Behind these HAZEL eyes
Photo Credit: Ben Davidson
Western Australian Indie five-piece HAZEL has released their latest single titled ‘The Void’, a track that was recorded in their hometown of Perth at the Debaser Studios and is the first delivery from the quintet since their debut EP ‘Dreamstate’ that was unveiled last year. We had a chat with the group’s Drummer Josh Loiacono to discuss ‘The Void’, the history of the group and what it’s like making music on the other side of the country.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how do you describe the HAZEL sound?
This is the question we always find hardest to answer. Our sound is unique because of how we blend a variety of musical influences, all tied together by a consistent vocal style. While our music doesn’t fit neatly into a genre like pop or indie, we’d describe it as a fusion of pop, R&B, soul, and indie elements.
You have just released the single 'The Void', Tell us about your new song. Where did the inspiration for this one come from?
This song is deeply rooted in the experience of watching someone you love go through one of the most heartbreaking losses imaginable. It reflects the journey of witnessing their growth over the years as they slowly become a stronger, more resilient person. While the pain of that loss may not be as raw as it once was, it still lingers—less like an open wound, and more like a scar that quietly remains. There’s also a sense of awe and disbelief that they managed to make it through everything, which is captured in the line: “Look at who you’ve become, you defied the odds, after the void in your heart seemed impossible to fill.”
“I’m very particular about the topics and stories I write, so I try not to rush the process”
What came first, the lyrics or the music?
Most of the time, we come together as a group to share ideas and build the instrumentation first, since that’s the part we find comes most naturally. Over the following week, I’ll work on writing lyrics based on what we’ve created. I’m very particular about the topics and stories I write, so I try not to rush the process—I like to take the time to make sure the lyrics feel meaningful and well thought out but I will feel out melodies while creating the instrumentation.
Did you encounter any issues in the creation of 'The Void' or were there any standout moments in bringing the song to life?
This was honestly one of the easiest songs we've ever recorded. We had a very clear vision from the start, and unlike our usual process—where we experiment with different ideas and are open to adding new elements—we felt this track didn’t need any of that. It already stood strong on its own, with a sense of power and direction that didn’t require further adjustment.
“We have booked some time in the studio early next month ... The Void will be included in that EP alongside a handful of new songs that we feel replicate the growth we have made since our last EP in 2024.”
Will 'The Void' feature on a future EP/Album or is it a stand alone delivery?
We have booked some time in the studio early next month where we will be creating our second EP. The Void will be included in that EP alongside a handful of new songs that we feel replicate the growth we have made since our last EP in 2024.
You have a launch show happening for the release, are there any more live gigs or a tour planned that fans can catch you at?
Our only upcoming gig for now is Tone City Fest at the Rosemount Hotel on June 28th. With our studio session just weeks away, we’ve taken some time after the launch to reset and focus on choosing our next few songs to record. That said, we're hoping to head over east sometime soon!
What's the history of HAZEL? How did you all come together to make music?
Josh (drums), Austen (bass), and Amber (vocals) first played together in early 2022, quickly discovering a strong creative chemistry. When we decided to shift direction from their original project, we brought in Cooper (guitar), a distant relative of Josh, who was eager to join. For a while, it was just the four of us—but we felt like something was missing. That’s when Tryphon (keys) came on board, completing the lineup and bringing everything into place.
“we wanted something short and sweet that was easy to remember”
Why HAZEL, where did the name come from?
Creating the name was relatively easy, we knew we wanted something short and sweet that was easy to remember. We tossed between a few options but as soon as Josh mentioned HAZEL, everyone said “That’s the one!”. A strong influence of the name was actually Amber’s eye color. Proof that you really don't need to think too much about it.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
Our first gig was at the Indian Ocean Hotel in Scarborough, during their weekly Thursday ‘Plug & Play’ nights—a low-pressure event where bands can play 30-minute sets without worrying about ticket sales or promotion. It’s easily the best place to be on a Thursday night as a musician. The show was a huge success for us—we hit 100 followers that night, which felt massive for a brand-new band. That’s a big part of why the Indi Bar holds such a special place in our hearts.
Do you play a part in the production side of your music? Is this something you as a band would like to be more involved with going forward?
Yes, we’re definitely involved in the production side of our music. We’ve been working with Andy Lawson from Debaser since our debut EP, and it’s been an incredible experience. Andy brings his own creative ideas to the table, blending them with our original vision—but ultimately, he gives us the final say, which we really value. It’s a true collaboration, and we love the balance we’ve found together.
“one of the best parts about being in Perth is the incredibly supportive music community”
Being from Perth do you find it hard making music on the other side of the country from the epicenter of the Australian Music Industry?
It’s definitely a challenge. Perth is a small corner of the world, and we feel the next step is heading east to grow our presence beyond what we've built here. That said, one of the best parts about being in Perth is the incredibly supportive music community. We’ve met so many like-minded people who share our aspirations, and the encouragement from fellow musos has been unmatched. Some of our closest friends today came from this scene and even though we're looking outward, we know there’s still so much more we can achieve right here before taking things beyond Australia.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Josh is the engine behind everything we do. Alongside playing in the band, he takes on the role of our manager—handling gigs, events, studio bookings, and everything else that usually falls to someone outside the band. Balancing that with a full-time job is not an easy task. There’s a reason most bands have separate managers, but Josh does it all, and we’re incredibly grateful for his dedication and drive to help us reach our goals.
Do you have a message for the HAZEL fans and supporters?
We honestly couldn’t do any of this without our supporters—your encouragement means the world to us and keeps us pushing forward. Every stream, share, message, and cheer from the crowd gives us fuel. We’ve got some really exciting things in the works, so keep your eyes peeled... this is only the beginning. Big things are coming, and we’re so grateful to have you with us for the ride. <3
Interview by Michelle Symes
May 2025