Hyper Crush interview: "It actually gives the artist more of an opportunity to expose themselves"

Hyper Crush are by no means the first band who could be described as having an ‘80s inspired sound’. But the US electro-hip-pop trio go one step further than just listening to Eddy Grant and Prince. Hyper Crush don the neon, play the NES and watch episodes of Knight Rider on Betamax. They have taken the sound of the 1980s out clubbing, introduced it to hip hop, and led it out a side door through a synth supermarket.

Last year they supported Lady Gaga on her European tour. We’re hoping this means Hyper Crush are about to export themselves globally. Although they may find they don’t need their neon sunglasses over here…

RobotPigeon: Hello Hyper Crush. Let’s get the important question out the way first. What is your favourite shade of neon?
Holly: Pink
Donny: Yellow
Preston: Green

RP: Last year you supported Lady Gaga on tour. Was that the start of a plan to crack the European market?
Hyper Crush: It was the first step. We plan on going back to Europe as well as Australia, and hopefully Japan, and South America too. As much as possible. The fans were very open and receptive to what we are doing.

RP: Does Lady Gaga wander round backstage carrying her teacup and talking to flowers, or is she just pretty dull out of the spotlight?
HC: She wasn't really around much. The whole wacky, crazy thing is definitely part of her act and image.

RP: To be honest there are probably certain streets in Europe where you’ll see crazier people than Lady Gaga...
HC: The Red Light District in Amsterdam! Fuckin’ madness.

RP: How much influence do you have on Hyper Crush’s image?
HC: One hundred percent. We oversee everything and design the majority of our merch. We have a lot to do with our videos, and website. We know exactly what we want and don't settle for anything less.

RP: You are big fans of the 80s. Will music forever be recycling previous decades?
HC: Everything is influenced from something else that was previously done. The trick is to start from scratch and not copy anything; just create what you like!

RP: Was there a point where Hyper Crush went from making music for fun to thinking 'this could work as a career'?
HC: Not really. We just always knew this is what we wanted. It was, is, and will always be, our life.

RP: There's a huge Hyper Crush presence on the internet; does all the tweeting and blogging and facebooking detract from actually making music?
HC: I don't think so. It actually gives the artist more of an opportunity to expose themselves. It is now possible for anyone to make music and put it on the internet. If you really want it and are willing to dedicate your life anything is possible nowadays

RP: You've previously cited Radiohead and The Smiths as influences - what do you think Thom Yorke and Morrissey would make of your music?
HC: To be honest they probably wouldn't like it, but maybe they are more open minded than we think.

RP: Tell us a bit the forthcoming album.
HC: We are very happy with the album. We have taken what we do to the next level. Songs that we hope will last the test of time…

Hopefully they will last at least until 2080 and Hyper Crush can be cited as the band who helped shape the sound of the 80s. Thank you Hyper Crush.

Download: Hyper Crush’s ‘Keep Up’ Tony Arzadon Remix

‘Keep Up’ is out now in the US. Click here to nab it off of iTunes. Everyone else, keep an eye on Hyper Crush on Myspace.