Ones2Watch Home

We try to keep our eyes, and especially your ears, tuned to all corners of the globe in search of new trends and tracks regardless of their origins. Often that effort is rewarded when we come across brilliant bands such as the Singapore-based Hijack Hayley, composed of Terence (lead vocalist/guitarist), Munir (lead guitarist), Randy (bassist) and Russell (drummer). New to us, we wanted to reach out to learn from the band directly about the origin of their name, their new single "Pedestrian," and where to grab the best food in Singapore: 

Ones To Watch: Who is Hijack Hayley?

Terence: Terence, Randy, Munir, and Russell.

Randy: Basically, four childhood friends that grew up loving music together that finally found an outlet to experiment and shape our craft together.

We gotta ask, how’d you name yourselves?

Terence: Hijack Hayley came about when I was in my early teens, I had a crush on a girl aptly named Hayley. I had zero, no chance with her. She hijacked her way to my heart. (P.S. I didn’t managed to hijack her heart back. sobs)

What is "Pedestrian" all about?

Russell: "Pedestrian" delivers a rousing, empowered guitar-driven track, channelling heartfelt lyrics through an infectious, wholesome dose of indie nostalgia.

Terence: Also, this track talks about wanting to change the lull in one’s everyday life. Running away from the existing routines to seek high points. To be more charismatic and lovable. The track ends with a big instrumental finale that suggests the triumph of this adventure.

Any collaborators? Who produced the single?

Munir: For this debut EP, we reached out to James (Makers Records) and Eugene (Saturn Sound Studios) They have been instrumental in shaping the sound of what we intended "Pedestrian" should be.

How’d you settle on your retro sound?

Terence: We are heavily influenced by the indie brit rock sounds. We try to make it seem like it’s heavy but also approachable at the same time.

Randy: We also do work around the frame of experimental effects and heavy bass tones that can be heard in "Pedestrian."

Can we expect more of this style in the future?

Terence: Yes, most definitely. It’s our style. Dare I say, we’re the only band in Singapore with this sound? Yes, we are.

Besides this excellent track, what else should we be on the lookout for?

Randy: We are dropping our debut EP album Counterpart EP on October 13! Do look out for it!

What's inspiring you right now outside of music?

Munir: We have our own individual commitments. It’s through this cycle of life that inspires us to we relay/express ourselves and pour that into our songs.

Must try street food in Singapore?

Russell: There’s a lot, to be honest. Ours is more like hawker centres, but if you’d ask me personally, it’s gotta be Chinese hotpot. We also indulge ourselves to a hotpot treat after every show!

Who are your Ones To Watch?

Terence: These are a few local bands that will be playing for our EP launch: Count Vernon, Thy Howler & Made With Monsters. Oh, almost forgot to mention the last band – Hijack Hayley. (chuckles)