Having formed back in 2015, Essex electro-pop group Hoshino have been working on defining their sound over the past couple of years, and are now back with their brilliant new single ‘Stars (In The Night Sky)’. We got the chance to catch up with the group’s singer, Elloise, and find out all about her inspirations, aims, ambitions, and more. Read on to find out what she had to say…
Hoshino are back with their new single
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
It’s a sweet concoction of funky, synthy soul food, with an electric zing… Mmm.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
It has been tricky getting in touch with the right people and having the opportunity to play gigs that help promote us to new crowds, but we are well on our way.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
It is really difficult. So many people are able to put their sound forward nowadays. Social media is ram-packed with musicians trying to get noticed, it seems more like a game of chance. I guess it also depends on what your goals are.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
Well, we are a band so I wouldn’t say it’s all about having creative ‘control’, more about having creative input and collaborative comfortability. However, I am conscious of making work that communicates honest and positive ideas. If I felt we were making something that didn’t ring true to my personal beliefs I wouldn’t be okay with releasing it.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
As the vocalist and lyricist, I’d say it’s from a variety of things: from life experience, daily observations, thoughts and feelings. I learned a lot about singing whilst being in my high school choir, so that got me interested in harmony and vocal texture. From a songwriting perspective, I’m inspired a lot by natural imagery and a variety of artists, spanning from Erykah Badu to Kate Tempest.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Ooo… I reckon Lianne La Havas, you know. She’s a Leyton girl (my area!). And also, I would love to get some yummy harmonies down with her.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I love green tea sooo much! After I’ve drunk the mugs-worth I chomp on the bag too! I ain’t ashamed.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
Personally, I am just enjoying being creative and making music with a group of talented musicians. But, of course, as a band we want to create music that resonates with people.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Playing bigger, better shows and having a lot of fun! Hopefully, we’ll have a healthy chunk of new, groovin’ material out by then too.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
We are supporting our friends Sykoya for their release show on February 24 at Seabright Arms in East London, and we are also working on the finishing touches for our next EP, which has a lot of tasty new material for you to wrap your ears around.