Los Angeles-based duo The Heirs haven’t been on the scene long — but they’ve already made quite an impact with their alt-electropop sound.
The faces of the band include Brandon Hudson (on vocals, guitar and bass) and Savannah Hudson (on vocals, guitar and keys); but onstage, The Heirs’ undeniable energy is also largely credited to three other members: Daniel Mcmains (guitar/synth), Eric Sampson (bass/synth) and Chase Meyer (drums).
The Heirs may only have one EP, comprising four tracks, but it’s enough to make them one of our artists to watch out for in 2016. In fact, before you read the rest of this interview we conducted with Savannah, please do yourself a favor and listen to “Lies” off their new EP Ecliptic (admittedly, our favorite track off the EP).
They’re pretty great, right? Now get to know the band a little better before you stream the rest of the album on Spotify.
SheKnows: For those who are hearing of The Heirs for the first time, describe your music in a couple words.
Savannah Hudson: Neon electropop.
SK: What’s one live show that completely changed you and left a lasting impact on you?
SH: We played a sold-out show here in LA at the Roxy in August, and it was such a magical night for us. First of all, being in our hometown for a show is always special, but we were able to do a lot of the things we had envisioned for The Heirs live show, from the lights to the roses onstage, the fog and low 808s being extra-loud. It was all how we envisioned it — just a magical time. Also, all of our close friends were there, and LA’s Wishbone Clan was there, so it was extra-wonderful. We try and make every show an experience, so they are all super special to us. But that one definitely went down in our journals as a special night.
SK: What are a few songs you currently can’t stop listening to? What other bands and artists have influenced your sound?
SH: I’m currently in an interesting phase musically as [to] what I’m listening to. Lots of ’80s music from New Order to Flock of Seagulls to Bowie — also the Beach Boys and Led Zeppelin. I’m loving this band called Wolf Alice; their record is immaculate. Excited for the new The 1975 record. Also, this new track by Niki and the Dove called “Play It on My Radio” is my jam! Constant new music in our house and in our ears.
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SK: Who are some newer artists you wish more people knew about or listened to?
SH: There’s a band called LANY — they have some pretty sweet tracks. Wolf Alice, the band I mentioned before. Beach House is wonderful.
SK: Who is the biggest female influence in your life, and what would you tell her?
SH: Ever since I was a kid, Stevie Nicks captured my heart and soul with her enchanting voice and Gypsy ways. She has been such a timeless woman and is still on the road killing the game. Her writing is beautiful and her heart seems like a beautiful old bird that has been flying for years and knows the sky so well. I would absolutely freak out if I were able to even talk to her for a moment and just have a normal conversation.
SK: If you were to put together an entire playlist of female artists who have influenced your work, who would you put on it?
SH: Oh my goodness, there’s so many incredible female artists. Well, I would start with Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. The record Rumors influenced Brandon and I tremendously in our writing and harmonious melodies. Janis Joplin is the baddest around. Joni Mitchell is an absolute love and her writing inspires me daily. Joan Jett makes me wanna jump around and scream. Blondie, Björk, Beyoncé… ahh there’s too many. But that’s a good little chunk.
SK: More women, including musicians such as Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches, are fighting back against online misogyny and sexism. Do you feel this has been a long time coming? Have you experienced anything similar, and if so, how did you handle it?
SH: I think it definitely has been a long time coming. I personally haven’t experienced that yet directly. However, I feel strongly it’s important for women, especially young girls, to be confident in who they are and be empowered to say what they believe no matter what. It’s the only way we can move past these kinds of issues in the future.
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SK: What’s been the biggest challenge to getting where you are now, and how did you overcome it?
SH: I think the whole journey of being in the music business is a tough one, but it’s wonderful and empowering. The fact that women are such a prominent asset in this industry is incredible. It’s a never-ending process of growing and learning and meeting new people. You just have to stay strong and do the art you believe in and not let anyone tell you any differently. I’m still a teenager, and I find myself making mistakes and learning new things every day. I hope that never changes.
SK: What advice do you have for kids trying to make it in the music industry?
SH: I would say to just stick to the art you love and always go for your strongest passion. Never settle and never let anyone tell you you can’t do something because of your sex or age or looks. Let your art speak for itself and believe it in your mind that it’s going to make a difference. Say it to yourself daily, write down your goals, look at them, meditate on them and always keep moving forward.
SK: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
SH: Thank you so much for featuring me in your article. Being a woman is something that I’m proud of and is something that all women should embrace and love. We are all equal, so share the love and continue making art.
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