Vancouver-based Rock/Synth Pop band, Hyaenas, shares their debut EP Little Trophy, along with the stand-out single “Written in the Stars”. Written through a queer feminist lens, Hyaenas explores a variety of socially relevant topics on Little Trophy including the #MeToo and #TIMESUP movements, the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance), 20th century coal miners, the fight/flight/freeze stress response, NXIVM (a cult profiled by the HBO docuseries “The Vow”), as well as astronomy and the whimsical, such as the beloved tales of the Pied Piper and Alice in Wonderland.
Speaking on the writing process, the band says “Writing for the EP really took shape during lockdown. Both Sophie (lead vocalist) and Jen (drummer) had a bunch of unfinished songs/ideas/embarrassing voice memos that we dug out of the archives then collaborated with each other to fill in the gaps (except lyrics – that’s always a sole Sophie responsibility) and take them to the next level, then brought them to the rest of the band to workshop and make them what they are are now and we’re so happy with the final result.
For Sophie, the pandemic brought on a sense of “if not now, when?” to really kick start her back into songwriting after taking a hiatus for a few years, and for Jen as a drummer who has been a little hesitant to show songwriting ideas to bands, it was so friggin fulfilling to have so much support from the band and to see a few of her little ol’ ideas that she was too insecure to show anyone else get such positive feedback and make them fully realized songs”
The EP is also produced by coveted Vancouver producers Elisa Pangsaeng (Yukon Blonde, Said The Whale) and Jesse Gander (The Pack AD, White Lung).
“We were really excited to work with Elisa Pangsaeng for a few tunes as a few of us had worked with her previously in other studio sessions and it was such a great experience so it was a no-brainer. Her ability to achieve a certain emotion and pocket off the floor and into the final mix is so impressive. She can keep the raw-ness while still producing a pop song – and she can tune the shit the out of a snare drum!
And recording with Jesse Gander is an absolute dream. He’s quite the hero in the punk & metal scene (obviously we are neither) and not just in Vancouver – globally! But he is also inherently such a big fan of pop so it was great for him to tap into another genre of music that is a bit of a departure from his day-to-day and we think it just showcases his incredible skill & versatility as a producer, engineer and mixer. He gave our songs such a great shimmer and really allowed us to capture a hint of those post-punk “The Cure”-esque tones and also really made things punch. Plus he’s such an all-around lovely & friendly human and Rain City is such a beautiful studio – it was sad to pack up our stuff (and our dog) when we were done!”
It’s hard to miss Hyaenas’ undeniable chemistry, both in and out of music. Made up of two couples (and best buds), the EP showcases that Hyaenas are not here to mince words when it comes to their beliefs or back down against the patriarchy, sexism, oppression, or objectification. It’s even in the name: Hyaenas thrive in a matriarchal society ruled by an alpha female and are natural born warriors. Hyaenas’ band name is also a subtle nod to the 1984 Siouxsie and the Banshees album of the same name, one of the many ways the band honours influential femme pioneers before them with respect and admiration.
On each track, we hear Hyaenas explore difficult, but impactful, subjects with intelligence and quip, while also recognizing the internal struggle that arises from walking in a world where you can often be made to feel like an outsider. Hyaenas tackles these internal struggles with moments of comfort, like on “Written in the Stars”, a song about accepting what life has in store for you and trusting the process, while also having trust in yourself that you and you alone know what is best for yourself. That you can find guidance from the stars above as well as from the voice inside your head, heart, and gut. The song begins so delicately, with raw and exposed vocals over shimmering synth, and grows into a “Producers fantasy dream” – layers upon layers upon layers of swirling galaxy atmospheric wall of sound. Just when you think it can’t possibly get any bigger – it kicks it up another notch and continues to grow and swell like the ever expanding universe. It’s an ode for those who’ve experienced uncertainty to reclaim their power and inner light.
LISTEN TO “WRITTEN IN THE STARS” HERE
Hyaenas will be releasing a vinyl version of Little Trophy and commemorating the EP at a live release show at Fox Cabaret in Vancouver, BC on March 25, 2023. They will also be playing live in Calgary, Yellowknife, and Edmonton – with more on the horizon for this up-and-coming band.
Little Trophy is out everywhere now.
About Hyaenas:
Embodying the energy & ferocity of their animal namesake, Hyaenas is a new Indie Rock/Synth Pop band taking the scene by storm. With fun, catchy hooks, their songs are written through a queer feminist lens – exploring meaningful themes from acceptance to vigilance, celebrating a love of nature, self worth, and social justice while drawing inspiration from 80’s icons The Go-Go’s to modern day Indie darlings The Beaches, and synth-pop power quartet Metric.
Hyaenas has been making waves across Western Canada with performances at Squamish Constellation Festival, Pride Festivals in Vancouver, Fernie, & Salmon Arm, Khatsahlano Street Party, Music Talks Festival, and Brewhalla Festival, and has shared the stage with Lauren Ruth Ward, The Pack AD, Kimmortal, and Fake Shark. The palpable chemistry between Sophie Heppell (guitar, vocals), Jessie Robertson (bass), Jen Foster (drums) and Luvia Petersen (synth) make this brand new band feel like it has always been.
Upcoming Shows:
Mar 25th – Vinyl Release – Fox Cabaret, Vancouver BC w/ Cardiograms & Kimmortal
