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

Words and interview by Ali Williams
Sydney-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.

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