The HYBRIS is an international Alternative Rock project of three friends. Originally all members lived in Germany, they know each other for many, many years. In the past they played in different combinations in various punk, rock, pop and hardcore bands. Then the trio was spread all over the world for professional or family reasons, today they live in Nice, in L.A. and in Cologne, but still – and more than ever – make music again. They write and produce everything on their own, in a joint virtual recording studio. Every member plays various instruments and contributes what the current piece of music needs.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello The HYBRIS. How did your team come to be?
There are three of us, originally we all lived in Germany, we know each other for many, many years. In the past we played in different bands, playing Rock, Punk, Hardcore. Then we were spread all over the world for professional or family reasons, so today we live in Cologne, Nice and in L.A., but still produce our music.
You live in a few cities. How do you cope with the distance?
The distance brings disadvantages, of course, but in the meantime we think that the advantages outweigh them. Each of us has set up a recording studio at home and we all play different instruments. So everyone can contribute what the current piece of music needs. Thanks to today's technical possibilities, we have built a common virtual recording studio. But the joint beer in the rehearsal room is missing.
Your latest track is 'What if'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Interestingly, there was a piano line at first, which now doesn't appear in the song at all. Building on that, Beanie came up with the first guitar parts which gave the song its funky direction. Once the vocal lines were in place, we developed the rest around them. That's usually a process of several weeks for us.
What is your creative process like?
In the past, you had to spend tons of money for expensive recording studios and be creative in a limited amount of time. This always leads to pressure, sometimes dissatisfaction. That's different today, each of us can get started when the flow is there, which is awesome. Sometimes there’s a melody first, sometimes a piano hook or a guitar riff.
What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?
So far, there has been no significant decision for us to make. We just started and tried things out. So far, everything has developed quite organically and it works very well for us.
What makes you different from others?
This virtual collaboration is of course different from many other bands. Therefore, we wanted to do something "different" in the visual appearance as well, so we built these masks. At first it was a stupid idea, but meanwhile we think it's pretty cool. THE HYBRIS are three comic superheroes: Ringo Rabbit, Beanie Bison and Malcolm Mandrill – three wannabes who aim to save the world.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Basically, we are politically interested people, but we don't want to share messages with a big sign. What moves us in this particular moment is often reflected in our music, but we don't want to impose our opinion on anyone.
Who are you inspired by in your production?
Of course, we are huge music fans. Mainly rock music, but also completely different styles like hip hop, electro or even jazz. An interesting, unique, “good” production is key for all of us when we listen to music. Each of us has his own - and sometimes very different - taste, so every song of ours is also a little different, but we always try to create a recognizable style.
How can you define your musical style?
It's a mixture. Our music moves between pop, punk, indie rock and alternative rock. People quickly compare you with existing bands, for us that’s really difficult to define for our own music. Others have compared us to bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Feeder, The Killers, The Cure or The Clash – which are huge compliments for us.
What are your plans for the future?
Musical development. We have a high demand on ourselves and try, every member in his own way, to become better. It’s great when a band develops its own style over time and doesn't stagnate. Would be amazing if we could say that about ourselves one day. Variable, but in a way also consistent – that would be great. And we would love to start some collaborations – we’ll see what the future holds for us.