Hiqpy conquered the Dutch festival scene without releasing a single song. Now, two songs by the Amsterdam-based rock band can be found on Spotify, and they are performing at Pinkpop. “Our life is a permanent candy store,” the band tells NU.nl.
When Hiqpy takes the stage on Friday afternoon at one of the two smaller stages at Pinkpop, the band members are fully exposed to the burning sun. Singer Abir Hamam stands out with her glamorous makeup, platinum blonde hair, and stilettos, which she uses to operate the pedals while playing guitar.
“My stilettos were so exposed to the sun that at one point I felt my toes and the bottom of my foot burning in my shoes,” Hamam says afterward. “That shiny stuff is black, so it gets very hot. I was really struggling. At one point, I got so hot that I almost fainted and had to throw up. I really had to take a breath without singing.”
That doesn’t detract from the enthusiasm and adrenaline with which the band members tell their story after the show. Hiqpy has made rapid progress in the past year. A fifteen-minute performance at Eurosonic Noorderslag ensures that important figures in the music industry are suddenly lining up to do something with the band, which, in addition to Hamam, consists of guitarist Victor ter Veld, bassist Tom Radsma, and drummer Kasper de Boer.
Last summer, Hiqpy already performed at several major festivals, such as Best Kept Secret and Into The Great Wide Open. But Pinkpop is a real milestone. “Since I was twelve, I’ve asked my father every year to go to Pinkpop,” says Ter Veld. “He thought it was too much for me, but today Dad was there. That was the best part.”
Just before Hiqpy takes the stage, nerves run through the band members’ bodies. Except for those of bassist Radsma. “I’m not bothered by anything,” he says stoically. For Ter Veld, it already starts the day before the performance. “Then you still have to go to sleep. And on the day itself, you just want to go. That last hour of waiting is pretty annoying. Fortunately, with the first song, it immediately feels like the collar comes off.”
Ter Veld seizes the exciting moments before the show to give his bandmates and tour manager an emotional pep talk. “I really wanted to put everyone individually in the spotlight,” he explains. “It got quite emotional,” Hamam adds. “I had to cry, but I couldn’t allow that so close to when we had to start.”
Hiqpy played during last year’s festival summer without releasing a single song. Thanks to their live reputation, the band is hailed as the most promising act in the Dutch music industry. Drummer De Boer agrees that this puts a lot of pressure on the first release. The band members’ DMs are constantly flooded with the question of where the music is now.
In the meantime, the songs Something and Red Flag Magician have been released. And that makes the live performances more fun: now people also sing along to a few songs. “There was even cheering today when we announced Something.”
Hiqpy is now in the final phase of the debut album, which is being produced by Danton Supple. He previously worked with Coldplay and Spandau Ballet. Supple came across Hiqpy at an event and wanted to work with them after seeing them perform. The band is not yet willing to say exactly when the debut album will be released.
For the people who haven’t seen Hiqpy at work yet: how would the band describe their own music? “Like Ariana Grande and Kurt Cobain having a Pokémon together,” Hamam says without hesitation.
The band’s music is driven by guitars and leans heavily towards indie rock, but not without a crystal-clear pop chorus here and there. Hamam’s vocal style is reminiscent of Gwen Stefani during her heyday with No Doubt.
After the performance, Hiqpy will go to the grounds to “watch some bands.” And headliner Justin Timberlake, of course. “He is now also our colleague.”