HMO shares the story behind his debut EP, ‘Heightened Modus Operandi’
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07.08.2019

HMO shares the story behind his debut EP, ‘Heightened Modus Operandi’

HMO
Photo: Adam Rozmus

When did you first start making music and what led you there?

I bought a guitar off a friend at the age of about 11 and started teaching myself. I remember coming across Nirvana’s Nevermind in my early teens and from that point on, I knew my life was going to revolve around music. That’s when the writing began.

Tell us about your new EP, Heightened Modus Operandi. What is the story behind it? What inspired it?

The title speaks about my accelerated sense of purpose over the last year. This project has been the monkey on my back and I just needed to get it finished and released so I could move on to writing more music. The album features a range of songs that were written over the last few years and it was inspired by many themes, ranging from mental health and racism to social injustice.

Your music brings together all manners of influences and inspirations. How would you describe your sound?

I don’t really know how to describe my sound and, as cliché as this may sound, labels aren’t for me. However, soul music, early funk music and ‘90s rap are definitely huge influences for me. The climate of adversity that this music came from is testament to its quality and emotion.

What can we expect from your upcoming EP Tour stop in Melbourne at Laundry Bar?

My message is loud, angry and clear and I just want to get on stage and speak my truth regarding the injustice of the modern world. Also, expect great things from local rappers Mattakript and Fruity Lex, fellow South Coast MC Azza D and new school Sydney rapper Hunter 505 who is currently number one on the triple j Unearthed charts.

Heightened Modus Operandi is out now on all digital streaming platforms. Catch HMO at Laundry Bar on Friday August 23, tickets via Oztix.