A daunting trip to a distant land is the inspiration behind the debut single by local musicians The Hackkets.
Mexico / LA, which will be launched at The Reverence Hotel next week, captures vocalist and songwriter Stuart Flenley’s nervousness about an impending overseas flight.
Flenley said he had a blast writing the song, a follow-up to his first song Thunderstorm Blues.
“If it wasn’t for my bandmates in The Hackkets, I wouldn’t have written those two tunes.”
The band, featuring members with and without disability, was brought together more than a decade ago as part of Footscray Community Arts Centre’s Artlife program.
With more than 200 gigs to their name, their debut single is highly anticipated. The single was recorded by Robin Waters, who also plays with Melbourne bands The Boat People and Machine Translations.
Waters said the single was a taste of things to come for The Hackkets album, due out next year.
“All the members have distinct styles to their music; we can’t wait to share the rest of the songs with everyone,” he said.
Singer Victoria Cini, inspired by Pink, Kelly Clarkson and Madonna, said she had always loved songwriting and being part of The Hackkets.
“It’s a mixed bag of lollies. Recording tops it all, it’s grouse.”
The Hackkets – supported by Rudely Interrupted – launch Mexico / LA at the Reverence Hotel on October 31.
