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. Pull The Trigger is out now!
Check out Here We Go Again below!
We managed to catch up with the band about the new EP, fans, new music and more!
How proud are you of the debut EP Pull The Trigger?
We couldn’t be happier with our debut EP. We feel that the EP captures the essence of our sound, but also shows all sides of our music – from the funk of “here we go again”, to the harder rock style of “pull the trigger” and “fight to be free”, to the emotive “alive”.
How much work went into the production of the EP?
We spent 1 week in Seattle recording at London Bridge studio with Eric Lilavois. It was very inspiring and motivating to work in a studio with such a rich musical history, so we were happy to put in long days to get the EP done.
How successful has the track Here We Go Again been?
We have received really great feedback from this release. I believe we’re on close to 20 radio stations around the world now, plus countless interviews, articles & reviews. It’s been very flattering!
You’ve been about for over two years now, what has been your best highlight?
Performing on stage is the greatest thing any of us have ever experienced, so I would have to say this in general is the highlight. To choose a single performance is hard, but playing to packed venues like the Whisky A-Go-Go & the Viper Room is definitely hard to beat. Prophets of Rage (Rage Against The Machine, Cypress Hill, Public Enemy – Supergroup) played the Whisky a week before our first show there.. When you’re standing on a stage like that it’s pretty cool to think of those guys and the other musical legends that have stood & performed in that exact place.
How did the band come up with the name Shikobi?
“Shikobi” means a modern day rock warrior. Kind of like Shinobi being an ancient Japanese Warrior.. but new age, rock & rollers!
What is it like working with your brother in the band?
It’s mostly great. Creatively we work so well together, we are equally as passionate about music so we can easily get lost in what we’re doing and lose hours in the studio. He does piss me off sometimes though, I’m sure it goes both ways!
How much does your fans mean to you?
We would write and create music whether there was a fan base or not because it’s what we love to do. But realistically, fans are what make it possible for musicians to continue to spend their time working on and expressing their passion – so fans mean everything to us.
If you could with any artist or band, who would it be and why?
If I could choose a band, it would have to be the “Red Hot Chili Peppers”. Kiedis is Aarons hero, Flea has been a huge influence in Marco’s playing (we believe Marco is basically Flea in a new life form.. even though Flea still exists in his current body.. it’s a strange one), Frusciante has always been one of my favourite guitarists, and Dylan (Shikobi’s drummer) has a lot of similarities in style to Chad Smith.
If it was just me individually, Tom Morello has been my greatest influence, so it would definitely be him.
Will there be a tour for the EP?
We are currently organising a tour through December, at this stage it’s looking like from California all the way across to Texas and everywhere in between. Dates are yet to be finalised and released.
Is the plan to release a full length album next?
We have a lot songs written that we can’t wait to record, and writing new material comes so quickly and easily to us – we want to release every song we ever write! So yes, there is definitely more releases in the future.. but exactly what and when we’re not 100% sure of just yet.