THE HYBRIS is an international Alternative Rock project consisting of three friends. Originally, all members lived in Germany and have known each other for many, many years. In the past, they played in various rock bands before the trio was spread all over the world.
Today they live in Nice, in L.A. and in Cologne, but still – and more than ever – make music. They write and produce everything on their own in a joint virtual recording studio. Every member plays various instruments and contributes what the current piece of music needs.
And why this name? In greek tragedy ‘Hybris‘ stood for exaggerated self-pride, arrogance, excess of ambition causing the transgressor’s ruin. The perfect headline for the age we live in.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with The Hybris about their music, dream collabs, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
THE HYBRIS is a pure virtual project. We are three core members, but we collaborate with different other musicians, depending on the song we are working on. We know each other for many years. In the past we played in different combinations in various bands, playing Rock, Punk, Indie style. Then we were spread all over the world for professional or family reasons, today we live in Nice, in L.A. and in Cologne, but still – and more than ever – work on our music, but now virtually.
How does this project compare with your other projects you had in the past?
The biggest difference is this virtual collaboration. Each of us has created his own recording facilities, we all play different instruments. We contribute what we feel the current song needs, but the music needs to be developed differently. In the past we jammed in a smelly rehearsal room, today someone starts with an idea – a hook, a melody, a beat – and someone else builds on this idea. You had to spend a lot of money for expensive studios, and you had to be creative in a limited amount of time. This often led to unnecessary pressure. That’s different today, each of us can get started when the flow is there, that’s perfect. And for this kind of project, we felt like doing something “different”. So we came up with this mask idea. At first it was just a stupid idea, but meanwhile we think it is quite cool. We make our music as our superhero comic alter egos: Ringo Rabbit, Beanie Bison and Malcolm Mandrill, three wannabes who aim to save the world.
What motivates you to create music?
Music is the most beautiful and fascinating thing in the world! Music creates energy, transports emotions and brings people together. Both creating music as well as listening to music makes us happy.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
For me there were several powerful moments, the strongest being live experiences with great bands, e.g. seeing Billy Talent as a still largely unknown band tearing down a small rock club or experiencing Therapy? in the intimate atmosphere of a club. Or seeing Muse produce such a dense wall of live sound as a trio. These experiences definitely motivated us to get creative as musicians ourselves.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Collaborating with Muse would be a dream! Or to get Rick Rubin to produce a few songs of ours. Or to record a couple of tracks with Chris Cornell – which unfortunately is no longer possible. Or with Faith No More, 20 years ago.
What was the last song you listened to? And who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last songs I heard was the new Billy Talent album, once again a great record! I have a whole bunch of bands that I adore, e.g. Boysetsfire, Thrice, Rise Against, System Of A Down. But there are also a whole bunch of not-so-well-known bands that make incredibly good music, like Fjørt from Germany.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
You can find us on Insta (@the_hybris) or Twitter (@thehybrismusic), we are happy about your visit!
I really appreciate your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for your time and the opportunity to talk. Take care!
