SOME see boundaries as an insurmountable obstacle, something which must be accepted as a fact of life and a set of limitations which we must inhabit in. Others see them as nothing more than arbitrary constructs, waiting to be mercilessly torn apart in the pursuit of pastures new.
It’s hard to imagine that there’s a solitary soul involved in Scotland’s music scene or that ever came into contact with one of their ferocious live shows who would argue that didn’t Hector Bizerk fit the bill of a band that made a career from obliterating any perceived glass ceiling that was put in their way.
When Hector Bizerk began in earnest back in 2011, they were nothing more than an ambitious duo that looked to reassert the often all too forgotten principles of hip-hop back into the fray and did so with a distinctly Scottish aesthetic that flew in the faces of those who saw it as a novelty.
Now they’ve morphed into a fully fledged musical force; all at once an instrument of uninhibited rage, justice, social change, joy and at times scathingly topical humour.
Fuelled by the turbulent and insight-filled mind of frontman Louie, the past few years have seen the group go from strength to strength all the while never losing sight of who they are amid increasing acclaim.
Counting slots with groups such as Public Enemy, Immortal Technique, The Libertines and more among their achievements the band also delivered explosive performances at festivals ranging from T in the Park and Wickerman to Electric Fields, Transmusicales and their forthcoming headline show at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Bandstand.
Capping off their career with the incredible Second City Of The Empire LP, it built from the momentum of previous EP’s and records such as Drums. Rap. Yes, The Fish That Never Swam, The Bell That Never Rang, The Waltz Of Modern Psychiatry and more but also seems like a fitting final statement for the band when viewed in hindsight.
Not allowing outside forces to encroach upon their vision, RM Hubbert: who appeared on the album’s inspiring, pro-refugee number ‘The Tree That Never Grew’, was one of many artists, collaborators and admirers that shared their feelings on the group’s departure with us, stating that:
“They were a joy to work with, very generous collaborators. They articulated Scottish life brilliantly through their music. Easily one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen too. Bit gutted to be honest.”
One of the biggest proponents of the nation’s music scene and a long-time supporter of Hector Bizerk, BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway captured his strong feelings about the band and attested to how much of a unique and compelling outfit they truly were:
“Hector Bizerk succeeded in that rare thing in music, blending the personal with the political – both in their thoughtful lyrics and onstage as a dynamic LIVE band. Their music was both a call to arms and a bloody good knees-up! They took Hip-Hop and bent it into different shapes, telling their own stories from their own perspective. They also put out a slew of interesting, unique and powerful recordings and staged a ton of explosive concerts. They will be sorely missed, but I’m certain those talented, integral members of the group will go onto many more exciting new projects.”
Expressing similar sentiments, Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly has proclaimed that “It’s a real shame, especially with the impact they’ve started to make. Maybe not the end, but the beginnings of something new. I do look forward to whatever is next, with great memories of what they gave us.”
A band that have frequently shared bills with the soon-to-be defunct outfit, Crash Club’s Neal Mcharg shared his long history with the group and what it is that makes them so original and undeniably brilliant.
“The first time i saw them was thanks to big Tragic O’Hara and it was just Louie and Audrey smashing fuck out of the set. Total game changer in terms of knowing you didn’t have to do music in a stereotypical way. Then the full band came into play and raised the bar again. Hope whatever happens that everyone involved goes on to do something, far too talented to not be doing music. Fuck, they probably got a good number of people actually listening to hip-hop within the Scottish music scene. That’s how important they’ve been.”
Another figure within the Scottish music scene who was quick to testify to their importance in bringing Scottish hip-hop up from obscurity was Jamie Webster, founder of record label/management collective Instinctive Racoon.
“When I started working in music ten years ago, Scottish hip-hop was very much underground and for the most part viewed as a bit of a joke. It only takes one band to break the mould and change opinion and that band was Hector Bizerk. Going to see them live was almost like a religious experience, inspirational words and delivered with such gusto and force, their brilliance was simply undeniable. I was fortunate enough to see them in many different forms, from acoustic two- piece to stripped-back full band and the full throttle live performance. The songs were so good that they would work in any environment or setting. They are the most culturally important band I’ve ever witnessed and their legacy and back-catalogue will continue to inspire for generations to come. Hector Bizerk: It’s more than just hip-hop.”
The kind of band which spurred on other groups to challenge themselves and deviate from the norm, Tijuana Bibles frontman Tony Costello spoke of the inspiration which he derived from Hector Bizerk’s work ethic and drive:
“Consistently progressive, not only in their writing, but in their way of thinking as a modern band. In a live sense they explored so many different avenues, encompassing poetry and performance art and with each new release they changed the format from more traditional forms to books and films, always thinking ahead. Their social commentary resonated with so many people, and for young hip-hop fans growing up in Scotland they would’ve been revolutionary. They never shied away from mixing politics with music which is something we need more of and yet another thing I admire about Hector. They’ve made a real impact on Scottish music. Great artists and great people, congratulations to them on all they’ve achieved and here’s to more good times in the future.”
Speaking as a fellow leading light in the Scottish hip-hop scene that the band were integral in helping to build, Loki of Loki And The Kartel has asserted that it was the band’s unrelenting creativity which ensured that they stood out:
“”Very sad to hear of Hector Bizerk’s split! Exceptional people who do what they love and have made a name for themselves through sheer hard work. Audrey and Louie have been nothing but supportive of us since we met. With this, I know that a lot of musicians and bands feel the same. Hector Bizerk have put their stamp on the Glasgow music scene and it will be difficult to forget such talent and amazing people. We can only wish the best for them, as I know they will succeed in anything they do, due their hard work and good nature.”
An organisation that had also championed the group for many years, awarded them the best hip-hop award back in 2014 and booked them to close out last year’s ceremony at Glasgow’s The Garage in typically chaotic fashion, Richy Muirhead of The Scottish Alternative Music Awards has said that “I think it’s fair to say Hector Bizerk put 100% into everything they did as a band. Their dedication was reflected in their live show and catalogue of albums. Their live show was up their with the best, full of energy, emotion and power! They certainly will be missed on the scene, but I’m sure will also inspire a new generation of artists.”
While one of the group’s main decrees may have been that ‘nobody seen nothing’, what we had the pleasure of witnessing was the rise of a truly original force in Scottish music that transcended the limitations of being known as a Glasgow act to communicate their message to a much wider audience.
While the rulers of Scottish hip-hop have abdicated from their throne,what’s left in their wake is a far better scene than the one that they entered five long years ago and a blueprint which is sure to inspire artists of all genres for many decades to come.
