Hider started learning music in around 2011 when he got his first DAW for Christmas. From the start Hider made earaches in the likes of whom he was obsessed with at the time. 'Cold Blood' is about self improvement. This song goes over the topic of a person who has no time for other people because they are trying to distance themselves and improve their mental well-being. Along with that comes the other point of view from the people around you, that just don't understand and think you're being selfish when you're really going through a hard time.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What first got you into music?
I've always been musical ever since I had the chance to bang on pots as a kid. It's always been a part of me. Music was always a thing but listening to music and discovering your own music taste are two wildly different things. I grew up in a mostly Christian house-hold so the music we could listen to was pretty limited although mostly only non-explicit songs. The first music I really remembered enjoying from around 8-10 years old was a 'Pillar'. A Christian hard rock band of course, but with the nu-metal twists of the early 2000's. I definitely give them a lot of credit getting me into the heavier side of the rock scene at the time. The big one for me was 'Linkin Park' and their album 'Hybrid Theory'. I realize most people's first exposure was this album but my experience was little different and more personal. Me and my cousin found it one day in a pile of CD's and the art caught my eye specifically. It was a weird feeling listening to it. My first real exposure to music outside of the Christian bands I had been listening to for a while. I started drum lessons at the age of 10 after I got my first real kit for Christmas. Then skip years down the road and at 14 years old I discovered metal music through one of my favorite bands still today, 'Of Mice & Men'. After about 3 years of listening to metal I wanted to make it myself, so I did. I had already been making wannabe music in the likes of 'Skrillex' and the entire EDM scene since I was about 11 when I got my first DAW. So in 2017 I went on a long and difficult journey of starting to finally learn how to record instruments and vocals. Within one year I started self-teaching guitar, and vocals. From that point I released my self-titled project 'Hider' in 2018, 'Deluxe' in 2019, my most recent project/EP 'Thought Loops' in 2021 and now I'm on track to be consistently releasing singles from 2022 onwards.
What do you think your role is in this world?
My role in this world is to give someone that song that tells them something about themselves that they didn't know; to make that song that feels like it was written about them; the songs you can cry and dance to. It's all about connection to me. Other artists have helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and I want to give back by being that same thing for someone else.
Your latest track is 'Cold Blood'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
In the grande scheme of my discography 'Cold Blood' is a pretty different track than anything else I've done. The closest thing to it would be 'How To Scare A Ghost' but still isn't quite the same. I get bored with doing the same thing over and over musically so I wanted to switch up my sound from the metal and rock ballads to more pop oriented alt music. I feel it's definitely a smart move and creatively I feel like I can do anything while not feeling held back by the "rules" of what I was doing before. It feels freeing and I've never felt happier making music.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Be yourself. Yeah, I know it sounds corny but it's true. Don't hop on trends, don't follow the crowd, and definitely don't change for someone else. If you're passionate about something, work on it like it's the only thing that matters. I have the deepest love for anyone who listens to my music. I could've never imagined I'd have over two thousand listeners, but here we are... and I'm just getting warmed up.
How do you spend your time?
All I do is make music. It's what keeps me alive, it's how I get out my anger, depression, whatever I'm feeling. Once music clicked with me I knew there was no turning back. I only get one chance for all of this so I work as much as I can on it. There's just something about music as an artform that can't be expressed in other mediums that just works for me. Everytime I sit down to work on a new track the air feels clear again, a new starting point that can go anywhere. I love it.
What are you most proud of?
As most musicians can relate I'm most proud of whatever recent work I've released. I often go back and cringe at my old music but the respect is still there. Each album and EP is a slice of how I'm doing at that specific point. Whatever I'm feeling, going through, things I've seen and been around... it's all wrapped up in each song and project and it's really beutiful to witness even as myself. Reflection and growth.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
It's so hard to choose! There's so many I'd love to open for. Aries, nothing;nowhere, Glaive, Belis... but I think the big one would be EDEN. All of these fine people have been such a huge inspiration to me over the last couple years it would be insane to do a show with them or work with them at all!
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Always changing. That means learning new instruments, programs, mixing tricks, genres EVEN! Anything you can do to keep yourself innovating is a positive thing. ALSO marketing. This last 3 months or so I've been learning how to use Facebook Ads and actually advertise my music. The reception in insane so far and I think I already have some die-hard fans on my side. It feels so foreign to even write that but it's TRUE! If you get comfortable where you are, something is wrong.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
I personally think so but there's always a negetive to everyting of course. But for me and what I've been able to do over the last 10 years would've never been possible if I were born in another generation and I'm very glad I get to be able to so easily show the world what I do. I would've never put out music with out my DAW and computer.
What are your plans for the future?
Planning on a full release by the end of the year along with some more music videos and some super secret merch drops ;) I'm always working on music and if you want to see more of my day to day go follow me on Instagram @hiderpnw