The Houston-bred artist Hyro The Hero is a modern-day rock star. Recently, Hyro The Hero created a new mixtape Kids Against the Monsters. This piece expresses frustration, fear, and anger at the current state of the world. Within this new project, the movement calls for all “Kids” to face their monsters which is a celebration of the human experience. The Knockturnal spoke with Hyro the hero about his new mixtape.
The Knockturnal: How did you get started in music?
Hyro The Hero: I come from a family of music. My people are from Trinidad so we were heavy into soca vibes. Also my sister use to chill and rap with the legendary DJ Screw when he started at a club called Soca Village. So naturally I started doing my own thang.
The Knockturnal: What are your influences and where do you go for new inspiration?
Hyro The Hero: My influences would have to be Tupac Shakur, Pimp C, 50 cent, At the Drive In, Pearl Jam , Bad Brains, And Rage against the Machine. Just listening to music new or old always inspires me it’s like you hear something new every time you press play
The Knockturnal: What comes first for you – the lyrics or the music?
Hyro The Hero: The music comes first for me. Those sounds talk to me, they send me the messages I need to communicate to the people. The music creates the mood and sets the tone.
Photo Credits: Travis Shinn
The Knockturnal: Tell us about your new mixtape Kids Against the Monsters
Hyro The Hero: Since I’m a rapper that’s heavily into rock I wanted to bring something that’s rooted in hip hop and let it rise in rock. Rappers have dropped mixtapes for the longest but I never seen a rock band drop a mixtape, so I wanted to bring that style over. I titled it Kids against the Monsters as a glimpse into how it feels in the world right now. It’s my representation of The 99% vs the 1%. Coolest part is I started in music sampling rock songs for my mixtapes and on this one I’m not sampling anymore. It features some of the legends in rock, including Atreyu, who hopped on my new single “Legendary” that dropped today.
The Knockturnal: Can you describe your fashion sense as an artist?
Hyro The Hero: My fashion sense is half punk rock and hip-hop. Either wearing a band tee with dope kicks or just all black with the ripped jeans. Super simple and usually fitted and a dope haircut is a must.
The Knockturnal: What experiences in your life have helped shape you as an artist?
Hyro The Hero: I believe deciding to change the radio station at a young age had a huge impact on my life. Discovering new and old music of different genres, then going home to try and download the song to sample it helped expand my creativity.
The Knockturnal: I believe music transcends. Do you think music is a skill or a spirit?
Hyro The Hero: I believe music is spiritual with its ability to bring light or dark energy. It’s power to change the mood of a place in an instant shows how spiritual it can be. But I do believe it takes a person with skill to convey those spiritual messages properly.
The Knockturnal: How much time do you dedicate to practicing your craft?
Hyro The Hero: I freestyle daily just to keep my mind flowing but I usually go on a feeling when it comes to making a song. I don’t like to force anything, I’d rather let the music come to me. So it’s not daily but maybe a song a week for me to stay sharp. Usually when I’m inspired I get in a zone.
The Knockturnal: Where can people find your music?
Hyro The Hero: You can find me on Instagram Facebook and Twitter @hyrothehero and either gaming or chatting on twitch @hyrotheheroofficial
The Knockturnal: What’re some of your go to songs on your playlist for different moods?
Hyro The Hero: Honeykomb – “Brazy Freestyle”
Lil Baby – “Whoa”
Young Thug – “Check”
The entire Tony Hawk Pro Skater Soundtrack
Rancid – “Ruby Soho”
Falling in Reverse – “Popular Monster”
Asking Alexandria – “Alone in a Room
