Podcast Summary: "Rockin' Down Under with The Hype" on Taking a Walk

Episode Information:

• Title: Rockin' Down Under with The Hype
• Host: Buzz Knight
• Guests: Sean Bulkin, Ty, and Mitchell Bulkin of The Hype
• Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In the January 31, 2025 episode of Taking a Walk, host Buzz Knight delves into the vibrant music scene of Australia by interviewing the dynamic trio behind the band The Hype—Sean Bulkin, Ty, and Mitchell Bulkin. This episode, titled "Rockin' Down Under with The Hype," explores the band's origins, evolution, influences, and aspirations within the competitive music industry.

Origin and Formation of The Hype

The journey of The Hype began in a modern twist of fate, sparked by an Instagram message. [03:22] Katherine Legg shares, "I think I saw Sean playing his heart out on Instagram. I saw potential in Sean's drumming and he saw potential in my hairstyle, and we just went from there." This digital connection bridged the distance between Perth and Sydney, allowing the duo to collaborate seamlessly despite geographical separation.

[03:44] Sean adds, "Within three days it was living in my studio, on my couch, and then we just created the magic from there." Their online collaboration quickly solidified, leading to a creative synergy that laid the foundation for The Hype over the next four to five years.

Name Change and Brand Evolution

Originally named Three, the band faced challenges that necessitated a rebranding. [05:06] Buzz Knight inquires about the name change, to which Katherine explains, "Being in a band called Three, when there's only two members, gets a bit tricky to explain to people." The confusion over the third member led to multiple inquiries, prompting the transition to The Hype to better reflect their evolving sound and dual-member dynamic.

Influences and Mentorship

Sean Bulkin discusses his musical inspirations, highlighting iconic drummers like Travis Barker and Stuart Copeland. [07:06] He recounts a pivotal moment in his early 20s when he had the opportunity to work with Travis Barker, stating, "That was a moment where I was like, oh, wow, I just want to keep on writing songs." This experience, along with influences from bands like Blink-182 and Twenty One Pilots, has significantly shaped his drumming style and the band's overall energy.

Katherine adds another layer to their influences through their engagement with Kellen Quinn. [08:26] She narrates, "Sean and I were writing a song that sounded like something Kellen Quinn would be on, and after connecting with him from a previous tour, he was excited to collaborate. It was the first time we worked with someone we genuinely look up to."

Collaborations and Key Moments

A standout moment for The Hype was their mashup of Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain engagement. [07:53] Katherine shares, "Pete Wentz and Spencer Smith reached out because they loved our mashup and our songs. Getting feedback from people you've admired is incredibly validating."

This collaboration not only boosted their confidence but also expanded their reach, leading to connections with influential figures in the music industry. [10:40] Sean emphasizes the personal connection, "Kellen's just genuinely a nice guy. I don't think you're gonna get nicer than that in the industry."

Festival Experiences

The Hype has graced several prominent music festivals, which have been instrumental in their growth and exposure. [11:55] Sean highlights Slam Dunk and Reading and Leeds as significant experiences. He describes performing at Reading and Leeds in the side tent, noting, "It's amazing when you play to that many people. Even if they're there for the headliner, stumbling across your set can turn casual listeners into new fans."

Katherine adds, "When you're playing a festival, you have to be in the mindset of wanting to win over every person there. You play your hardest to connect with as many people as possible."

Radio and Market Challenges

Discussing the role of radio in the music industry, The Hype highlights the differences between the Australian and American markets. [13:53] Katherine observes, "Australian radio, particularly Triple J, is a mixed bag with various genres, making it a guessing game to predict what will work. In contrast, the US has more defined tastes, which can be advantageous for breaking into the market."

Sean concurs, emphasizing the strategic importance of establishing a presence in the US before gaining broader recognition in Australia. [15:13] He cites examples like Five Seconds of Summer and The Kid Laroi, who found significant success internationally before being embraced at home.

Future Plans and Touring

Looking ahead, The Hype plans to adopt a hybrid approach of releasing singles consistently while prioritizing touring to build their fanbase. [16:08] Katherine notes, "The industry now is about constant releases of singles, but for us, the old school is the new school. Touring is the way to go."

Sean echoes this sentiment, expressing excitement about potential tours with established bands like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, which he believes would greatly benefit their visibility and growth. [16:36] He states, "When you have that gut feeling, you just know there's some magic to it."

Conclusion

Buzz Knight wraps up the episode by congratulating The Hype on their achievements and expressing optimism for their future endeavors. [17:18] The band members echo the sentiment, thanking Buzz for the opportunity to share their story.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hype formed through a virtual connection and evolved into a dynamic duo with a strong emphasis on real instruments in pop music.
• Influenced by legendary drummers and modern bands, they blend high energy with melodic hooks.
• Strategic name change and key collaborations have been pivotal in their journey.
• Festival performances and international market strategies are central to their growth plans.
• Future focus is on consistent releases and impactful touring to solidify their presence in the music industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Katherine Legg [03:22]: "I saw potential in Sean's drumming and he saw potential in my hairstyle, and we just went from there."
• Sean Bulkin [07:06]: "That was a moment where I was like, oh, wow, I just want to keep on writing songs."
• Katherine Legg [05:20]: "Music's about evolving and kind of making the best version of yourself."
• Sean Bulkin [15:13]: "Bands have to break in the UK and the US before Australia would adopt them."
• Katherine Legg [16:08]: "Touring is the way to go."

This comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of emerging bands in the contemporary music landscape, particularly within the Australian context. Listeners gain an intimate understanding of The Hype's dedication, strategic maneuvers, and their passion for connecting with audiences worldwide.