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Hollywood Undead: the story on HearLore | HearLore
Hollywood Undead
On the 3rd of June 2005, five young men in Los Angeles posted a song titled Hollywood on MySpace that would eventually birth a musical phenomenon known as Hollywood Undead. The track was not a polished studio production but a raw, self-recorded demo that captured the chaotic energy of the city's underground scene. Jorel Decker, Aron Erlichman, and Jeff Phillips had uploaded the file, and the response was immediate and overwhelming. The positive reviews did not just encourage them; they forced a decision. The group realized that whoever was in the room at the time and played an instrument was in the band. This democratic, almost accidental formation process would define their identity for years to come. They were not a pre-packaged act but a collective of friends who happened to share a room and a microphone. The band adopted pseudonyms and unique masks based on the common hockey goaltender design, creating an anonymous front that allowed their music to speak louder than their faces. This anonymity became a shield against the scrutiny of the mainstream music industry, allowing them to explore dark themes without the burden of celebrity. The masks were not just costumes; they were a statement of unity and a rejection of the individual ego that often plagues rock bands. The early days were defined by this collective identity, where the focus was entirely on the sound and the message, not the personalities behind the instruments.
The Battle for Censorship
The band's debut album, Swan Songs, took only one year to create but two years to release due to a relentless battle with record labels over censorship. In 2005, they signed a contract with Interscope Records, only to leave the label after the company attempted to censor the album's content. The label's refusal to accept the band's unfiltered vision forced them to seek a new home. They eventually signed with A&M/Octone Records, and the album was released on the 2nd of September 2008. The album reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 in its first week, selling 21,000 copies, a modest start for a group that would soon become a major force. The struggle for creative control was not just about sales; it was about the integrity of their art. The band's lyrics often dealt with murder, suicide, the apocalypse, and chloroform, themes that were too dark for the mainstream labels of the time. This conflict with the industry set the tone for their career, establishing them as outsiders who refused to compromise their vision. The album's release was a victory for the band, proving that there was an audience for their raw, unfiltered sound. The success of Swan Songs laid the groundwork for their future, showing that they could build a loyal fanbase without the approval of the establishment. The band's persistence in the face of censorship became a defining characteristic of their early years, setting them apart from their peers.
When did Hollywood Undead release their debut album Swan Songs?
Hollywood Undead released their debut album Swan Songs on the 2nd of September 2008. The album reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 in its first week and sold 21,000 copies.
Who replaced Aron Erlichman in Hollywood Undead and when did he join?
Daniel Murillo replaced Aron Erlichman in Hollywood Undead in early 2010. Murillo had advanced past the auditions for season 9 of American Idol before dropping out to join the band.
What musical styles does Hollywood Undead combine in their sound?
Hollywood Undead combines elements of rock, industrial, rap, and EDM to create their unique sound. The band is described as a revival of rap rock and nu metal with influences from artists like Nine Inch Nails and the Beastie Boys.
Why did Hollywood Undead adopt masks and pseudonyms for their performances?
Hollywood Undead adopted masks and pseudonyms to create an anonymous front that allowed their music to speak louder than their faces. The masks served as a statement of unity and a rejection of the individual ego that often plagues rock bands.
When was the album Hotel Kalifornia released by Hollywood Undead?
Hollywood Undead released their eighth studio album Hotel Kalifornia on the 12th of August 2022. The band released a deluxe edition of the album on the 28th of April 2023.
In early 2010, the band announced that Aron Erlichman, known as Deuce, had left the group due to creative differences. The reasons for his departure were multifaceted, including arguments over writing credits and a desire to tour that Deuce did not share. Jorel Decker and Jordon Terrell also stated that Deuce's insistence on bringing his own personal assistant for touring caused a rift between the members. The band needed a replacement, and they turned to Daniel Murillo, a long-time friend and the lead singer of Lorene Drive. Murillo had just advanced past the auditions for season 9 of American Idol but decided to drop out to join the band. This decision marked a significant shift in the band's dynamic, as Murillo brought a new energy and perspective to the group. The departure of Deuce was not just a personnel change; it was a moment of reinvention for Hollywood Undead. The band began writing material for their second studio album, American Tragedy, in mid-2010, with hopes to release it by the end of the year. The album was more successful than their first, selling 66,915 copies in its debut week and peaking at number 4 on the Billboard 200. The band's ability to adapt and evolve after a significant loss demonstrated their resilience and commitment to their craft. The departure of Deuce also highlighted the importance of creative differences in shaping the band's direction, as the remaining members were able to push forward with a new vision.
The Sound of the Underground
Hollywood Undead's musical style has been observed as a revival of rap rock and nu metal, styles that had declined prior to the band's formation. The Guardian described them as an industrial boy band, comparing them to N-Sync meets Nine Inch Nails. The Brag noted that while the rock half of the band sounded like pop-punk, their aesthetic and subject matter was straight horrorcore. The band combined elements of rock, industrial, and rap, as well as EDM, creating a unique sound that defied easy categorization. Johnny 3 Tears, a key member, stated in a 2011 interview that he did not consider Hollywood Undead to be a rap rock band, but rather a rock band that was influenced by hip hop. In a 2020 interview, he described their sound as an amalgamation of Nine Inch Nails and the Beastie Boys. The band's influences were diverse, ranging from 1990s hip-hop artists like N.W.A, Wu-Tang Clan, and Snoop Dogg to rock legends like Tom Petty, John Fogerty, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. Other influences included Dog Eat Dog, Eminem, Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine, Downset., Incubus, Nine Inch Nails, Slipknot, and Beastie Boys. This eclectic mix of influences allowed the band to create a sound that was both familiar and innovative, appealing to a wide range of listeners. The band's ability to blend different genres and styles made them a unique force in the music industry, setting them apart from their peers.
The Evolution of the Masks
The band's masks were not static; they evolved over time, reflecting the changing dynamics of the group and their artistic vision. Prior to the release of their third album, Notes from the Underground, the band upgraded their masks, signaling a new chapter in their career. The masks were based on the common hockey goaltender design, but each member's mask was unique, representing their individual personas within the band. The masks were not just costumes; they were a statement of unity and a rejection of the individual ego that often plagues rock bands. The band's decision to upgrade their masks for the third album was a strategic move, designed to keep their image fresh and relevant. The masks also served as a way to explore different themes and emotions, allowing the band to express themselves in new ways. The evolution of the masks was a reflection of the band's growth and their willingness to experiment with new ideas. The masks were a key part of the band's identity, and their evolution was a testament to the band's commitment to their craft. The band's ability to adapt and evolve their image over time demonstrated their resilience and their dedication to their art.
The New Empire
In 2019, the band released the lead single, Already Dead, and announced that their sixth album would be titled New Empire, Vol. 1. The album was released on the 14th of February 2020, and it was followed by New Empire, Vol. 2 on the 4th of December 2020. The band described the album as an attempt to reimagine Hollywood Undead, not just a new sound for this release, but a new sound for the band altogether. The goal was to make music that stood alone from their other albums, yet seamlessly fit with what they had made before. Building upon the old to create a new sound and a New Empire. The album featured collaborations with Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens, and rapper Killstation. The band also released a music video for The End / Undead, a song by Zero 9:36 featuring Charlie Scene, Johnny 3 Tears, and Funny Man of Hollywood Undead. The album was a testament to the band's ability to evolve and adapt, while still maintaining their core identity. The New Empire series was a significant milestone in the band's career, marking a new chapter in their journey. The band's ability to create a new sound while staying true to their roots demonstrated their versatility and their commitment to their craft.
The Hotel Kalifornia Era
On the 5th of September 2021, the band announced that they were working on new music for their upcoming eighth studio album. The album, Hotel Kalifornia, was released on the 12th of August 2022. The band released several singles leading up to the album, including Chaos, Wild in These Streets, City of the Dead, Trap God, Evil, Salvation, and House of Mirrors. The album was a continuation of the band's evolution, showcasing their ability to create new sounds while staying true to their roots. The band also released a deluxe edition of the album on the 28th of April 2023. The album was a testament to the band's ability to adapt and evolve, while still maintaining their core identity. The Hotel Kalifornia era was a significant milestone in the band's career, marking a new chapter in their journey. The band's ability to create a new sound while staying true to their roots demonstrated their versatility and their commitment to their craft. The album was a reflection of the band's growth and their willingness to experiment with new ideas.