Ahead of their scheduled landing at Pax in the Park in July, we caught up with Zpor, front-creature of interplanetary cosmic dross purveyors HENGE, to discuss the band’s latest sonic transmissions and what we earthlings can expect from their Sheffield visit.
Hello Zpor! How are you doing today?
Greetings human. I feel especially buoyant today. For today is the day we release a new album on your planet: Alpha Test 4.
Your music combines elements of various genres, including rock, electronica and psychedelia. How do you approach blending these different styles to create a unique HENGE sound?
Oh, dear human, we bring you music from other worlds. Thus, any similarities to the Earth genres that you mention is merely coincidental.
Your new album, Alpha Test 4, is out now. What sets this record apart from other albums released across the galaxies?
This record is a unique interplanetary collaboration. The group known as HENGE is comprised of four lifeforms, each creature is of a different species with their own particular background and creative impulse. I am from Agricular in Cosmos Redshift 7. From a young age I was swaddled in the musical traditions of my people; surrounded by the ancient Agriculan artform we call ‘Cosmic Dross’. Another band member, Brother Goo, is from Venus. He is the lone survivor of a catastrophic climate apocalypse on his planet and we found that violent bass frequencies had a therapeutic effect on his nervous system. Our drummer, Nom, is from Xylanthia in the Sirius Star System. He is primarily a water-dwelling creature; a many-tentacled being, whose amphibious rhythms are known to incite much dancing. The newest member of our crew is a human being known as Grok. His aptitude for wild synthesis is a huge asset to our mission. Though many interplanetary musical collaborations exist across the galaxy, we are unaware of any other records that have been made with this particular combination of species.
How do you approach the songwriting process as a band? Do you have any specific rituals, methods or cosmic technologies you employ?
Yes, our method is to play. When I say ‘play’ I refer to the following definition: “Play – verb: to employ oneself in diversion, amusement or recreation.”
Or, to put it another way – fun.
How do you handle creative differences or conflicts within the band? Are there any strategies you employ to maintain a harmonious working dynamic?
Actually, though it has never occurred to me before, we have never had any musical conflict within the band. We are so enamoured with each other’s creative suggestions that any creative differences are a source of wonder rather than conflict. And, now that we have spent seven years and made multiple records together, our four minds are as one harmonious, utterly synchronised multi-mind.
You’ll be joining our friends at Pax in the Park for a headline show. For those who’ve not witnessed a HENGE show in the flesh, how would you describe it?
A HENGE sonic transmission is unlike any conventional musical performance that exists on Earth. One key difference is that we use a mixture of telepathic waves and sound waves at our gatherings. These two different wave types coalesce together in a spiral pattern (similar in appearance to the double helix of DNA). Once absorbed, this has the effect of stimulating euphoria in the human central nervous system. In this way, we intend to catalyse joy in the hearts of the citizens of Sheffield on 21st July.
Though many interplanetary musical collaborations exist across the galaxy, we are unaware of any other records that have been made with this particular combination of species.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations for HENGE?
We have observed that here on Earth, seriousness levels have reached a dangerous peak. This is accompanied by an epidemic of sadness which is spreading at an alarming rate. And so, our mission is to reach as many humans as possible with our sonic joy beams. These therapeutic soundwaves are known to provide lasting relief from the negative impact of seriousness.
HENGE will perform live at Pax in the Park which takes place 21st -23rd July at Heeley People’s Park. The festival’s organisers are attempting to raise £10k towards keeping the event free for all and, if you are able, you can chip in to help get them there by visiting gofundme.com/f/freepaxpark.
