In our exclusive interview with HNRY ST, the artist behind the electrifying single “NVR,” we dive into the inspiration behind this latest release and the intriguing collaboration with S.T.P. HNRY ST shares the story of how their musical journey crossed paths with S.T.P, an encounter fueled by mutual admiration within Melbourne’s dynamic music scene.
With “NVR” described as an introspective vocal house track, we explore what drove HNRY ST to explore this distinctive sonic territory, aiming to craft a tune that seamlessly transitions from dance floors to car rides home. Known for infusing curiosity and a genuine love for music into contemporary sounds, HNRY ST divulges their secrets to maintaining a unique brand in an ever-evolving music industry.
Congratulations on your latest single, “NVR.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how the collaboration with S.T.P came about?
Thanks so much, I really appreciate that. I’m so excited for NVR to be out. So…I met S.T.P last year here in Melbourne via mutual friends through a DJ Social Club community. I quickly realised that she is a brilliant artist, songwriter and vocalist and had recently released an EP of her own. On the EP there is a track called Never Going Back which I was instantly drawn to. That’s where the inspiration came from – the minute I heard it I knew I wanted to work with S.T.P on a project and so the very next time we caught up, I asked if I could make a rework of the track and right then the seeds of NVR were born.
“NVR” is described as an introspective vocal house cut that straddles the boundary between reflective dance and underground club cultures. What drove you to explore this particular sound for this release?
When putting NVR together, I really wanted it to be a track that worked in a multitude of settings. Producing with the listening experience in mind helped pave the direction it took which goes something like…instantly recognisable chord intro, sing your heart out then rock the fuck out to the hard hitting parts and repeat!My ideal scenario is that you hear it in a club, on MainStage or at a festival and then want to get it playing again in the car on your way home.
Your music is known for infusing curiosity and a true love of music into contemporary sounds. How do you maintain this unique brand in an ever-evolving music industry?
My curiosity comes from being a fan of many genres – I grew up as a Hip Hop kid in the 90’s and my all time favourite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers (show me a 90s Alternative Rock playlist and I’m sorted). I’ve also had a relatively consistent admiration for pop music over the years, while these days I’m listening to a lot of House, Bass House and Tech House. Maintaining my unique brand is pretty easy because I love the music I make and only ever work on and produce the kind of music that I would listen to myself. With such broad and varied influencers, I’m able to compile them all together to produce the music that is me and that I love.
You’ve had an impressive run of releases on your own label, HNRY ST mzk, in recent months. What can fans expect from this label in the future, and how does it tie into your musical journey
That’s awesome – than kyou for saying that. It’s so cool having my own label. I love the freedom that having HNRY ST mzk has provided me in being able to release my own music while at the same time building what I intend to be a serious label now and into the future. I eventually would like to sign artists on HNRY ST mzk and grow into a multi-faceted label/brand but for the time being, I’ll keep using the label as a platform for myself to keep developing and evolving as an artist and producer.
S.T.P is noted as an unapologetically honest artist with heartfelt lyrics. How did her style and approach complement your own on “NVR,” and what was the collaborative process like?
The collaborative process was great and extremely iterative and even though we are both in Melbourne, we actually collaborated remotely. The approach was pretty simple, I asked if I could take her song and rework a version that is distinctively HNRY ST and she was up for it. Since we both admire the work that the other one does and is capable of, it really felt effortless working together as we were on the same page the whole way through.
“NVR” features introspective lyrics that invite self-reflection. How do you hope listeners will connect with the song on a deeper level?
The lyrics are beautiful and certainly very deep. The song is called NVR and centres around leaving a situation that clearly isn’t working. The connection I’d love for the listener to make is that whatever that situation is or was and however they’ve managed to get themselves out of it, you are out of it and we are using this little ditty to celebrate and acknowledge this achievement.
The track combines elements of classic vocal house with contemporary elements. Can you share more about the creative decisions that went into crafting this immersive and unforgettable musical journey?
They are very subtle but the opening chords are instantly recognisable and carry the song throughout. I wanted the synth lead to be big and powerful, almost anthem-like yet still allow the listener to clearly hear the multi layered bass layers the whole way through.
One thing I focused on was having the song flow and connect seamlessly through the different sections of the arrangement with elements coming and going continuously. My favourite creative decision was to combine the brass layer with the synth lead during the bridge – flawless!! The subtle (as in not right up in your face) use of elements, such as builds, risers and tops really round out the track. I just love vocal house. Tracks that you can sing along and dance too are just so memorable. The vocals and lyrics that S.T.P delivers are perfect for a classic vocal house tune.
What’s next for HNRY ST? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or live performances that your fans should be excited about in the near future?
I have scheduled at least 2 more releases this year – I’m extremely excited about both of those projects. I’ve been working really hard over the last 18 months to 2 years to produce a catalogue of music that I’m really proud of and setting the foundations for the label. I can’t wait to see what happens for both myself and the label over the coming months as more music is released and the brand starts to take flight.