Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Voluntary Hazing. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Voluntary, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Our most meaningful project is definitely our album that just came out on July 19. It’s called “Addictive Little Sounds,” and it’s our first full-length record.
The ~addictive little sounds~ in question are the notifications of one’s smartphone. The loose concept of the album is how those little computers in our pockets affect our anxieties and influence how we operate outside of our phones. For example, “Pretty Boys” (which has the album title lyric) explores the self-commodification brought on by dating apps. “Professionally Offended” is a critique of the unethical practices of major social media companies, narrated by a “villain.”
(I realize that all sounds a bit pretentious — I promise, there are plenty of goofy and stupid moments too, like with the slide whistle and melodica in the lead single “Disappointment”: https://youtu.be/AgNA1wDuySs?si=No2CqfGhSE_P_PRk).
We’re classifying the record as a pop-rock/pop-punk/ska amalgamation (although “Neurotic” is a little country-tinged. Yeehaw.) Everything was DIY, recorded in living rooms and garages and produced by our trombonist, Ryan Heisinger, on his laptop. (No mouse, just him and his trackpad against the world.)
We worked on this album for a little over 4 years, and we poured our everything into it. It feels so good to have it out in the world now.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
We’re a 13-piece ska/pop-punk band from San José, California (although we really do play with a lot of different genres — when you have this many people in your band, you have a lot of different influences).
We were all classically trained, and met in the San José State University Spartan Marching Band.
Technically, our band started back in 2017 as a club that met after marching band practice — it was the SJSU Ska Ensemble, and was around 50-something people at one point. The group eventually officially became Voluntary Hazing when 12 of us worked on a recording class project for Ryan in 2019.
Our goal is to get people singing, dancing and laughing at our shows. Our music is both emotional and a bit zany — we have a ton of fun playing and performing it, and we hope to give other folks a fun memorable time.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In music specifically – go out to local shows! This is the best thing you can do. Be open to learning about new bands and artists, and to exploring genres that you’re not as familiar with. Local shows are so much more intimate than what you’ll see in an arena, and you’re supporting your local businesses/venues too. (They’re a lot cheaper, too!)
There’s a lot of love and passion at local shows, and so much creativity. Even with our merch, we try to work with local artists! Go have fun and be part of your local community, that’s the best way to support artists (and to make some amazing friends).
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
For bands specifically – when you’re starting out, find other local bands in your scene that have been around longer than you have. Go to their shows. Get a feel for what a good show looks like – and then ask those bands questions. People are usually happy to share their experiences, and they are the best resource. Ask for help and recommendations for booking shows. Then get out there and do it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://voluntaryhazing.wixsite.com/official
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voluntaryhazing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voluntaryhazing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VoluntaryHazing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYmxIDxhFYP-0LrwN8JcMZQ
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voluntaryhazing?lang=en
Bandcamp: https://voluntaryhazing.bandcamp.com/releases
Image Credits
The album photo is by Zea Huizar.
The live shot photos are by Alex Bubin.