Formed in early 2023, Hazel quickly made a name for themselves with their dynamic and infectious live performances that blend energy with groove.
Kicking off their journey at Perth’s renowned ‘Indi Bar’, the band has since delivered unforgettable shows and shows no signs of slowing down. With a packed calendar featuring festival appearances and major support slots, they’re wrapping up 2023 with an impressive bang!
The band’s lineup – Amber (Vocals), Austen (Bass), Cooper (Guitar), Tryphon (Keys), and Josh (Drums) – brings together a diverse range of musical influences. Each member contributes their own style, resulting in a sound that’s both distinct and irresistibly catchy.
Their debut single, “Pieces,” released on October 19, 2023, marks a milestone as the very first track they ever created together. The band is excited to share this personal piece of their journey with the world.
Hazel: An Inside Look with Drummer Josh
Hazel, the five-piece band from Western Australia, is quickly making waves in the local music scene with their unique blend of pop, soul, funk, and R&B. In an exclusive interview with drummer Josh, we dive into the origins of the band, their creative journey, and what’s next for them.
What first got you into music?
Josh: “We all came from musical families, whether our parents were in bands themselves or just had a deep love for music. It's been around us for most of our lives. I think that early exposure laid the foundation for all of us to pick up instruments and start creating.”
Tell us a bit about Hazel.
Josh: “We’re a five-piece group – Amber on vocals, Austen on bass, Cooper on guitar, Tizzy on keys, and me on drums. We’re from WA, and we’re trying to make our dreams a reality. We like to describe ourselves as a bit of a ‘confused group’ because our sound pulls from so many genres – pop, soul, funk, R&B – but that’s what makes it fun.”
Who inspired you to make music?
Josh: “Since we grew up in musical families, the inspiration is drawn from the music we listened to as kids. We’re talking about everything from classic rock to soul and funk. The mix of all those influences definitely shaped the kind of music we want to make.”
Talk to me about how you’ve been.
Josh: “It’s definitely a grind, balancing life and music. But honestly, I love it. Driving the project forward with the whole band, everyone pulling their weight and helping each other – it’s such a good vibe. Life outside of music? It kind of blurs together, especially when the weekends are filled with gigs. But it’s all worth it!”
How has your sound evolved?
Josh: “Like many bands, we went through a phase of figuring out our ‘sound.’ But we’ve kind of moved away from overthinking it and now just write and jam whatever comes to mind. That’s where we have the most fun – not worrying about getting it perfect, just letting the music flow and creating something we enjoy.”
How did you all find each other?
Josh: “Amber, Austen, and I have played in bands together in the past, so we knew each other through the local scene. Cooper, our guitarist, is actually my cousin, and Tizzy on keys was one of Cooper’s best mates. It just worked out perfectly when we decided to start Hazel.”
Tell us about the best and worst gigs you’ve played.
Josh: “We tend to enjoy every show we play. There’s just something about being on stage and jamming out that makes it all worth it. But if I had to pick, my most memorable gig was supporting Matt Corby at Fremantle Prison. It was an unreal experience. Another highlight was just last weekend when we played with Lazy Haze at Gage Roads – heaps of fun!”
What’s your creative process like?
Josh: “It’s pretty simple – we get together once a week, and just jam! Someone will start playing a chord progression or a groove, or Amber might have a cool melody in her head, and we just build on it from there. We don’t force anything; we just let the music happen naturally.”
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Josh: “There are way too many to mention! We’d love to get on as many support slots as possible this year, just to meet other bands and connect with different crowds. The more we can learn and experience, the better!”
If you could open for any artist, who would it be?
Josh: “I’m a huge Foo Fighters fan, so I’d love to open for them. But I’m not sure if their crowd would be into us – we’re a bit different, haha!”
What message would you like to send to your fans?
Josh: “It’s amazing to see people singing along to our songs when we’re on stage. We just want our fans to know that we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing without them. We can’t thank everyone individually, but we’ll give back somehow, someday.”
How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
Josh: “It’s tough to keep up with everything, to be honest. Since the internet became such a huge part of the business, it feels like staying active on social media is almost a full-time job in itself. But it’s a double-edged sword – it’s also a great way to connect with fans and discover new music.”
What’s your favourite song to perform?
Josh: “Definitely ‘Price You Pay.’ I love the lyrics and the simple structure of the tune. There’s something about playing it live that really hits home for me every time.”
Is there ever a moment when you channel an artist you admire during a performance?
Josh: “I’d love to say I channel John Bonham from Led Zeppelin! In my dreams, though. I definitely try to get in the zone like that, especially during high-energy moments on stage.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Josh: “Set your mind on what you want and do everything you can to make it happen. It’s a grind, but if you’re passionate and keep working at it, you can achieve your goals.”
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Josh: “Honestly, there’s not much I’d change. We’re still very local and the music scene here in WA is amazing. The community is so supportive, and it’s great to be part of that. I think that sense of community is super important.”
What’s next for Hazel?
Josh: “We’ve got some really cool lineups coming up this year, and there’s more in the works. You’ll definitely see us at a venue near you. And of course, new music is on the way – very soon!”
Hazel’s journey is just beginning, but with their raw talent, unique sound, and strong sense of community, there’s no doubt they’re headed for great things. Keep an eye out for them in 2024 – it’s going to be a big year!
