have you changed as band since then?
The band has evolved in so many ways since we first began! It’s been nothing short of crazy watching RedHook grow from an idea that only existed in my head to an internationally touring band with a global team. When we first launched, the lineup was literally just Craig [guitar, production] and myself playing with a bunch of fill-in musicians, and now we have a solid roster with the addition of Alex [Powys] on drums and Ned [Jankovic] on bass plus management, publicists, booking agents and other amazing team members and champions across the planet.
As a result, the live show has become so much stronger and I think most of all, we have a clearer vision of what we want to be, what kind of songs we want to write and what we want to say.
Your debut EP was released in 2021, Are you working on a new EP or full length album?
We’re hitting the studio in July to work on a collection of songs, but we don’t really have a set plan for an EP vs album. We’re very song-focused, so it’ll depend on how many 10/10 tunes come out of those sessions. But either way, there’ll be plenty more music coming this year and beyond!
Jabberwocky your current single, what is the story behind it?
Jabberwocky is probably the darkest and most “serious” song we’ve released to date. It’s inspired by a pretty messed up experience I had during RedHook’s first ever international tour – being sexually assaulted – and I suppose the unhealthy way I went about denying my trauma to effectively “go on with the show”. It’s written for anyone who’s still going through the process of healing from any kind of trauma.
What makes a good song for RedHook? Who are your influences?
For me, a good song has relatable lyrics without being cliched. It either has something original to say, or else communicates a familiar truth or feeling in a new and original way. It has interesting and memorable melodies and hooks, dynamic and fresh-sounding instrumentation and, above all, makes you feel something.
Your currently in The UK at the moment, how are you enjoying your time here?
Oh we’ve had the best bloody time!! It’s been really cool to see more of the country and visit places like Swansea, Southampton and Newcastle where we’ve never been before. We’ve also really missed getting breakfast at Spoons!
Where have been some of your favourite places to see?
Going to the Nürburgring for Rock Am Ring was pretty surreal, but I think we all really loved Glasgow the most. We were lucky enough to get a day off there so were able to see a bit of the city and visit some really cool restaurants and bars. Unfortunately now we’re all addicted to Buckfast.
After Southampton, have you more UK shows or festivals planned? Possible headline shows coming up?
We’ve got some pretty rigorous touring scheduled across Australia for the rest of the year, but we’ll be back in the UK as soon as possible! There’s some stuff in the works for next year, but we’ll be back earlier than that if the right opportunity arises.
Anyone you’d love to calibrate with?
We’d love to team up with Bring Me The Horizon or Don Broco, they’re such fantastic songwriters!
Where have been some of your favourite venues to perform at?
We love playing outdoor festivals, the whole vibe is always so heightened and we always come out of those shows with countless incredible memories – both onstage and off.
