Ahead Of The Chase With JONO HAWKEY And JACK VAN VILET From BLOOM

Words and interview by Ali WilliamsSydney-based metalcore band Bloom have just finished up the first headliner tour here at home and are about to set off to Europe for their next leg of their tour. Frontman Jono Hawkey and drummer Jack Van Vilet caught up with HEAVY recently for a chat about new releases, tours, and future plans for the band.The band’s journey so far has seen these young lads hit the ground running with almost instant success. Bloom formed in 2017 and has grown from playing small venues to international tours. They started with young dreams, and their music career evolved, allowing them to travel the world and perform music they love. The big breakthrough for these guys was the release of their first EP in 2018, and their single Cold unexpectedly gained traction on platforms like Spotify, which influenced their approach to creating their next EP, incorporating more strategic efforts. These guys have been able to successfully navigate the music industry essentially by acknowledging the role of online algorithms and how critical that is to succeeding in today’s market. They also emphasise their focus on the storytelling aspect of music rather than just aiming to go viral. Bloom have toured extensively, enjoying the ability to connect with fans worldwide. Their recent Australian tour was significant as it showcased their growth, with more engaged audiences. Hawkey and Van Vilet note that their fan base overseas is much stronger than at home, and go on to discuss in more detail their differences in music culture in different regions of the globe and why genres like metalcore are more popular in areas like Europe and Japan, where fans show intense dedication and appreciation for the music. Bloom's musical influences come from a wide style that blends heavier metalcore with more melodic elements, drawing influence from alternative and surf rock. They aim for a versatile sound and appreciate not being confined to a single genre. High priority is made on experimenting with their sound and occasionally swapping of instruments, which not only adds to Bloom's fun and dynamic cohesion as a group, but also expands their creative exploration. Looking ahead, Bloom are preparing for a busy schedule, including tours in Europe, the UK, and America. Back home just in time for Christmas, the band will be looking forward to some much-needed downtime to rest and revive before continuing on their successful journey, but first Bloom drop their new album The Light We Chase on October 31.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.