Suddenrush

Fresh off their appearance at this year’s July 4th Soccer tournament, Suddenrush is making waves with their unique styling and fresh sounds.  Made up of four siblings: Pat Her, Roger Her, Joe Her, and Cheenou Her, they hail from British Columbia, Canada. Their new album, “Tiam No”, breaks away from the common sounds of a Hmong band, by combining a taste of Rock, Pop, and even Country in a blend of melodies that will have you tapping your feet to the beat.

Talking about goals from their website, Suddenrushband.com:

“Suddenrush’s goal is to write and record music for themselves and their fellow Hmong, as well as to contribute something meaningful to the future of Hmong Music.”

The basis of most music and motivation comes from emotions experienced, the song “Mi Noog” draws from just that. Pat Her does a wonderful job of portraying the feelings and emotions of letting go. Her tender voice is quite deceiving as it brings forth such energy and spirit that it’s hard not to turn the volume up higher and higher just to have her closer. The electrical chords and beats in “Xav Kom Zoo” also showcases the other side of being a Hmong band, combining the rock band influence that’s reminescent of vintage Voltage and Sounders. Lastly, “Goodbye” leaves you yearning for more. Although the song is a nice closure to a fantastic album, you can be sure that they will continue to build upon what they’ve started. We’ll be here to hear them grow.

Hmongism is proud to feature this up and coming band as part of the new sound of a new generation. Suddenrush exemplifies all that is part of the Hmongism movement, combining solid Hmong traditions and adding their own style. We caught up with Suddenrush and had the opportunity to interview the band about music, life, and their new album “Tiam No”.

Interview with Suddenrush

Hmongism:  What is Suddenrush and how did you come up with your band name?

Suddenrush:  When Pat and Joe first finished writing Mi Noog, they decided that if there was to be a band, they needed a name. After running through a bunch of ideas Pat came up with Suddenrush. As Pat puts it, music is like a drug. It gives you this Suddenrush of energy and motivation.

Hmongism:  Tell us a little bit about your music and what it means.

Suddenrush:  We try to keep our music based on actual events that can, may, or have happened in somebody’s life. We want to give listeners something that they can really relate to. Music has susch a large influence on many peoples’ lives and having something as simple as a song to listen to while on your way to work or relaxing at home can be very inspirational at times.

Hmongism:  Was it difficult writing and recording an album? Any hurdles to overcome in the process?

Suddenrush:  The recording portion was quite tiring. Trying to juggle our everyday lives with recording time, as well as trying to work with the studio schedule was quite exhausting. Recording at odd hours of the early morning and night really took it’s toll. As for wrting the album, we’ve been working on certain pieces for quite some time before planning to record. Most of the songs have been in process for quite some time, the rest were written through the four of us throwing ideas around in the studio.

Hmongism:  What made you decide to sing your songs in Hmong vs. English?

Suddenrush:  Through experimenting with English and Hmong lyrics, we found that Hmong lyrics suited the type of music we wrote best. Everyone knows that the hmong music industry is growing slowly and has come quite a long ways. So what better then to contribute to it and help it grow even further. We do enjoy writing hmong and english music, but for now hmong is the direction we are headed and we are quite happy with our progress.

Hmongism:  Your song “Mi Noog” has won praises from your listeners, can you explain the song for us?

Suddenrush:  Mi Noog is a song about love and loss. Everyone at some point in their lives is faced with a situation, whether it be a broken relationship, loved one moving away, or even death. This song describes an individual who is dealing with having to let a loved one go and asking that the pain and misery be felt only within him/her. The song also goes on to describe that the indiviual’s love is so strong, that he/she is willing to go on living this life without any new lover, hoping that one day their loved one will return to them.  It is a very common scenario which is why so many listeners can relate to the song. The song not only describes the pain of losing someone, but also shows that one can be strong and have hope that they may one day be reuntied with their love.

Hmongism:  Who are your major influences in music? Who are your favorite bands/singers?

Suddenrush:  We are inluenced by many types of music and bands. Everything from Roxette to Bon Jovi, Motley Crue to Def Leppard, Luj Yaj, TX, Xob Dub, Mai Xiong…just for starters.

Hmongism:  Your first album was released at the July 4th 2008 Soccer tournament in Minnesota, how did it feel to perform live in front of the crowds? Was this your first visit to the United States? Any memorable moments at the tournament?

Suddenrush:  It was very refreshing to perform live again, minus the crazy hot weather. We’ve all been playing in various bands and doing shows prior to the creation of Suddenrush, so playing on stage was nothing new. It did feel very rewarding to get up and play live after quite some time being couped up in a recording studio. It would have been nice to have the whole band up there, but unfortunately our Roger (Suddenrush drummer) couldn’t make the trip. We have had a few visits to Seattle, as a band, and played a couple of New Years and small parties, but July 4th was our first trip to MN.

Hmongism:  Any new updates or upcoming events planned for the near future?

Suddenrush:  Our next venture is going to be to Sacramento’s Hmong New Years celebration. We will be selling our full length album at the vending area. Prior to that we will be perform at the Vancouver, Canada Hmong New Years. Many fans have been asking for a concert, which is something that we are taking into consideration, but as for this year goes it is highly unlikely. Fans can definately expect a concert sometime following New Years.

Hmongism:  What are some words of advice for aspiring Hmong artists?

Suddenrush: Don’t be afraid to dream too big. Every great artists starts from the same place. No one is born a star nor an artist. Some people take longer then otheres to grasp the skills, but don’t give up. There is a place in the music world for anyone who is committed and tries hard to excel with their talent. If you have an opportunity to show case your talent, no matter how minor, take it. You just never know who will be watching or listening.

Hmongism:  Any final words for the readers?

Suddenrush: Thanks to everyone, fans, family and friends for your kind words of wisdom and support. Without all of you Suddenrush would not be a reality. Much love to all! We hope that our music will continually touch your lives.

Hmongism:  And thank you for taking the time to help us out with this interview!  You definitely have a fan in us and also among our readers!  Please keep us updated on anything else that comes up!

End of interview

Like what you’ve read or seen?  Then please visit the band’s website at Suddenrushband.com and also on their Myspace page at myspace.com/suddenrushband. and let them know!