A Dirty Dozen with THE HELLFLOWERS – September 2026

According to a recent press release: “Los Angeles punk ‘n’ roll band The Hellflowers have released their new single “Wild Ones,” out today. The track offers the first taste of the band’s forthcoming third full-length album, Haunted, due in February 2027. Powered by the band’s signature combination of punk attitude, melodic hooks and raw rock ‘n’ roll energy, “Wild Ones” is a defiant anthem about women living on their own terms in a society that is constantly trying to tell them who they should be, how they should act and where they belong. Formed in Los Angeles in 2015 by Christina and Matt Eskew, The Hellflowers pair the melodic strength of Blondie and The Pretenders with the fast, infectious energy of The Ramones and The Clash. Over the past decade, the band has earned a reputation for high-energy live performances, memorable songs and a fiercely independent spirit. That DIY approach extends well beyond the stage. The Hellflowers remain closely involved in every aspect of the band, including recording, artwork, music videos and promotion—a fitting foundation for a song centered on independence and refusing to live by someone else’s rules.” We get the band founders to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This single is very straightforward.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Christina: I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old. (Just for fun) The first time I tried to start a band I was about 15 years old. Me and my friend Rita had gone to a local punk show and thought, all we need to do is basically play 3 chords and write some lyrics to go along with it. It didn’t really stick until much later.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

We’re just gonna go with David Bowie because our tastes vary so much and so many songs and albums have guided our musical taste, but we think he’s the king!

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Poison Ivy of The Cramps. We think she is the queen!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Christina: Indoor rock climbing or taking my dogs in a walk / hike.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Christina: I always describe us as the Go-Go’s mixed with the Ramones or The Clash with a Blondie vibe. I honestly have never cringed at any comparisons. But was honored / surprised when someone compared me to Siouxsie.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Christina cooks. None of us drink so instead of drinks, we all steal Stevyn’s dum dum lollipops. The acoustic guitar singalong thing never happens 😂

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Living in LA makes it hard to be starstruck. When I first moved there, Matt and I met John Carpenter right down the street from our house. That was pretty rad!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Owning a Record Store / vintage junk store.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask—and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Ask me about my dogs. Dogs are the greatest gift in the universe. Mine are so special and wonderful. I’m not tired of answering any question. There are no dumb questions 😉

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

My biggest regret is buying a guitar that had robot tuners. It totally ruined one of our early shows.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose—and what does that record mean to you?

Matt: London Calling by The Clash. It was a gateway drug for me so I’d love to be a part of that. It means everything to me.

THE HELLFLOWERS LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews