HIRIE’s dedication as a songwriter and special ability to connect with fans makes her one of today’s brightest reggae stars
Photo courtesy of Ineffable Music. Photo: Captures by Liz.
Fresh off the release of her incredible new album, “Mood Swing”, Daily Reggae caught up with the amazing HIRIE to learn about her song writing process, the album’s development, and life touring with many of reggae’s biggest artists!
I've been such a big fan ever since I saw you and your band play a show in San Francisco with The Green. Speaking of The Green and Hawaii, is Hawaii one of your favorite places to write new songs?
Thank you!!!
Hawai’i holds a very special place in my heart and puts my mind at ease whenever I’m there/home. It totally is conducive to my songwriting :) I find solace there and that almost always leads to vibey, more relaxed music. I wrote “Chocolate” one night at home having come home from a long day under the sun. I don’t think I could’ve generated that exact mood without being on the islands :)
"Mood Swing" is my favorite HIRIE album yet! How was the band's creative process different this time around? Where did you record the album and did you work with one main producer?
It took 60 songs down the hatch before picking the 12 that made Mood Swing. We recorded a lot in pre-production, whether home on Oahu, with my band in San Diego, with songwriters in Nashville, LA and so forth. The live band recordings were done at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, TX. We enlisted the collaborative help of many producers, but we worked the closest with Ricky Blaze and LMR Pro who really tied in each song and made Mood Swing what it is now.
You truly put on one of the most electric and feel good sets in reggae music today! What are your favorite parts of touring and connecting with fans during live shows?
My favorite part of touring is testing out new music in front of a live audience; seeing what works, what people react to the most, and creating special moments that we can carry from show to show. Connecting with fans is always a beautiful transaction of the purest love and devotion. I love my fans so much and the reciprocity is always felt. They’re so happy to see us and we them!
What was it like touring this summer with Stephen Marley? Those shows must have been epic!
Stephen Marley is a power house!! We learned so much from simply watching him and his band’s craftwork onstage. From his messages to carrying on his father’s legacy and songs. I really hope to tour with him again soon! We only shared 2 shows with him on that tour. I’d like to see that number times 10!
As a fan, I can tell you are constantly pushing yourself and your band to grow. When it comes to "Mood Swing", what new energy, song writing technique, or sound are you most proud of?
I’m really happy to have collaborated with a ton of producers, songwriters and most importantly my band. It was the first time I’ve had my own drummer lay it down. Our bond on stage has transcended to a live recording relationship that has taken years to grow! I’m so proud of them and all the contributions that were made to make Mood Swing great. I really hope people enjoy it and hear all the passion we put into making each song forward.
