By Morgan James
The Hive Minds haven’t even released their new EP, but the album is already generating buzz throughout the Coachella Valley. “The Hive Minds definitely have something special!” exclaims Trevor Stone of MIX 100.5FM Palm Springs after listening to The Hive Minds new single “Chasing You Around.” After 4 years together playing an expansive amount of local gigs and gaining a steady audience, Derek Jordan Gregg (vocals and guitar) and Sean Poe (drums) decided to kick their act up a notch by adding bassist Matt Styler to the mix. In just a few short months, the guys have written an EP with all new songs, signed with management, and recorded the album with legendary Producer, Ronnie King. The next couple months begin an exciting preparation to launch their album, Really Don’t Mind the Waiting, as The Hive Minds head out on tour this summer. I sat down with Derek and Sean to discuss their music and what’s next for them.
Now that the album has been written and recorded, the guys reflect on the songs, the recording process, and the future. “I’m most looking forward to having an actual CD in my hand,” says Sean, reflecting on the process. “It feels a whole lot better to have the fruits of your labor actually in hand like whoa, this is real. (The album) feels very cohesive like there is an over-arching story to the whole thing whereas our last album is just a bunch of songs about different things. This is a narrative.” The band brought this set of songs to life through Grammy nominated Producer, Ronnie King. “I really felt like we bonded and that we respected each other’s artistic integrity. He pushed my buttons because he knew what I could do. He brought out the best in me,” Derek states, of working with Ronnie.
Currently The Hive Minds are shooting their first music video for “Chasing You Around” with Director, Robert Sandoval. “I really enjoy working with Robert because he shoots the way I play… He doesn’t stick to protocol or a plan necessarily. He lets reality and the variables at hand dictate what the next move is. I think when you let things happen in the moment, spontaneously, that’s when magic happens,” Derek says. Sean chimes in, “My favorite part of shooting has been all the goofy things we try. Sometimes we get a shot and we have extra time or just come up with some odd ball ideas and try them out! So there may be a blooper video of that someday.” The music video is slated for release before the actual album, most likely in May.
Many of The Hive Minds fans already have their self-titled first album, so I asked Derek what fans could expect from Really Don’t Mind the Waiting. “The two albums almost sound like different bands. The first is Americana and this one is really an Indie pop album. This is our bands album, whereas the first was a band bringing my solo project to life. I suppose the fans will have to decide which they prefer.”
You can catch The Hive Minds playing their music, old and new, every Wednesday at Sullivan’s Steakhouse 6:30pm to 10pm and decide for yourself.
So what’s next? The Hive Minds prepare for a Summer tour after the album release. Local radio stations are already playing The Hive Minds music such as 98.9 KDHS and 87.9 KCOD. Both have been extremely supportive of the band booking them in multiple sponsored shows throughout the Coachella Valley. The band was featured live last Summer on Local Music Spotlight at MIX 100.5 and Local Artists Live at KCOD. The buzz around the hive keeps growing as the guys gear up for their tour. “Put The Hive Minds on for the Summer!” recommends TK of 93.7FM KCLB Palm Springs. I know that’s exactly what I will do!
