Interviews: Hok-Key

This is a new interview with the Melodic Metal band Hok-Key from Belarus. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

The name of the band has appeared rather spontaneously. The band has appeared during the jam session on the one gig. There was no time to think about the name, so the initial name was Ok-key (everything is ok) Band, then it was transformed to Hok-key. The line-up and genre were changing but the name was kept.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I think that the current genre is the natural evolution of the band based on the musical tastes and skills of musicians. This is the type of music we all like so we really play what we like. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

No, it has happened that all of band members didn’t know each other very well. Some of us have joined the band after parties or after gigs but in general, we were not friends before. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

All the band members have different music tastes and it is really hard to tell one band for each band member. We like heavy music but most of us are not focused on any particular genres or bands. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I think that life and what is happening around is inspiring us. We can focus on some social or philosophic problems or we can get inspiration from movies or books. Some stories are real and taken from the history, some characters were inspired by books. For example, our new song “The Quest for Fire” was inspired by J.-H. Rosny novel “La Guerre du feu”. Some of our songs were also inspired by the historical events of our country – Belarus. 

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig was played in our own country. Today we have rather a difficult situation in the world and in our country as well. So many gigs are canceled so it is a big problem for each band. Currently, we have an unstable political situation and Covid issues in our country so the borders are close, but we hope things will change soon. 

7. Where would you like to act?

I think it is Wacken festival. It is our dream and we hope one day it will come true.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

It will be great to feature with King Diamond or Amorphis. We like these guys and it would be great to do something together with them. 

9. Whom not?

I don’t think we will reject to feature with someone. We are ready for any proposals, of course, if it is not something criminal.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Well, probably not stage fright, but being a bit nervous and excited before the gig is normal. When we were younger we were drinking quite a lot of alcohol before the gig so there was no fright, haha. Of course, it is not a tip for beginners. I think you should just go to the stage and start playing riffs – the power of music will help you. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Obviously, it is not a band or several bands, I think that we were mostly influenced by Scandinavian metal music and this is the answer. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Quite a lot of things has happened to us during the tours but we were impressed with one guy who has brought underpants to a meet-and-greet session with us to be signed. We had a feeling that he has taken them from his grandfather’s wardrobe. Anyway, we have signed them! 

13. What do you think of your fans?

We really respect our fans. If you do not respect your fans – you do not respect yourself and the music you play. 

14. What do you think of our site?

It is an interesting site with many interesting materials about heavy music. However, there was no news about our band but looks like things have changed!

15. Something to add?  

Listen to good music, check our new album (it will be out very soon), and Stay Hok-key!