Hailing from Singapore, Hijack Hayley has built a reputation for their energetic live performances and powerful indie-rock sound. From winning the IGNITE! Band Auditions to performing at Baybeats and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the band has continued to make its mark on Singapore’s vibrant independent music scene.
Now, as one of the headliners of City Stories: Band Edition, we sit down with Hijack Hayley to talk about their journey, the story behind their unique name, their music, memorable milestones, and what lies ahead.
Get to know the band beyond the stage and discover the story behind Hijack Hayley.
For readers discovering Hijack Hayley for the first time, could you introduce the band and share how it all began?
We are an indie rock band from Singapore. We are made up of 4 dudes, Terence, Val Russell, Clement & Rizal. We formed during 2019 and found our footing into the local music scene from 2020 onwards. We
With the release of our debut LP ‘People Pleaser’, we are presenting our most honest and expansive work to date. We are refining the sound that feels familiar and fearless.
Your band has been making waves in Singapore’s indie rock scene since 2019. Looking back, what have been some of the defining moments of your journey?
We hit multiple milestones as a band, but to name a few; playing for Baybeats 2022 and playing for Singapore F1 Grand Prix 2023 has been our highlight together as a band.
The name Hijack Hayley certainly catches people’s attention. What’s the story behind it?
Honestly, the name was chosen because it sounded interesting and slightly chaotic, which fits us pretty well. People always ask, “Who’s Hayley?” We usually tell them that’s the mystery. If the name gets people curious enough to check us out, then it’s done its job.
They could have.
How would you describe your sound and identity as a band to someone who’s never heard your music before?
We are driven by punchy hooks, emotional candour, and restless energy. Our music balances urgency with reflection, capturing the tension between crowd-ready anthems and introspective moments, all delivered with a sharp sense of purpose.
Your music is influenced by 2000s alternative and indie rock. Which artists or bands have had the biggest impact on your sound?
The Killers, Circa Waves, Inhaler, The Hunna; just to name a few.
Could you walk us through your songwriting process? How does a new Hijack Hayley song usually come together?
Usually, Terence would come up with a skeleton of the songs; and from there will co-write together with Rizal, they will define the structure of the songs, before having Russell write the drums part and finishing each song with Clement’s touch for the leads and melodies.
Every band has its own creative dynamic. How do each of the members contribute to the writing and recording process?
Individually we vary in terms of influences and writing process but because of that, we somehow found a perfect formula to concoct a perfect blend of song writing that is unapologetically Hijack Hayley. That helps us a lot in the contribution for writing and recording.
Is there a song in your catalog that you feel best represents Hijack Hayley? What makes it special?
Collectively, we feel that “Bodies” off our debut album People Pleaser best represents us as a band. Both sonically and creatively.
Your live performances are known for their energy. What do you enjoy most about performing in front of an audience?
Audience interactions and definitely having them crowd sing to our songs would be our highlight of any performances.
You’ve performed at major events and festivals. Is there a particular performance that stands out as a career highlight?
That would be playing for Singapore F1 Grand Prix 2022.
How has the Singapore music scene influenced your growth as a band?
In general, Singapore’s music scene has given us the platform to shape our sound and broadened our exposure to other networks of like-minded people in the music scene.
Every band faces challenges along the way. What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
That would be hitting a writer’s block on writing new materials; we had to scrap many demos until we settled on a sound that is Hijack Hayley.
How do you balance staying true to your musical roots while continuing to evolve your sound?
We firmly believe refining certain riffs & melodies a certain amount of times as a first pass isn’t enough to fully flush out a music idea.
What lessons have you learned from touring and performing outside of Singapore, including your experience in Japan?
Always be prepared, pack extra batteries, extra water. Better to be prepared than sorry. haha
Are there any artists or bands you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Working/Collaborating with would be a dope idea.
Outside of music, what hobbies or interests inspire each of you creatively?
If we are referencing interests/hobbies. It’s a blessing that the 4 of us have music as a primary interest. We often exchange new music and what we draw from all these influences helped us in creatively spark new ideas.
Looking back at your journey so far, what achievement are you most proud of as a band?
Releasing our debut album, People Pleaser. We worked hard on that album. It unapologetically Hijack Hayley.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are hoping to start their own band?
Find your circle of like minded folks, and build the rapport from there.
What can fans look forward to next? Are there any upcoming releases, tours, or projects you can share with us?
We just released our LP album; People Pleaser, so we are actively promoting it via shows in our local circuit. But who knows, we might just drop new materials in the middle of the album promotion. Watch our space!
Finally, do you have a message for your supporters and for the readers of City Stories around the world?
Thank you for reading City Stories and do support our LP album, People Pleaser. Streaming on all major platforms.
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