Introducing Nashville-based electronic trio HR_Lexy whose sound has been described as "haunting electronic pop, with synth soundscapes, driving drum beats, and ethereal, dream-like vocals." HR_Lexy lyrically explores the pull between dark and light, humanity's relationship with nature, and spiritual awareness. They recently released their second EP entitled "Slaves To The Light" this past October. I got a chance to learn a bit more about them during our recent interview which you can read about further below:
MHB: Can you introduce yourselves?
A: My name is Arlene Sparacia-singer/songwriter for the band HR_Lexy.
J: Hello, I am John Ferrante from HR_Lexy. I write music and beats.
MHB: Where are you from and can you touch a little on the music scene there and what you like about it?
A: Born in Oregon and grew up in North Carolina. Tiny town called Wendell full of good ole’ boys and old people. Nonexistent music scene. Currently living in Nashville, TN, which I love.
J: I was born in CT. currently live in Nashville. The music scene here is robust, many styles of bands here, it is not just country anymore. We enjoy being a part of the small electronic scene here. We like how bands support one another and are so passionate about their art here in Nashville.
MHB: Can you share a little bit about your background? How did you come together? How was HR_Lexy formed?
A: We came together by the magic of Craigslist. At first, we both played guitars but we decided we wanted to do something new and exciting so we dived into electronic music head first.
MHB: Who were some of your biggest musical influences and which current artists are you currently listening to that continue to inspire you and your music?
A: My biggest musical influences are: Kim Gordon/Sonic Youth, Cat Power, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr. My Current influences: Austra, Angel Olsen, Kate Bush (I was late in discovering her unfortunately)
J: Before diving into electronic music I was into hard rock and guitar bands. Currently I am inspired by Lorn, Lana Del Ray, Zola Jesus - there is so much good music out there today.
MHB: Growing up did you always want to be musicians? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?
A: No but as a child I spent a lot of time alone in nature and in my room. I can remember making up melodies and words to songs and my eyes tearing up when I would sing.
J: I was bitten by the musical bug early in life - I had an old guitar from my grandmother, with a broken neck and only 3 strings on it, but I made sounds with it all day until I got a better guitar. I used to hum riffs in the backseat of my parents car all the time - driving them crazy!
- Without using any musical terms, how would you describe YOUR sound to a new listener?
A: Expressive, vulnerable, dreamy art with sounds and theatrics.
J: Moody, dark, deep, like a movie soundtrack.
MHB: Can you talk a little about your creative process? Is it typically the same or is it constantly changing?
A: it changes depending on how John and I are feeling. Sometimes he sends beats to me and I add melody and lyrics separately. Other times we improv and fall upon a song while we are both in the same room.
MHB: What can you tell me about your latest EP? How would you say it differs from the first?
A: We have made so much progress in such a small amount of time. I think that’s pretty obvious after listening to our first and second EP next to each other. We have a crisper sound, it’s more developed and fine tuned. In the process we learned how we like to record and the importance of well recorded vocals.
J: For HR_Lexy's new EP, Slaves to the Light, we pushed ourselves and created a more solid EP, from both a song writing point of view, as well as an overall "sound" for HR_Lexy. The process became a bit easier, as we learned from our first recording experience. We took the best parts of our sound from our first EP, Nature Vs Neon, and enhanced them this time around.
MHB: How did the concept for the video for "Eyes" come together? What is it about?
A: I saw two scenes in my head before we shot. One was in a dark studio with me wearing some type of head piece and the other was in nature near a waterfall. The true concept behind the video goes along with the concept of the EP we released “Slaves To The Light.” Being a Slave to the Light to me means at some point you realize the choice to be a person of Light and freedom was made long before you made the choice. In that sense you are chosen first. I wanted the video to represent that power, queenhood, freedom and strength in being a Slave to the Light, not weakness.
MHB: What can we expect to see/hear from you in the next year?
Both: Touring and new releases of songs and music videos
MHB: For each of you, if you were stuck on an island with one record forever, what would it be?
A: Kate Bush- Hounds of Love
J: Joni Mitchell - Blue
MHB: What does music mean to you?
A: Music is refuge.
J: Music is magic to me, it is created out of thin air, and is so powerful. I cannot imagine life without it.
MHB: Is there anything else you would like to share about yourselves and your music?
J: Readers can find us on Spotify, iTunes, Youtube, Instragram, Facebook, and Twitter! We appreciate you!
Check out the video to their single "Eyes" below:
To hear more from HR_LEXY follow them on
Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube