Hok-Key
Interview conduct April 1, 2022
By Dan Locke
Melodic heavy metal with elements of folk with lyrics in endangered native language Hok-key is vivid representative of the Belarusian metal scene with a 20-year history, which marked its presence in the release of 5 full-length albums and numerous singles and EP. Hok-key has taken the path from the original comedy metal and inventing texts directly to its present form – philosophical texts and regular musical and sound experiments, but not beyond the heavy, melodic, metal with folk influences (mainly in the endangered and disappearing Belarusian language). The band is broadcasted on radio stations, actively participates in various festivals and concerts both at home and abroad (Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy), In 2015 and 2017 the band made several bright musical tours to Europe – «Thunder and Lightning European Tour» and “Reaping Europe Tour”.
Jaroslav Sapunoff- guitar, keyboards.
Alexander Volchek – bass.
Oleg Kansov – drums
Irina Sapunova – Violin
You band started at a comedy type act and since move into Melodic Metal. How did your band form?
Our band was formed in 1994 during ordinary metal gig in Minsk. Show of one band was canceled and there was a free slot to play. Several musicians from different bands decided to make some improvisation and play fast and aggressive metal with funny lyrics – that’s how Hok-key was formed
How did you get your bands name?
Firstly it was “OK” band, but then it has transformed into Hok-key. Rather suitable name for comedy metal.
Describe your music.
Now Hok-key plays melodic metal with folk and symphonic influences. We try to combine modern electronics with authentic folk instruments.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ? –
No
What is the process of writing your music?
Inspiration is needed, and it is the most important part of songwriting. We usually start with music then we proceed with lyrics. Lyrics are usually written under the impression and mood of the song.
Tell me about your latest song “Les Ailes”?
This is a story of Madame Blanchard, first woman-balloonist, it is about her life and tragic death. She was very brave woman but her life ended up very tragically.
Why did you decide to use videos by Lumière Brothers, Maries-Georges-Jean Méliès?
We wanted to use them because madame Blanchard is from France. We think those videos fits song very well and create the atmosphere of “good old France”
Out of the 11 songs which is your favorite track on your album? On your album “In Existence” .
Our album has its own concept and idea. Humanity has so-called bricks to build own life, to create something beautiful. But it often happens that people use these “bricks” to start wars and destry our planet.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
It is really cool that your music could be distributed through the whole world.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both are ok. Of course, you are not able to listen to vinyl during trips or driving the car.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Covid has affected music business indeed. We have less live shows, but from the other side we can focus on recording or creation of videos.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career? I do not think it is plus it is just hinge of conditions.
We can’t play live but we can record new songs.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Actually new album was recorded during this time.
In 2017-2018 during the Reaping Europe Tour, your band visited almost every country in Europe. Which ones did you miss?
Many of them, each country is different, different public reaction, fans. We miss touring in general
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
When you are a young band – yes it works. But if you are an experienced one – this is not an option.
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I think gardening is ok.
Red Hot Chili Peppers are about to sell their entire song catalog for $140 Million. In the past year a lot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks ($100 Million) , Bob Dylan (over $400 Million), Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, K.T. Tunstall, John Legend, ZZ Top and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Neil Young song 50 percent of his worldwide copyright and income interest in his 1,180 song catalogue to Hipnosis Songs Fund limited . Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative then the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offering by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
On January 19, 2021 Hipgnosis Song Management acquired 80% of Kenny Chesney’s recorded music royalties, covering the country superstar’s discography from his 1994 debut In My Wildest Dreams through 2017’s Live in No Shoes Nation.
Someone who was totally against selling his rights was David Crosby. He did not want to sell his publishing rights. In addition, it was not an easy thing for him to do. However, by making a deal with Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, it took a big weight off his shoulders. He could pay off his house and cover other bills. Now he does not have to work for a living. It should be noted that David is battling tendinitis in his hands, which hurts his ability to play guitar.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs?
Good question. We are not RHCP and we do not have proposal from Universal. If we have such a proposal – we will think about it. Now it is better to concentrate on playing live and recording new stuff.
Over half a billion active users around the world share their favorite music on TikTok either with something like a dance challenges and lip-sync videos or creating a funny skit or candid camera moment.
TikTok has became a great platform for music promotion, sharing songs, and finding new listeners. In which it has become a place for music artist to earn revenue when people use their music. Which in many cases the daily promotion on TikTok has led to hug boosts on other platforms like Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.
TikTok does this with the the algorithmically generates a feed of content for each user, which you see as the displaying of #. The more a user engages with content, the smarter TikTok gets at guessing what kind of videos the viewer wants to watch.
Because a song can go viral because of this.
Sony Music and Warner Music Group- , The ByteDance-owned video app revealed that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
Well, we are old-school band, and frankly speaking we do not have Tik-Tok account.
Do you think that Belarus will be digged into the War?
We hope that no. Our position is straightforward – this war should be stopped. Russian forces should leave Ukraine and they should leave the territory of Belarus as well, as they are using it for offensive.
Why did you feel that your country is losing it language?
It is obvious. We have two state languages but the number of belarusian schools is reducing, in big cities people are not using belarusian. Our Language and culture are in danger.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Stay true, stay Hok-key and take care in this difficult times.
