The year is 2013, new words “twerk” and “selfie” have just been added to the dictionary and YouTube is buzzing with the new Harlem Shake trend before Instagram supported video posts. It was in these simpler times when Minneapolis quintet Hot Freaks released their first, and (for now) last LP.
Their debut record, the self-titled “Hot Freaks” collects 10 tight tracks of winsome yet up-beat indie-pop produced with a glossy, highly danceable disco sheen that counteracts a yearning lyrical melancholia– reminiscent of famous over-sharers of Montreal and sensitive symbolists Voxtrot, with a touch of MGMT’s unbridled charisma.
For whatever reason, while Hot Freaks’ brand of toe-tapping vulnerability was electric on the lively Minneapolis scene, the band never made it far beyond the borders of Minnesota, playing countless homefield shows but only one or two in the greater midwest area.
Comprised of old friends whose relationships are interwoven like the roots of an old growth tree, (some members have been playing together for over 15 years and drummer Cody Brown even dated bassist Sarah Darnall’s sister in highschool) Hot Freaks were born of a tight knit community, and would seem destined to remain hidden gems in the local scene. Or would they?
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “LOVELY”
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
14 years ago I (Leo) was in my first year of college at USD (University of South Dakota). I was in a piano-pop rock band (The Golden Bubbles) with my older brother. The first month of school I went to see “Ninja Fest” at USD. It was a college music festival that was comprised of mostly of local emo bands. I saw Welcome to the Cinema perform there (Darin and Cody’s band) and was blown away. They were not emo but a little more indie-pop-disco-rock. Very cool. Fast forward a few years later and I had moved to Minneapolis. I heard that Cody and Darin had recently moved there and I reached out to them to start a project based around songs that I had been writing. We started rehearsing the songs together and made a few recordings. We were looking to play our first live show in April of 2011 and recruited Sarah for bass, who played in local band Buffalo moon. On and off local shows for like 4 years steady. We recorded an album and a few EPs. In 2014 we got a full time keyboardist, Celeste, who played in local band Sleeping in the Aviary. In 2015, we kinda stopped playing shows and being an active band, going on extended hiatus. Fast forward to July 2021, our song “Puppy Princess” started getting popular on tik tok, and then very popular. We got interest from labels and decided to reunite. Now we’re a band again and have a reunion show booked next month and are working on a new album!
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
I’d have to go with “Puppy Princess”! It’s by far the song that has connected us with most people and brought us an audience. Also it’s a good song with a complete story and lots of different sections.
Who are your all time musical icons?
So many! Ryuichi Sakamoto, Weezer, Debussy, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Phoenix. Many more, too many to name.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
I like to paint and make visual art when I hit a wall with music. Or making videos. Making the expressive act of creativity fun again is key, and it shouldn’t always feel like work.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Neil Young, Walker Hayes, Mitski, Betty Davis, Burt Bacharach.
Favorite movie or TV show?
TV Shows – My Cat From Hell and The Bachelor
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
It started like 8 years ago! We had recorded an EP but once we went on hiatus it went unreleased. We reconnected with the producer (Ryan Olcott) and he still had tracks so we went from there!
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
Not too peculiar, but we like to eat together. Celeste made us “taco pie” this week and Sarah made shrimp curry.
What’s the future looking like for you?
Rosey!! Reunion show, a new album, a tour. All of the above. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together 🙂
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
90s mall life, theme parks. Specifically the theme park at MOA. Shania Twain. Midwestern chic/Future casual.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
Definitely the tik tok resurgence that led to our reunion. It’s been so nice to find out that we have fans out there that love our music and support us!
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
Hoo boy! Big question. I think stick to your guns and find your sound. Do what speaks to you even if you don’t know what it is or how people relate to it. Take your time – good music doesn’t have an expiration date.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
What would Neil Young do? Jk. Free healthcare and education for artists! 🙂
