Meet RedHook, the Sydney alt-rock band who just got added to Download UK

While I'm admittedly not as in-tune with the heavier side of Australian rock music as I should be, there's definitely a lot of goodness in there, and an artist starting to break-out internationally thanks to their said goodness is RedHook. The Sydney-based alternative rock group are one of the most dynamic and unique on the market, pushing the boundaries of heavy rock with a genre-mashing display of hardcore/rock/electro that punches with some severe ferocity. It's a really 'in your face' sound, but it's one that puts them in a league of their own, perhaps why the band are one of the only Australian names on the upcoming Download UK line-up this June, where they join a line-up topped by Def Leppard, Slipknot, Tool, The Smashing Pumpkins, Die Antwoord and more.

They opened up the mainstage at the recent Good Things Festival debut a little while back where they proved their worth as a live band, but with a support slot for Hands Like Houses, the Download UK billing, and a new single all around the corner, now is more than a good time to get to know the band before they blow up even more. Check 'em out below.

Tell us about yourself?

Hi, we’re RedHook. We’re a guy and a girl from opposite ends of regional NSW (Yass vs the Central Coast) who collided in the big smoke two years ago and bonded over our mutual fury at the Dexter series finale, owning The Hampster Dance on CD single and the important role that music has played in both of our lives. We enjoy long walks on the beach and punk jumps.

What’s the vibe music-wise?

Heavy grooves, powerful pop melodies, EDM-influenced production and a loud beating heart.

What are your production and writing processes like?

We have an extremely high-tech set up in Craig’s bedroom with a studio mic wedged inside his wardrobe and a doona for soundproofing. The way we work is ordinarily hatching our key musical ideas in isolation - normally Creggles will hand me a full piece of music he’s already demoed out - and I’ll use the vibe of it to inform my melodies and lyrics and give the song its identity.

Then we hit the home studio to smash our ideas together, experiment with additional production and demo the song out in full before sliding into Electric Sun Studios to track everything properly with our gun producer mates Stevie Knight and Dave Petrovic.

You were just added to the UK Download line-up which is absolutely huge – how does that make you all feel, and what should the people expect?

We feel very sweaty and dizzy and I looked those symptoms up on Web MD and apparently, we might be dying? In all seriousness though we’re beyond pumped and so, so grateful! To be on the same bill as metal legends like Slipknot and Tool - and even just modern scene heroes like Beartooth, State Champs, I Prevail and Amity - is batshit insane.

You can expect us to deliver the most animated, energetic set of our lives. I’m seriously going to need to invest a new Ventolin inhaler because I plan to physically exert myself to the point of a mild asthma attack.

Any shows coming up?

You betcha! We’re actually just about to hit the road on our second Aussie tour in two months, this time supporting Hands Like Houses and Ocean Grove who are - no word of a lie - our two favourite bands in Australia right now! We’re going to try really hard to play it cool and not fangirl out too hard but Craig has already stuffed his suitcase with the full -Anon. merch pack so we’ll see.

It’ll be our first time ever playing in Canberra and Perth too so we’re pumped as hell for that! But also to return to Brissie, Adelaide and Melbourne where we met so many incredible people during our January tour with The Faim and Yours Truly. Not to mention playing the Enmore Theatre in Sydney which is an absolute bucket list venue for me - it’s where I saw my first ever live show!

What does 2019 have in store for you?

We’ll definitely be dropping plenty of new music into your ear holes (we may or may not have a brand-new single dropping next week but shhhhhhh!) and working towards our first major release. 2019 has been off to a pretty insane start already though so we’re going to have to work really hard to top it in the 2nd half of the year!

Where can we find more of your music?

Slap your mouse right here :)

Tour Dates (supporting Hands Like Houses, with Ocean Grove and Endless Heights):

Friday 8 February – UC Refectory, Canberra
Saturday 9 February – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Friday 15 February – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Saturday 16 February – The Forum, Melbourne
Friday 22 February – HQ Complex, Adelaide
Saturday 23 February – Astor Theatre, Perth

Follow RedHook: FACEBOOK