"Rockin' Down Under with The Hype"

Summary

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

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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.

Transcript

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maria Tremarki]

Welcome to the Criminalia podcast. I'm Maria Tremarki.

[Holly Fry]

And I'm Holly Fry. Together, we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical true crime.

[Maria Tremarki]

Each season, we explore a new theme. From poisoners to art thieves, we uncover.

[Holly Fry]

The secrets of history's most interesting figures, from legal injustices to body snatching.

[Maria Tremarki]

And tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in cocktails and mocktails inspired by each story. Story.

[Holly Fry]

Listen to criminalia on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Arturo Castro]

Hi, I'm Arturo Castro, and I've been lucky enough to do stuff like Broad City and Narcos and Roadhouse, and now I'm starting a podcast because honestly, guys, I don't feel the space is crowded enough. Get ready for Greatest Escapes, a new comedy podcast about the wildest true escape stories in history. Each week, I'll be sitting down with some of the most hilarious actors and writers and comedians, people like Ed Helms, Diane Guerrero, and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

[Katherine Legg]

I love storytelling and I love you, so I can't wait.

[Arturo Castro]

Listen and subscribe to Greatest escapes on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katherine Legg]

Hey, you guys, I'm Katherine Leg. I'm a racing driver who's literally driven everything with four wheels across the planet. And I've got a new podcast. It's called Throttle Therapy. This season, I'm competing in some of the world's most notorious racing events. Tune into my new podcast, Throttle Therapy, with Katherine Legg, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Holly Fry]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Buzz Knight]

Taking a walk.

[Katherine Legg]

Music's about evolving and kind of making the best version of yourself. And I think for us to take the next step was just getting it. Sometimes that's all it takes. Sometimes it's just getting a better name.

[Buzz Knight]

Well, I'm Buzz Knight and welcome to this episode of the Taking a Walk podcast. Now, if you like the share it with your friends, wherever they may be. And we love all musicians, ranging from indie artists to hall of Famers and everybody in between. Today, I think, is a first. It's our first group of guests from Australia and it's our first guests who are actually zooming in from Australia. So let's fire up the Zoom on Taking a Walk. And please enter and sign in. Guest from Australia.

[Sean Bulkin]

Hello.

[Katherine Legg]

Thanks for having us, Buzz. It's a pleasure to finally talk to you, man.

[Buzz Knight]

So it's Sean, Ty and Mitchell Bulkin.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yes.

[Buzz Knight]

And they represent the band called the Hype.

[Katherine Legg]

That's us. We're the Hype.

[Sean Bulkin]

That's it. That's us.

[Buzz Knight]

Tell us about the Hype. How did the Hype get started, first of all?

[Katherine Legg]

Oh, it started with an Instagram message. I. I think I saw Sean playing his heart out on. On Instagram.

[Sean Bulkin]

That's right.

[Katherine Legg]

And, you know, I saw potential in Sean's drumming and he saw potential in my hairstyle and. And I think we just went from there.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yes, it's the hairstyle that called me bro.

[Katherine Legg]

And then literally, because Sean's from Perth and I'm from Sydney, which, you know, for American listeners, that's like a person living in California and a person living in New York. Yeah. Within three days it was on. Living in. In my studio, on my couch, and then we just created the magic from there.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah.

[Katherine Legg]

And it's been maybe like four or five years since then. And obviously we've gone through a lot. We've gone through covert and just gone through finding our sound, I would say.

[Sean Bulkin]

And the name change as well.

[Katherine Legg]

Yeah. When we just had a recent name change to the Hype, it was originally Three. And then with this new direction we're going in with, you know, trying to be a little bit more, you know, pop friendly, a little bit more bringing real drums and real guitar to the kind of the pop world. I think that's why we kind of required the. The name change.

[Buzz Knight]

And what was the original name? I'm sorry, three.

[Sean Bulkin]

I reckon we're the first kind of, like, support band because we supported Red Jumpsuit Apparatus across America last year and that was a big one for us. But we changed the name literally halfway through that tour, I'm pretty sure, to the Hype, because we had a couple of songs ready to come out.

[Buzz Knight]

Why did you change the name? What was involved.

[Katherine Legg]

The reason, I just think it was. It was kind of during that tour, we kind of realized that being in a band called three, when there's only two members kinds of. It gets a bit tricky to explain to people.

[Sean Bulkin]

We had multiple people come up. Who's the third member?

[Katherine Legg]

Yeah, the audience. But it just never, never really stuck. And, you know, like a. Music's about evolving and kind of making the best version of yourself. And I think for us to take the next step, it was just getting it. Sometimes that's all it takes. Sometimes it's just getting a better name.

[Buzz Knight]

So you've had a lot of folks through your career that I think have been influential and sort of mentored you. Can you talk about some of those folks who definitely have their own sizable careers and audiences?

[Katherine Legg]

Sean, this is. This is a short one. Sean's probably gone down this one more than. More than I have.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, since I was, like, young, I think I started playing drums 10 years old, and I really look up to energetic type drummers, so Travis Barker and, you know, the Stuart Copeland and all that. And it was. I was blessed. When I was in my early 20s, I got to work with Travis and write some songs in Calabasas and. And that was crazy for me. That was like a. A moment where I was like, oh, wow, I just want to keep on writing songs. So, yeah, so that. That was pretty cool. So Blink 182 is a definitely a massive inspiration. 21 pilots, who are massive as well, they've kind of taken off in the past four years and got to work with such a nice guy. Josh Dunn as well, the drummer for twenty one Pilots, which definitely gave me a bit of inspo for this whole duo situation that Mitch and I are in now. So, yeah, just people that. The people that inspire me are like really energetic drummers that you just look and go, wow. Like you can feel their energy when they perform. Yeah. So that's.

[Buzz Knight]

That's me, those two, and Mitchell, how about you?

[Katherine Legg]

I think, which was another milestone for us is when we. We got a. We did a. A Fallout Boy and a Panic at the Disco mashup. And we're doing mashups on Instagram during COVID just to generate, you know, some sort of activity because we couldn't really tour or do anything. And we mashed up. Yeah, obviously a Fallout Boy and a Panic at the Disco song. And then Pete Wentz and Spencer Smith. So Pete Wentz from Fallout Boy and Spencer Smith, the original drummer of Panic at the Disco. They've Got their own label and they reached out to us, essentially saying they. They love the mashup and they loved our songs and. And literally just reached out and. And just wanted to pick our brains and see what we were doing and how we're doing. Was awesome. To get feedback from people that you've admired, you know, essentially my whole music career.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah, that was. That was an amazing moment.

[Katherine Legg]

Sometimes just getting feedback from people, whether it's good, bad, ugly, just knowing that what you're doing is spiking their ears is kind of, you know, enough for you Sometimes.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Katherine Legg]

Which is. Which is really crazy when you think about it.

[Buzz Knight]

Tell me about what it's meant with Kellen Quinn as well.

[Katherine Legg]

Yeah, well, that. Well, Sean and I were writing a song which was. And all these. All these milestone moments are all just off a whim, just off. Off a chance. Which is. Which is, you know, if that's any advice to other bands out there, send a message, because sometimes they'll actually reply. Sean and I were sitting in his house and we're writing a song, and it was kind of like a metal type track. And then we just had the idea of. It kind of sounds like a. A song that Kellen Quinn would sound like. Would be on, and then Sean's like.

[Sean Bulkin]

Would sound like on. Yeah, yeah. So I had the connection with Kellen from a previous tour. So, like, I did an Australian tour. It was Sleeping with Sirens, my old group, and this other band, Lower Than Atlantis, I think they're called. But I met Kellen Quinn on that tour and we just connected. It was actually the craziest moment. I remember, like, seeing him for the first time to, like, meet in person on that tour. And there was, like, a magic moment where, like, after we came off stage, he's, like, waiting to go on and he's shaking everybody's hand and he goes up to me, and it was the weirdest moment because he, like, he literally just holds my hand. But, like, it was kind of like a handshake that, like, felt like two hours, but it was like. It was just a weird. It was the thing. I was like, why is this handshake, like, going for so long? Like, you know, you can let go of my hand, but he's, like, staring, like, into my eyes type thing into my soul, and what the hell's going on here? And then it was like two or three years later that we caught up Mitch and we started this. This band. And that was when, yeah, there was the connection there. I was like, you know what? I'm just gonna pass it on to Kel. And he follows me now and he, you know, keeps in touch. So let's see if he connects with this song and the lyrics. And we just waited, you know, we're twiddling our thumbs just like waiting for him to come back. And he got back to us like within a week and was like, yeah, I just want to. I want to jump on this. This sounds great. So that was a big moment for Mitch and I because it was the first time where we're like, wow, like, this is someone we look up to and they want to work with us type thing.

[Buzz Knight]

Did he call you guys mate?

[Katherine Legg]

I think, I think everyone tries to throw that in there. I think everyone tries to throw that in there.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah.

[Katherine Legg]

But, yeah, Kellen's just genuinely a nice guy. Like, I don't think you're gonna get nicer than that in the industry either.

[Sean Bulkin]

Like beautiful soul. No, he's very down to earth. There was and such a massive track, you know, to like, to be a part of as well. That was really. I think it's close to. Well, it's 500, 000 streams now.

[Katherine Legg]

Yeah. Or something like independently independent, organic, just out there.

[Buzz Knight]

It does say probably on your. Your citizenship card that you have to use, mate, a certain amount of times each day in conversation, doesn't it? Isn't that self designated?

[Katherine Legg]

Well, it does get you in contract. It does open a few doors when you kind of give them the old. How's it going, mate? Yeah, not bad, mate. Yeah, just walk through.

[Sean Bulkin]

G'day, mate.

[Katherine Legg]

It's kind of just like you've got nothing else to say, so you're like, how's it going, mate? And you just keep going, keep going.

[Buzz Knight]

So you guys love festivals. You have played at a number of festivals. What are some of your favorite festivals you've played at? And maybe describe the experience, what it's. What it's like to the listeners.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah, a big one for me. Slam Dunk. I played and also Reading and Leads was a. Was a good one. It wasn't the main stage, but it was like in the, you know, the side tent. But it was still pretty cool. And I think that's the highlight for me actually between Slam Dunk and Rating and Leads. Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

And what. Tell me the experience. What, what it was like.

[Sean Bulkin]

Oh, just uplifting, man. Like, it's amazing when you, you play to that many people and they're obviously not. Well, a few of them are there to see you, but then it's like majority are just there to Experience like the headliner.

[Katherine Legg]

Right.

[Sean Bulkin]

But when they stumble across something that's like, on the side, you know, coming up, it's. It's interesting to see their reaction because they're kind of like seeing it for the first time. They're like, oh, who the hell's this? Like, oh, you know, I'm picking up their energy. Who's. Who are these guys? About, like, let's, let's go, you know, the next day and listen to these guys.

[Katherine Legg]

I feel like, as well, when you're playing a festival, you have to be in the mindset of. You go in the mindset of, I want to win over every person here. So you just try and play your hardest or the best just to like. Yeah, I don't know, it's weird mindset of like, you don't want to, like. Yeah, you just want to.

[Sean Bulkin]

You want to connect to as many people with the music. Yeah, but it's a great. Yeah, I love festivals. I think it's. It's very powerful festivals.

[Buzz Knight]

So in the us, radio plays often an important part for new artists. Yeah, not as much independent artists, but definitely for. For new artists. And particularly the way radio over the years here has dealt with, you know, an alternative sound, an indie alternative kind of sound. What's the state of radio for a band like you guys in Australia?

[Katherine Legg]

It's kind of a bit of a guessing game what's going to work on Australian radio, if that makes sense, because the. The channels are through Triple J, which is very mixed bag. Like you can have a bit of surf rock in there, you can have mixed with metal, mixed with, you know, a whole different, you know, world of genres and sounds where the US kind of has a bit more of a direction of what it likes and what it wants. And that's kind of where we want to target is somewhere more definite. Australia is amazing and the music scenes here is great as well, but it's a bit uncertain. No one really knows what's good or what's not good. Where America's like, yeah, that's a catchy churn. That's got a melody, that's got a certain sound to it that's gonna. That's gonna appeal. Where in Australia. No one really knows what works and what doesn't work.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah, but they follow, don't they? Yeah, they follow what works.

[Buzz Knight]

But can you envision a world where you guys, as an Australian band, really find your greatest success in the future.

[Katherine Legg]

In the U.S. i think it's more likely it would come from the US or uk, rather than Australia itself. I think a lot of bands have done that. Like, for example, Five Seconds of Summer, they had to break in the UK and the US before Australia would adopt them. And I think a lot. Another example, recent example, the kid Laroi absolutely blew up in the US before Australia would, you know, really come to the party. It's one of those things where Australia kind of. It kind of gets most of its influence from the US and they want to see that it's doing well in the US before they give it. It's, you know, g'day, mate, stamp of approval sort of thing.

[Sean Bulkin]

It's times. Yeah. Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

So what's next over the coming year for you guys in terms of touring and also in terms of studio work?

[Katherine Legg]

I think. I think the way the. The industry now is, it's just like constant waterfall releases of singles. Like, just trying to consistently, you know, release singles. Yeah. Building, you know, a waterfall release. And I think for us, and I think for other bands as well, I think the old school is the new school to stand out in today's world. I think touring's the way to go.

[Sean Bulkin]

Because if we score another big tour like Red Jumpsuit, that would be really beneficial at this time, especially releasing something in the water and then followed by this awesome song that I just can't wait to get out. Like, yeah, it's. You know, when you have that gut feeling, you just kind of, like, know that there's some magic to it. But it would be good to tour 2025 just to see who's the best fit, you know, because Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, they were a really good fit for us. And now we're waiting on our manager now just to come forward to hopefully, you know, give us a shot with another really successful band just to. Because that. That would be magic. That would just be awesome.

[Buzz Knight]

Well, thanks for being on Taking a Walk, guys. Sean Ty and Mitchell Vulcan from the Hype. I want to congratulate you on everything. I want to wish you well with all the future work mates, and I hope we get to talk again sometime.

[Sean Bulkin]

Yeah, definitely. Of course.

[Katherine Legg]

Thank you so much for your time. Thank you so much. Buzz.

[Sean Bulkin]

Thanks, mate.

[Buzz Knight]

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Taking a Walk podcast. Share this and other episodes with your friends and follow us so you never miss an episode. Taking a Walk is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maria Tremarki]

Welcome to the Criminalia podcast. I'm Maria Tremorchi.

[Holly Fry]

And I'm Holly Fry. Together, we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical True.

[Maria Tremarki]

Each season we explore a new theme. From poisoners to art thieves, we uncover.

[Holly Fry]

The secrets of history's most interesting figures, from legal injustices to body snatching.

[Maria Tremarki]

And tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in cocktails and mocktails inspired by each story.

[Holly Fry]

Listen to criminalia on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Arturo Castro]

Hi, I'm Arturo Castro, and I've been lucky enough to do stuff like Broad City and Narcos and Roadhouse. And now I'm start starting a podcast because honestly, guys, I don't feel the space is crowded enough. Get ready for Greatest Escapes, a new comedy podcast about the wildest true escape stories in history. Each week I'll be sitting down with some of the most hilarious actors and writers and comedians. People like Ed Helms, Diane Guerrero, and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

[Katherine Legg]

I love storytelling and I love you, so I can't wait.

[Arturo Castro]

Listen and subscribe to Greatest escapes on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katherine Legg]

Hey, you guys, I'm Katherine Legge. I'm a racing driver who's literally driven everything with four wheels across the planet. And I've got a new podcast. It's called Throttle Therapy. This season, I'm competing in some of the world's most notorious racing events. Tune in to my new podcast, Throttle Therapy, with Katherine Legg, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Holly Fry]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.