A politically-charged track about institutional racism, HMO last week released his second single of 2020 'Hate Speech'.
A MC, musician and producer from the South Coast of NSW, HMO's music channels a range of genres, from early funk and soul to reggae and blues."I am a sole writer and producer, but use my DJ and a vocalist (DJ Timmy and Chel) for live performance; they also contribute to some recordings with backing vocals," HMO says.
"Big thanks to: Lennart Wittstock, LAN Nguyen, Kelly Lacy, CityXcape, Marco Allasio, Shane Aldendorff, Squirrel Photos, PDMedia, and agmclellan for footage, photos and inspiration for the video."
Image © Tony Zhen
HMO released his debut EP 'Heightened Modus Operandi' last year. He has since gone on to support artists such as Urthboy, Nooky and B-Wise.
What is your new single about?
'Hate Speech' is a piece about the proliferation of institutional racism that is embedded in our political and government systems. It was written about the scourge of hate speech that is perpetrated and defended by the upper echelons of society.
Produced by myself, mixed by Nat Sherwood, mastered by Darren Zeising and with video production by Doniirawan, 'Hate Speech' is sure to make you question why society needs to see a paradigm shift in race relations across the world and why Australia needs a treaty between First Nations Peoples and the Commonwealth.
Why was this date chosen?
28 August was chosen because on this date in 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy from Chicago who was brutally murdered in Mississippi for allegedly flirting with a white woman.
His murderers were acquitted, and the case brought international attention to the civil rights movement after Jet magazine published a photo of Till's beaten body at his open-casket funeral.
Why did you choose to speak about this issue?
Over 400 deaths in custody in this country and not 1 conviction. This is still happening today in both Australia and around the world. We must stand up for what is right and move towards equality for all.
What sort of issues drive you as an artist?
Issues regarding justice such as racism, climate change and the quest for equality is what drives my writing. Also, elements of the human psyche and human soul.
I sound like... I guess we kind of sound like a lot of Australian hip hop artists, and to be honest we don't try and emulate anyone; but a lot of people say Hilltop Hoods or Bliss n Eso.
Our first gig was... At the Surflife Music festival. At that show we were lucky enough to support I Know Leopard.
In the studio I usually... Drink Jack Daniels and go into awesome, creative musical holes developing ideas and trying to create the perfect loops, harmonies and melodies.
If we could tour with anyone... We would love to tour with Briggs or A.B. Original. I really love what they are doing in terms of social justice and fighting for the rights of First Nations peoples.
Social media is... So painful but necessary.
My favourite app at the moment is... Canva. I love being creative with different pictures and things.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Falling over on the rocks while going for a surf at my local and knocking one of the fins out of my board.
Life on the road can be... Non-existent during a pandemic.
We had a mad time last year touring my debut EP and I really miss playing live shows. There is no better way to develop your fan base and interact with your audience than on a human level.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Any type of Kentucky bourbon and absolutely no bottled water. Plastic is killing us at the moment. Maybe some kind of food as well could be good.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Surfing the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia with all those big fish.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band? Stan Grant could be our publicist any day. Got major respect for him as a journalist and advocate for indigenous rights.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party? Jimi Hendrix, Martin Luther King and Ice Cube. I reckon it would be a killer party.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I love to make homemade pizza. Simple but delicious.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... A long time ago. I love exercise, but I would rather go for a surf or go for a walk.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Fishing out vegetables from the strainer. Don't ask me why, but I just hate it.
Do you have any phobias... please explain? I am literally sh.tting myself about this coronavirus. From the research I have done, I am pretty sure you don't want to get it.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? No way. The whole reason for the demise of the universe is reality TV. Especially those dumbass singing shows that judge human art. Bob Dylan would never have survived one of those shows, but he kicks serious arse over anyone else.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I literally do it all the time. Just little things like saying I forgot to get your booze, or did you want me to do that for you, or maybe even just stirring my DJ because I know he is gonna crack. Sorry Timmy.
