www.hydrogyn.com
www.myspace.com/hydrogyn
This is Lisa once again! I have the distinct priveledge of Interviewing Hydrogyn.
Lisa: Hey you guys. I noticed it was Julie's birthday not to long ago. Happy belated birthday.
Julie: Thank you so much
Lisa: I have to say you guys are an amazing band and it is an honor to do this interview with you.
Julie; Well thank you again and we appreciate that.
1.Lisa HMTV: How did you come up with the name Hydrogyn and how long have you known each other?
Julie: Well we have known each other for different times. Me and Jeff Westlake have known one another for 5 years. Josh and Chris have been with us for a year or more so that is about it.
As for the name it is funny. We were all sitting around the rehearsal space one day coming up with names for the band and someone farted and I said it is a hydrogyn bomb and thus we have the name. Thank god the smell left finally. ahahahahahahahahaha
2.Lisa HMTV: When did you form your band?
Jeff: that started in Dec of 2003 and was finalized in Jan 2004
3. Lisa HMTV: What inspired you to make music together and where di you guys meet?
Jeff:: Well Boggsy and I have known each other for almost 10 years now. We played in bands in the same region together so we were well aquianted with each other. We decoded in about 2000 we wanted to do something. SO when we officially left our bands we were in we did this. We went and got other musicians in the area we live in to fill out the roster and were left looking for a singer. Boggsy and I both played for Julie in her country band…. Yep country and with only 10 days before our first gig we asked her if she could do it. She said she would love to try and here we are. The first night was magical and we decided to go forward with it.
4. Lisa HMTV:You have changed the line up a bit.Who are your current band members as of now?
Julie: Well there is Jeff Westlake on guitar; Josh Kitchen on Drums; Chris Sammons on Bass and backing vocals.
5. Lisa HMTV:Tell us your influences. And do you think your influences have played a roll in the type of you music you play?
Julie: Well I come from a country background; the rest of the guys are all rock of course and they like everyone from Deep Purple to Sabbath, DIO, SAXON, TOOL,KISS and on. Of course it all plays a part in how you play because that ia who got you into playing anyway but for me there is no one influence and the guys say that alone is the biggest contributor to our sound.
6.Lisa HMTV: What can you tell us about your instruments brand are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play whatever's available? What kind of recording environment do you have?
Julie: Well lets see. Chris is is endorsing Eden bass amps, Washburn and Spector basses. Josh is a Pearl drum endorser and a Saluda Cymbal endorser; Jeff W is Washburn guitars and Randall amps and he also plays Gibson. I use Sure Mics and I am endorsed by Backstage clothing out of France. We are Loyal. Our recording environment is very controlled and regimental and that all comes from Jeff Westlake. He like us to do things in a certain way and that is what we do.
7.Lisa HMTV: How do you think your music has evolved since the first time you guys performed together?
Julie; Leaps and bounds. It is deeper and more complex now but it is all natural. We have nor forced anything and we wont.
8.Lisa HMTV: Is there one person who writes your songs or do the members colaborate on the song writting?
Julie: Jeff Westlake does the majority of it musically along with Jeff Boggs help. Jeff W does all the arranging of the songs and I do all the lyrics and melodies.
9.Lisa HMTV: I see you guys are currently on tour. How is that tour going so far?
Julie: Touring is our thing. We love to tour and we will be doing a lot more of it in 2008. We have spent a lot of time in Europe and more to come but the states and Canada are on the list for 2008 so we will see.
10.Lisa HMTV: Where have you performed?
Julie: UK, France, Geneva, through the states all pretty extensively.
11..Lisa HMTV: Do you have a record label ? Are you a member of any organizations? Can you tell us about your latest CD release, anything from messages to inspirations, your biggest challenge as a band.
Julie: We have a label for the first 2 CD which is DA Records out of the US and Canada. We are in negotiations for a new deal that is not with DA but we can not talk about it right now. Our inspiration is the fans and that is what we strive for is to meet as many and spread the HYDROGYN word as much as possible. Our biggest challenge is braking into new territories and that is becoming easier by the day.
12. Lisa HMTV: What are some of the highlights of (band name)your goals where you hope to be in 5 years with your band your ultimate direction and how your fans are currently reacting to your music?
Julie: So far the reaction has been really good. Some of the highlights have been playing in front of 250,000 people at a Nascar event, recording our live CD in front of 15000 people in our home area, doing our first European tour in the Spring of this year, getting on our first magazine cover and I could go on and on with the highlights ahahahahahahahaha. Our direction is one that we are still maping out as we go but I think we all have a clear picture of what that is so you will see more of that direction on the next CD that is slated for Spring release.
13.Lisa HMTV: Do you have any remixes or are working on any? Complilation with other artists or bands?
Julie: We are working on a DVD at the moment for January release. I have done vocals on Kane Roberts record and some other stuff as well. Have produced along with Jeff W a band that has a release date of 2008 called Suffer. Other than that I model for Budweiser and do HYDROGYN full time.
15.Lisa HMTV: I have read recently that Julie started a fundraiser called Lock Up For MS and she went jail to help the cause. How did go over?Its good to see bands helping out with certain charities.
Julie: Ah it went well. We raised a lot of money to help find the cure and I love being involved with children's charities as does the band so you will always see us in that.
16.isa HMTV:From your experience is there a way bands interact with each other or does it depend on something? There are bands that are just starting out bigger bands will try hard to promote their friends and there are bands that are cool with cross promoting each other inspite of all the pressure. Do you have any friends that are doing something really exciting in the music scent that you think people should be aware of?
17.Lisa HMTV: We hear bands talking about their experiences on the road. Is there any memorable experiences?
Julie: There are so many that it is ridiculous. One of the most memorable for me was a night backstage and I used a prop that had flash cotton in it to cause a flame. I talked our sound man into letting me pack his belly button with it and lighting it. I did it caught fire like it is supposed to but it burns quick and goes out quick normally. This time though it caught Davo's stomach hair on fire and I thought I was gong to pee myself it was so funny.
18.isa HMTV: How do you like our music site at Hollywood Music TV? What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Julie: Love the music you guys are doing and what you do. As for doing your own band that is easy. Treat it like a business. That is what it is and you have to be able to do whatever whenever the time calls and always be ready. This is tough and if you are mentally strong enough to do it then don't because it will chew you up.
19.Lisa HMTV: There is a kind of ancient connection vibe to singer, songwriters, something that ties the bands to write about their personal experiences inspirations worst experiences while performing or travelling , do you ever collaborate on these experiences in your music?
Julie: Oh yeah. Those experiences are what is behind things like Book of names, Confession, Breaking Me down, Look Away and some of the new unheard stuff as well. That is always a motivating way to get good lyrics is to draw from those experiences and I do often
20.Lisa HMTV: Will we be hearing anything new fro Hydrogyn in near future? Any plans for 2008?
Julie: New DVD in the Winter and a new studio CD in the Spring.We are looking forward to recording it and getting it out.
21.Lisa HMTV: Is there anyone special you would like to acknowledge, and any last words?Links that we check out the band and check out merchandise?
Julie: Well we would like to thank everyone weather you are a fan or someone who supports us it takes all of these people and no one is more important than the other so we wont mention names. The fans who are nameless to us but we see them at the shows and answer their emails are the most important because without them there is no HYDROGYN so thank you to everyone and we hope to see you soon on the Road. As for merch go to www.hydrogyn.com for all the latest stuff and news and Myspace.com/hydrogyn will have a merch store soon as well.
.Lisa HMTV: I just wanna thank you for you taking the time out to do this interview with for Hollywood Music Online Ezline?
Hydrogyn: We all thank you for having us and keep Rockin.
Lisa: Hey you guys. I noticed it was Julie's birthday not to long ago. Happy belated birthday.
Julie: Thank you so much
Lisa: I have to say you guys are an amazing band and it is an honor to do this interview with you.
Julie; Well thank you again and we appreciate that.
1.Lisa HMTV: How did you come up with the name Hydrogyn and how long have you known each other?
Julie: Well we have known each other for different times. Me and Jeff Westlake have known one another for 5 years. Josh and Chris have been with us for a year or more so that is about it.
As for the name it is funny. We were all sitting around the rehearsal space one day coming up with names for the band and someone farted and I said it is a hydrogyn bomb and thus we have the name. Thank god the smell left finally. ahahahahahahahahaha
2.Lisa HMTV: When did you form your band?
Jeff: that started in Dec of 2003 and was finalized in Jan 2004
3. Lisa HMTV: What inspired you to make music together and where di you guys meet?
Jeff:: Well Boggsy and I have known each other for almost 10 years now. We played in bands in the same region together so we were well aquianted with each other. We decoded in about 2000 we wanted to do something. SO when we officially left our bands we were in we did this. We went and got other musicians in the area we live in to fill out the roster and were left looking for a singer. Boggsy and I both played for Julie in her country band…. Yep country and with only 10 days before our first gig we asked her if she could do it. She said she would love to try and here we are. The first night was magical and we decided to go forward with it.
4. Lisa HMTV:You have changed the line up a bit.Who are your current band members as of now?
Julie: Well there is Jeff Westlake on guitar; Josh Kitchen on Drums; Chris Sammons on Bass and backing vocals.
5. Lisa HMTV:Tell us your influences. And do you think your influences have played a roll in the type of you music you play?
Julie: Well I come from a country background; the rest of the guys are all rock of course and they like everyone from Deep Purple to Sabbath, DIO, SAXON, TOOL,KISS and on. Of course it all plays a part in how you play because that ia who got you into playing anyway but for me there is no one influence and the guys say that alone is the biggest contributor to our sound.
6.Lisa HMTV: What can you tell us about your instruments brand are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play whatever's available? What kind of recording environment do you have?
Julie: Well lets see. Chris is is endorsing Eden bass amps, Washburn and Spector basses. Josh is a Pearl drum endorser and a Saluda Cymbal endorser; Jeff W is Washburn guitars and Randall amps and he also plays Gibson. I use Sure Mics and I am endorsed by Backstage clothing out of France. We are Loyal. Our recording environment is very controlled and regimental and that all comes from Jeff Westlake. He like us to do things in a certain way and that is what we do.
7.Lisa HMTV: How do you think your music has evolved since the first time you guys performed together?
Julie; Leaps and bounds. It is deeper and more complex now but it is all natural. We have nor forced anything and we wont.
8.Lisa HMTV: Is there one person who writes your songs or do the members colaborate on the song writting?
Julie: Jeff Westlake does the majority of it musically along with Jeff Boggs help. Jeff W does all the arranging of the songs and I do all the lyrics and melodies.
9.Lisa HMTV: I see you guys are currently on tour. How is that tour going so far?
Julie: Touring is our thing. We love to tour and we will be doing a lot more of it in 2008. We have spent a lot of time in Europe and more to come but the states and Canada are on the list for 2008 so we will see.
10.Lisa HMTV: Where have you performed?
Julie: UK, France, Geneva, through the states all pretty extensively.
11..Lisa HMTV: Do you have a record label ? Are you a member of any organizations? Can you tell us about your latest CD release, anything from messages to inspirations, your biggest challenge as a band.
Julie: We have a label for the first 2 CD which is DA Records out of the US and Canada. We are in negotiations for a new deal that is not with DA but we can not talk about it right now. Our inspiration is the fans and that is what we strive for is to meet as many and spread the HYDROGYN word as much as possible. Our biggest challenge is braking into new territories and that is becoming easier by the day.
12. Lisa HMTV: What are some of the highlights of (band name)your goals where you hope to be in 5 years with your band your ultimate direction and how your fans are currently reacting to your music?
Julie: So far the reaction has been really good. Some of the highlights have been playing in front of 250,000 people at a Nascar event, recording our live CD in front of 15000 people in our home area, doing our first European tour in the Spring of this year, getting on our first magazine cover and I could go on and on with the highlights ahahahahahahahaha. Our direction is one that we are still maping out as we go but I think we all have a clear picture of what that is so you will see more of that direction on the next CD that is slated for Spring release.
13.Lisa HMTV: Do you have any remixes or are working on any? Complilation with other artists or bands?
Julie: We are working on a DVD at the moment for January release. I have done vocals on Kane Roberts record and some other stuff as well. Have produced along with Jeff W a band that has a release date of 2008 called Suffer. Other than that I model for Budweiser and do HYDROGYN full time.
15.Lisa HMTV: I have read recently that Julie started a fundraiser called Lock Up For MS and she went jail to help the cause. How did go over?Its good to see bands helping out with certain charities.
Julie: Ah it went well. We raised a lot of money to help find the cure and I love being involved with children's charities as does the band so you will always see us in that.
16.isa HMTV:From your experience is there a way bands interact with each other or does it depend on something? There are bands that are just starting out bigger bands will try hard to promote their friends and there are bands that are cool with cross promoting each other inspite of all the pressure. Do you have any friends that are doing something really exciting in the music scent that you think people should be aware of?
17.Lisa HMTV: We hear bands talking about their experiences on the road. Is there any memorable experiences?
Julie: There are so many that it is ridiculous. One of the most memorable for me was a night backstage and I used a prop that had flash cotton in it to cause a flame. I talked our sound man into letting me pack his belly button with it and lighting it. I did it caught fire like it is supposed to but it burns quick and goes out quick normally. This time though it caught Davo's stomach hair on fire and I thought I was gong to pee myself it was so funny.
18.isa HMTV: How do you like our music site at Hollywood Music TV? What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Julie: Love the music you guys are doing and what you do. As for doing your own band that is easy. Treat it like a business. That is what it is and you have to be able to do whatever whenever the time calls and always be ready. This is tough and if you are mentally strong enough to do it then don't because it will chew you up.
19.Lisa HMTV: There is a kind of ancient connection vibe to singer, songwriters, something that ties the bands to write about their personal experiences inspirations worst experiences while performing or travelling , do you ever collaborate on these experiences in your music?
Julie: Oh yeah. Those experiences are what is behind things like Book of names, Confession, Breaking Me down, Look Away and some of the new unheard stuff as well. That is always a motivating way to get good lyrics is to draw from those experiences and I do often
20.Lisa HMTV: Will we be hearing anything new fro Hydrogyn in near future? Any plans for 2008?
Julie: New DVD in the Winter and a new studio CD in the Spring.We are looking forward to recording it and getting it out.
21.Lisa HMTV: Is there anyone special you would like to acknowledge, and any last words?Links that we check out the band and check out merchandise?
Julie: Well we would like to thank everyone weather you are a fan or someone who supports us it takes all of these people and no one is more important than the other so we wont mention names. The fans who are nameless to us but we see them at the shows and answer their emails are the most important because without them there is no HYDROGYN so thank you to everyone and we hope to see you soon on the Road. As for merch go to www.hydrogyn.com for all the latest stuff and news and Myspace.com/hydrogyn will have a merch store soon as well.
.Lisa HMTV: I just wanna thank you for you taking the time out to do this interview with for Hollywood Music Online Ezline?
Hydrogyn: We all thank you for having us and keep Rockin.
Hope you enjoyed the interview be on the look out for more interviews with some awesome bands from Lisa @ HMTV!
