INTERVIEW: Hyro the Hero never backs down
Photo: Hyro the Hero combines rap with rock for a wholly unique sound. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Big Picture Media with permission.
Hyro the Hero is a musician on the cutting edge between the worlds of rap and rock, and this makes his musical output both unique and trailblazing. He’s comfortable with a fast-paced, lyrical recitation in the style of the rap and hip-hop greats of the past, but his choruses often break into rockified energy, pulsating with anger, self-confidence and thrill.
His official Facebook page identifies his sound as one part Clash, one part Bad Brains and several doses of reverence for hip-hop relevance.
Hyro the Hero is currently finishing up his residency on the Rockstar Energy Drink Disrupt Festival, with dates July 27 in Phoenix and July 28 in Albuquerque. He then takes some time off and returns for the Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn in late August, followed by a string of dates in the fall.
When he tours, Hyro the Hero often plays songs off last year’s album, Flagged Channel, including the track “Never Back Down.”
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Hyro the Hero. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
You recently premiered the music video for ‘Never Back Down.’ What was the inspiration for that song?
The inspiration for ‘Never Back Down’ video was the inner battle I feel at times being a rapper. Jumping on trends mumbling or making ear candy music. It’s so easy for me to create tracks like that, but my love for truth and rock music is what my heart is set on. The energy I can create and the message I can send through the music I make is incredible. ‘Never Back Down’ [is] the daily battle with one’s ego.
Combining rap and rock makes your music stand out. When did you start experimenting and bringing these two genres together?
It all started when my high school girlfriend broke up with me. I wanted to scream, so I took a rock song and sampled it. Best way to get emotion out in my opinion, lol. It sparked my brain to create more, learn about bands and start rocking.
Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Tupac, Deftones, Bad Brains, Eminem, At The Drive In, Rancid, 50 Cent.
What can fans expect from your sets at the Disrupt festival?
All energy and crowd interaction. I want them to feel the music as much as I do.
What’s the difference in the crowd, atmosphere, vibe between your headlining shows and your festival dates? Do you have a preference on which one you like to play?
I have no preference. And I see no difference. I can rock any crowd anytime. As long as you are putting your heart into it, you will always rock a show. Whether it’s one person or 1 million people watching, they will get an amazing Hyro experience.
‘Hero’ is in your name, so I’d like to know, in your mind, what qualities make up a true hero?
Standing up, being a positive role model, keeping 100 at all times is a hero to me. I also saved a few people from things, but that’s stories for another time, lol.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Hyro the Hero is currently on tour. Click here for more information and tickets.
