LISTEN AND READ;
What are our names?
Luke Hession and Aaron Hession
What is the band name?
Shikobi
How did you come up with the band name?
Luke loved the word Shinobi, in reference to the ancient Japanese Warrior, and Aaron loved the word Inca, which is a reference to the Inca people who worshiped the Sun.. There was already a band named Shinobi, so we came up with the word Shikobi, and we eventually dropped the Inca as it didn’t quite flow. So it’s a made up word with no meaning, but we’ve come to give it the meaning of “Modern Day Rock Warriors”.
What is your genre of music?
We like to think we are Rock at the core, with a heavy funk and hip hop influence.
Give us a little bio about you as a band and individuals.
Raw and emotive hard rock collective Shikobi, has quickly found success with their unique blend of experimental hard rock, funk and hip-hop. The group formed in January 2014 with Australian brothers Aaron and Luke Hession writing songs in their Gold Coast home. Fueled by their intense live show, Shikobi went from a local garage band playing DIY gigs to a successful touring band selling out high-profile venues in less than a year. The hard rock group also landing a coveted #1 spot on the top 100 countdown on Australia’s famed Triple J Unearthed radio station.
With a twist of fate, Aaron and Luke decided to relocate to Los Angeles where drummer Dylan Hayden and bassist Marco Barrientos, joined the band to complete the lineup in April 2015. Since then, Shikobi has been building a steady following in the US.
Shikobi’s debut EP Pull The Trigger is reminiscent of early Linkin Park, Rage Against The Machine, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The four-track release recorded at the famed London Bridge studios in Seattle, showcases the group’s signature sound of soaring melodic rap and rock vocals with heavy and explosive guitar riffs. The leading single “Here We Go Again” commands the listener’s attention with catchy hooks over grungy and gritty instrumentation. “Pull The Trigger” is a powerful anthem addressing the important issue of gun control and lack of gun laws in the US. All in all, the EP is hard hitting, energetic and evocative.
“We cannot ignore and must address key social issues. But there is a time to dance, love, party, and celebrate the lighter side of life.” – Aaron Hession
Aaron and Luke, you are from Australia, what was the move like from there to LA?
Coming from Australia we’ve always known about the infamous live music institutions in West Hollywood / LA, so to perform and watch other bands perform in these venues has been an exciting ride.
Do you miss Aus?
We miss friends and family, but overall, we love living here.
We know you and Luke are brothers so how did it come about Dylan and Marco joining you?
When we first decided to move over we began to search for a bassist and drummer which lead us to finding Marco and Dylan. They’ve been the perfect addition to our style and are our brothers from other mothers.
Are you a signed?
No, but we’re open to all offers.
Your new Single ‘ Here We Go Again’ is brilliant, can you tell us more about that.
It’s actually the first song we ever wrote. We entered it with an underground radio station competition in Australia where it reached the #1 spot. It’s a song celebrating the lighter side of life, and a night on the town.
What was the process of the single like?
It was an awesome experience. We recorded in Seattle at the infamous London Bridge Studios with the very talented Eric Liliavois producing the track.
Your Debut EP ‘ Pull The Trigger’ is set to release in 23rd Sept 16 whats the meaning behind?
Pull The Trigger is the title track from the EP. It addresses current social issues of gun control and lack there of.
Tell us more about some of the tracks on the EP.
The other two tracks not yet mentioned are Fight To Be Free, and Alive. Fight To Be Free is about conformity, social and political oppression, and power of people rallying against this.
Are we able to pre-order ‘Pull The Trigger’ now?
No, the EP will be available on September 23rd.
Are you heading out on tour with the EP?
We are currently negotiating and Australian and US tour later this year. We can’t wait to hit the road.
If so which cities will you be going?
As above.
What made you go in to music?
We grew up surrounded by music. Whilst we pursued other careers and interests, it’s always been our number one passion. It felt inevitable for us to finally pursue this dream of ours.
Do you have any festivals you will be playing this year?
Not at this stage.
Do you play any instruments?
During live performances Aaron focuses solely on vocals, and Luke guitar and vocals.
Who are your influences?
We have many influences, but our sound is most reflective of Rage Against The Machine, early Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Linkin Park.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
It comes when it comes, at all different times and places. There is no set formula or process, we write when ideas come to us.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Either in the Hollywood Hills, or back at mums place in Australia. It’s all or nothing.
