It’s the first of several singles that the band are set to release over the course of the next few months and it’ll culminate with another EP titled ‘Modern Medicine’ being unveiled by the Tennessee-based band towards the end of the year.
It’s indie-rock at its best, with the cacophony of drums linking into a sonically stylish guitar sound. The boys are back and they aren’t messing around. It’s the same Hollow Roots with the same rock and roll stylings but, at the same time, there’s something more mature about the sound and the song they’ve created. It’s lyrically catchy and whilst early on they belt out the line that they’re ‘losing faith in who they are,’ we certainly aren’t losing faith in Hollow Roots and how they’re continuing to grow as a band.
Here, we speak to the boys on their upcoming EP, their new single, and their ideal touring partner.
It’s been more than two years since your last musical release. How do you feel that you have grown and evolved as a band during that time out?
I think we’ve definitely grown tighter as a band, both musically and as a functioning unit, just from playing out on the road so much and learning to roll with the punches.
What’s the experience of recording and releasing fresh music in a COVID-19 impacted landscape been like for you and how have you worked around some of the difficulties?
I’d actually say that the recording/writing process hasn't changed too much, thankfully. We’ve still been able to get together and work on new ideas. The only real difficulty has stemmed from not being able to play our new tunes for people. Sometimes a new idea doesn’t really click until you’ve played it live - likewise, sometimes you think you have a great song until you perform it and realize the audience isn't as receptive as you thought they’d be.
Your latest single Blame signals a switch to perhaps a stylistically slightly different Hollow Roots. Was this a natural progression or a deliberate one?
It’s definitely been a natural progression. I think songwriting, like any artistic endeavor, is a craft you have to hone. Our earlier stuff definitely wears its influences on its sleeve, whereas now I think we’re coming into our own.
Your new EP is set to be unveiled to the world in the fall - is there a particular song on it that you can’t wait for everyone to hear?
Modern Medicine is definitely my personal favorite. It was one of those songs that came to me quickly, which I think is usually indicative of a strong tune
What was the creative process like for your upcoming EP? Is there a certain theme throughout the tracks or?
I think there's definitely a lot of themes that stem from road life. There’s a sense of excitement but also all the caveats of being away from home for months at a time; ennui, drinking to pass the time, that kind of thing.
Is there any music you’ve listened to that has perhaps provided inspiration or influence for both Blame and the upcoming EP, whether in lockdown or even beforehand?
I’m honestly not sure! I actually try not to listen too much when I’m writing just because I’m afraid of unconsciously stealing ideas. Lately, though I’ve been listening to a lot of Soundgarden. I wouldn’t be surprised if some 90s elements snuck their way into the EP.
Once COVID finally allows it, I know you plan on resuming your never-ending tour. In an ideal world, who would be your dream band or artist to tour with?
Modern band: Cage the Elephant. Wish fulfillment band: The White Stripes.
What’s been your favourite experience of gigging so far to date? Any particularly memorable moments?
I honestly just love getting to explore all the little towns we visit, checking out weird and interesting local attractions, and meeting all kinds of different people. The most memorable experience would probably be this time we played at a bar called The Hummingbird in GA, where a drunk patron decided to drive by the bar with an assault rifle, threatening to shoot up the place. Everyone had to run to the back of the venue until the guy finally left. Thankfully no one was hurt, but man that was crazy.
Is there any previous song you’ve done which you’d love to re-record having now had a few years experience of the industry under your belt?
Not really. Our first album is a little rough and raw, but going back and listening to it is kind of like a time capsule of where we were as a band at the time. I feel that way about all of our albums. I think re-recording any times might take away from the magic.
Is there any particular song by another band that you wish you’d written and created first before them?
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys. If I had written that, I would’ve just immediately retired afterward.
Charlie Gregory
@CharlieSGJourno
Image: Blame - The Hollow Roots Official Single Artwork (Press Release)
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