**Interview: HotWax – A Jolt to the System**
After releasing only two EPs, the Hastings-via-Brighton trio HotWax has quickly made a name for themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting new rock bands; now, they’re ready to take their next bold step forward.
For nearly five years, HotWax has demonstrated that some of the best rock music often comes from those with a message to convey. Their sound is fast, energetic, sardonic, and clever, embodying the essence of the genre. Thus, it is no surprise that they are recognized as one of the most dynamic acts in the scene. What did catch many off guard, however, was how the next phase of their career unfolded. “After finishing both EPs, we knew it was time to start writing an album,” vocalist Tallulah Sim-Savage shares, illustrating how the concept for their debut began to take shape. The trio, which includes Lola Sam on bass and Alfie Sayers on drums, previously released intense, lively EPs like ‘Invite Me, Kindly’ and ‘A Thousand Times’ in 2023. Yet, it wasn’t until producer Catherine Marks became captivated by the band during a live performance at Third Man’s Blue Basement in London last summer that everything began to fall into place. “It was a really hot, sweaty gig in July, and Catherine couldn’t even see us – she was at the back, but when the crowd stepped outside to cool down, we ended up chatting with her,” Tallulah recalls, noting how the producer quickly envisioned the album, emphasizing the energy they bring to live performances. “It was the first time I’d ever talked to a producer and felt genuinely excited by what they were saying. She wanted the record to capture the feel of that gig – sweaty, raw, and thrilling.” Bringing in Steph Marziano (who has worked with Hayley Williams and Let’s Eat Grandma) and Warpaint’s Stella Mozgawa to record, with the latter inviting the band to her Joshua Tree studio during part of the process, resulted in their debut LP, ‘Hot Shock’. This ten-track collection bursts with energy and features candid lyrics reminiscent of Courtney Love, combined with sonic influences from Wolf Alice, Sonic Youth, and Fontaines DC. It’s a raw and invigorating experience that the band believes truly reflects their strengths as a live performance outfit. “Catherine suggested we invite all our friends halfway through the album recording to recreate that live gig experience, complete with an open bar and everything…” Tallulah explains, recalling a particularly memorable show that took place last summer at the renowned RAK Studios. “It was just so thrilling. It was refreshing to mix up our recording process and experiment in that way.”
**"With this album, I aimed to be completely honest and as profound as possible."** — Tallulah Sim-Savage
Their impressive live reputation is a defining aspect of the band. Over the past few years, they've graced numerous prominent festival lineups and supported acts like Royal Blood and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes—even though they’re still in their early twenties. Lola will even spend her 21st birthday on tour this month, something she is understandably excited about. She reflects on the surreal turnaround their lives have seen in recent years, sharing, “The best advice we received was to ask for a scented candle on our rider—dressing rooms can get quite smelly!” she laughs. “Going from small gigs where you're walking through the crowd to reach the stage, to ones with catering... it's surreal!”
Nonetheless, they acknowledge the challenges facing live music today; specifically, the rising ticket prices combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis are making it hard for many to attend. “It’s becoming more unaffordable,” Lola admits. “For young people, spending £15 on a ticket often means you can’t afford much else. It’s also tough because bands can’t offer cheaper gigs either,” she continues. “We always wanted to keep our gigs affordable, but it just doesn’t work—then we can’t pay everyone. It’s an endless cycle; people can’t afford to play, and fans can’t afford to attend. I’m not sure what the solution is. We mostly only manage to go to local gigs in Brighton.”
Brighton has turned into a creative sanctuary for the band, connecting them with numerous artists and creatives who have helped bring their musical vision to life. “Each song has its own distinct visual identity,” says Tallulah. “‘One More Reason’ drew inspiration from an artist in town named Greta [Kahlhamer], who creates incredible outfits. She even did a runway during one of our shows instead of a traditional support act. We also collaborated with photographer Stewart Baxter on the ‘She’s Got a Problem’ video, who really understood our creative vision… This year, we’ve found people we resonate with, which is wonderful as we build our
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Following the release of only two EPs, the Hastings-based trio HotWax, originally from Brighton, had already made a name for themselves as one of the most dynamic new rock bands in the country; now, they’ve made an exciting advancement in their journey.