Hi! I really loved your release ‘Go’ and find it absolutely brilliant. If someone hasn’t had the chance to listen to it yet, how would you best describe the track?
Ramsey Ord: You summed it up perfectly with “brilliant.” Sorry, I’m known as a very sarcastic person — ignore that! Honestly though, thanks so much! We like to think of “Go” as rock with a bit of a pop influence — but still definitely rock. Hopefully, listeners will be energized by the guitar and piano riffs, start dancing to the hook in the chorus, and find the lyrics to be relatable. They’re about always pushing a project forward and not giving up regardless of the obstacles in your way… or who in your camp may want to quit.
Jessica Heming: I’d say that “Go” is an anthem of tenacity. Life is peaks and troughs… and sometimes those troughs result from traction on a personal or societal level. Covid was a testing time for everyone. But it’s possible to defy an imposed hiatus. Having the resilience to keep moving forward is what this track captures and commends. Digging deep for motivation and discipline. Self-determination, heedless of circumstances, engenders the dividend of achievement and freedom. If you’re sufficiently driven, committed to yourself and your ambitions — nothing can compromise your momentum and you deserve the high that results.
My life experience has taught me to defend against negativity; to not let someone’s bailing hold you back. I’ve had quite a few instances of friends bailing on plans — and going ahead nevertheless has been so empowering. I’m British and Ramsey (I call him “Ram”) is American. The stereotype of British people having a “stiff upper lip” rings true to some extent. There’s a cultural tendency to “put up” with things that aren’t ideal — to ignore, blame others or make excuses — instead of pioneering for something different. Contrastingly, I’d say that American culture cultivates belief that anything is possible. That’s why working with Ram is so galvanizing. And this song inspires precisely that notion — that you don’t have to be complacent in acceptance. You can GO. Vault over obstacles. Propel the narrative that you desire.
Where was it recorded?
RO: All over the world, actually! Part in Los Angeles, part in Oregon, and in 3 different areas of the UK — including Brighton.
JH: Having involved parties around the world is a challenge… but we’ve been able to pull together the different parts to make it a cohesive whole.
Do you have plans to include it in a bigger release, like an EP or album?
RO: Yes, “Go” is our debut single that will eventually be included in a full album. We have 10 tracks at least partially recorded and many more written. So this is just the beginning.
JH: The album tracks are really diverse and I’m excited for listeners to hear that. This is the start of the adventure — and we’re so grateful for support.
I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your true passion?
RO: Personally, it took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I spent several years working in comedy writing, but it recently clicked that songwriting and music are much more fulfilling to me. Jess, our keyboardist, has had a passion for music her entire life and has always known she’s wanted to be some type of artist. Ian, our vocalist, was singing before he could speak and spent some time as a child actor. So I think it’s safe to say that performing has always been his true passion.
JH: I learned to play instruments from the age of 5. Although I used to hate practicing, I’m so thankful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to acquire a skill that I treasure. I recall doing a great improvisation workshop with a member of Jamiroquai — and the thrill of writing then recording a song with other musicians. I felt as though I really came to my fore playing in bands through adolescence. I fell in love with the team spirit of rehearsals, the buzz of performing in beautiful venues, the exhilaration of international tours. At high school, I wondered whether to pursue music professionally but academia took over. Through university and after, I continued to play in a London orchestra, with music a passion alongside if not a little subsidiary to the various jobs I had in education. That said, I was the gig reviewer for my university magazine; I had and continue to have such an appetite for going to gigs… and every time, I’ve connected in a way that’s made me know in my heart, this is what I’m meant, need to do. Playing, performing music gives me a feeling like nothing else. That’s why I was stoked when Ram got in touch over lockdown and told me he’d decided to start drums with an eye to forming a rock band to rival all those great acts that we’ve seen live together. He had a vision and I knew how adept he is at making things happen. I was instantly on board, and being part of the band has become an increasingly integral part of my life and well-being over the last few years. The independence and novelty of The Hungry Young gives much more scope for creative freedom than the controlled agenda of structured lessons/conventional repertoire — and I love that. The songwriting and recording processes have been dialogic and organic. It’s so inspiring to feel as though you’re co-shaping something live and vigorous. There’s real pride in that.
Your music blends various styles and sounds in a captivating manner. If given the opportunity, who would be your ideal collaborator and what is the reason behind your choice?
RO: Tough one, but it’s a toss-up between Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, and God. The first two because we adore their music and they’re obviously legends, and the latter because we’d be pretty sure the track would go viral.
JH: Dave gets my vote. I’ve seen the Foos play lots of times and his energy is ferocious. What a legend — and he seems such a sound, humble guy. I’d also love to work with Anthony Kiedis — a very talented musician and so bad ass. He has the same rebellious personality as THY. An anarchic spirit is what Ram and I initially converged on a decade ago.
What has been your favorite musical experience so far?
RO: Releasing “Go” has been a highlight for sure. Quite a few years were spent writing and making demos before an official release. There have been numerous delays for a variety of reasons and it’s a relief to finally be able to get material out there.
JH: Feeling a strong sense of purpose and achievement, through practicing and recording. It feels so heartening to be playing again. A particular highlight for me has been my second studio experience. The first, I was super nervous… the second, I relaxed into it and just felt so connected to the track.
Where are you located? Can you describe how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?
RO: Our band is based in both California and the UK. We have roots in both locations. I lived for many years near the Sunset Strip where there is a big classic rock influence. Jess was born and raised in the UK and has been influenced by the indie rock vibes in Brighton. So our sound really combines a lot of different types of rock.
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JH: Ram and I met at the Rainbow Room, which attests to our mutual love of rock music. Several places on the Sunset Strip have a really cool alternative energy and amazing acts — which have fed into THY. I’m currently living in Brighton and there’s a great punk rock scene, with iconic venues like the Hope and Ruin. Bands I’ve seen here reflect the genre/style of THY.
If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
RO: The Sphere in Las Vegas looks like it would be an amazing place just to see a show, let alone perform. The Troubadour in West Hollywood is a legendary smaller venue where I’ve attended many shows. That one might be a bit more fitting for us at the moment — ha.
JH: There’s an awesome venue in Hackney called the Moth Club. It’s tiny and there’s something super special about it… I saw a phenomenal Temper Trap gig there. So intimate — I felt privileged, on fire with the atmosphere. Aside from that, there are festivals that I’ve been to that I’d love to play at…Hyde Park, Benicassim, Coachella. Though we’re probably too cool, ha.
What was the first album you remember owning?
RO: “More of the Monkees,” even though they were popular before I was born. The first concert I attended was Motley Crue, so once again you can see quite a range of different influences.
JH: Probably ABBA Gold or one of the STEPS albums. Enduring guilty, not so guilty pleasures. I saw Steps play this year and what a show… it made me realize how magical it is to be part of a band… and how iconic tracks do stand the test of time.
Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what are your plans for 2024?
RO: We’ll announce gigs as soon as we have more definitive plans. In 2024, we plan to release a new track every 6-8 weeks.
JH: I’m excited to start gigging next year. In the California area — hopefully some UK dates also. Potentially festivals. Watch this space.