Hostile Array took the time out to tell us about their music and their songwriting process. Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Hostile Array simply means an opposing force, or a group of people in opposition to something or someone. Our lyrical focus when we first started this project was filtered through an anti-authoritarian political lens so in context it made sense at that time. Even though our lyrical focus has expanded to addressing issues like mental health, trauma, and religious indoctrination, we still feel like the name is applicable.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
All of us played in various bands across central Maryland and southernPennsylvania growing up. Four of our current members actually were part of the final line up of a christian metalcore band called My Ransomed Soul. When that project ended due to changes in musical interest and various evolving beliefs, we realized we still wanted to create music together so we started this project from the ashes of our old band.
How would you describe your sound?
Alternative Post-Hardcore
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Artists like Underoath, Norma Jean, and Architects had a huge influence on our early sound, but artists like Linkin Park, Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox, and Dayseeker are fairly influential on our newer material. I personally also take a lot of influence from artists outside of our genre when it comes to production and sampling ideas such as Tyler, The Creator, Brakence, and Nothing. Nowhere for example.
What’s the last song you listened to?
5g by Brakence
What’s your source for hearing new music?
TikTok and Spotify
Who is your dream producer?
I’m not sure if we have a dream producer, but we would love to work with producers like Daniel Braunstein or Zak Cervini.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Underoath is the first band that made me want to pick up a microphone, so Spencer or Aaron would be top of my list.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
Music has always been something that I feel alters my mental state for the better, even if it’s only for a brief moment. I like to describe it as something that scratches that itch in my brain that nothing else really can. As for my motivation, I’ve been creating music since I was a pre-teen and I don’t think I could stop anytime soon. Over the years I’ve started caring less about “making it” in the music industry, whatever that truly means, and just have a drive to share what I create with as many people that are willing to listen.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Garrison (guitar) and myself usually lay the foundation for most of our songs, demoing ideas and collaborating remotely by sending session files back and forth via Dropbox. After we get a demo we really like together we will present it to the rest of the band and get their input so that we can refine our sound. After that we usually do some final song writing edits with our small team of trusted producers (Chris Davis, Andrew Simmons, and Nick Sadler) to help us bring our ideas fully to life.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Social media (Instagram and TikTok especially) is the most direct way for us to engage and connect with others. Obviously we love interacting with people at shows, but in my opinion the music scene never fully recovered for lesser known upcoming artists post-covid, so our options can be limited.
HOSTILE ARRAY (@hostilearray) • Instagram photos and videos
HOSTILE ARRAY (@HostileArray) / Twitter
What’s next for you?
We’re already actively working on more material that we hope will become our next EP in the near future. Until then, I hope that anyone who already knows us reaches out and connects with us on platforms like TikTok and Instagram while we find new ways to engage with those who don’t already know us. We also hope to secure a small handful of shows throughout the later part of this year and early next.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
If you like what we’re doing, little things like sharing our music on social media, adding us to your own streaming library or playlist, and of course buying merch off our online store go a lot further than you may realize. Any little bit helps and we truly appreciate anyone who actively listens to what we’re putting out.
Bio:
Maryland natives Hostile Array are the result of constant evolution. Once described by Metal Hammer Magazine as a “well-balanced blend of heavy and catchy post-hardcore”, the band has shifted their focus to redefining the sound they captured on their 2018 debut into something equally as poised, but harder to define.
While still taking inspiration from the intensity and emotion of early 2000’s post-hardcore, the band has willfully embraced a more pop-centric medium; leaning into catchy hooks, polished production, and alternative beats. Never shying away from potential inspiration and refusing to be defined, Hostile Array has created a sound that is uniquely their own.
HOSTILE ARRAY ARE
Brendan Frey – Vocals
Garrison Frey – Guitar
Hector Fernandez – Guitar
Brody Barbour – Bass
Fredy Menjivar – Drums
