Hellcat Speedracer Embrace the Dance Floor

It's been a big couple of weeks for Hellcat Speedracer, with the Sydney duo celebrating the release of their second EP, forever never here., which has been released to great fanfare.

Comprising good mates Oliver Critchley and Alex Gray, Hellcat Speedracer have been quietly going about their business, gaining a legion of fans across the country with their psychedelic 90s meets 00s techno electronic sound.

Ahead of the duo's upcoming national tour, which includes a show at the Ed Castle on Thursday 12 November, the lads answered a few questions about their new EP, dream collaborators and what to expect from their upcoming tour.

Congratulations on your new EP, forever never here.. How would you best describe the release to those who aren't familiar with what Hellcat Speedracer are all about?

It's 18 minutes of dance designed for getting you up and boogeying.

You've said the title of the EP is a phrase you coined that describes living in your 20s as you approach your 30s. How have you replicated this across the EP's five tracks?

Unintentionally, just by living it. It's fun knowing we have soundtracked our own life. The songs on forever never have. are quite upbeat and vibrant. Is this a reflection of being in your mid to late 20s and enjoying life before the big 3-0? We hope to still be making dance music when we are old and grey - so it's not so much a reflection, but we did want to help illustrate that through the feeling of the world we created. From art and videos, it's that mischievous energy that helps bring that idea to life.

The release includes several collaborations with LEDZDINA on 'Stay Blessed' and KOATES on the latest single 'Back To Life'. How did those songs come about, and what did each of those artists add to the EP?

We wrote both of those tracks in the UK. It was legit some of the funniest times whilst also a pivotal time for Hellcat learning about where we want to take the next step in our dance music journey. LEDZDINA is just an absolute weapon when it comes to toplining. It's quite inspiring how someone can be so confident in the booth, lay down so many unique vocal hooks, and just own the room. KOATES is truly indescribable. His voice is angelic and powerful. Can just listen to it on its own and you get shivers.

You've released several collabs over the years. What do you enjoy most about working with someone else and creating?

It's the learning that we love. Everyone does something different. Everyone has their own techniques of writing, producing or whatever, so it's fun not being bogged down in your own head and just learning from others. It should always be that way.

Let's do some manifesting: who are your dream artists to work with and why?

There are the obvious ones like the Chemical Brothers, Justice and Fred again... Damon Albarn would be pretty incredible too. Someone who has mastered the act of never sticking to one genre and is able to push the boundaries of music. 

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Compared with your previous releases, where do you think forever never here. shows the biggest evolution in Hellcat Speedracer’s sound or songwriting?

It's more confident, has more depth and shows we are finding our own sound. Looking back on the previous release vs. this, you can tell we aren't choosing the easier step, which is exciting.

What are you most proud of when it comes to the release of forever never here.? Is there a particular song, or is it more a feeling of accomplishment from finishing the EP and creating something you are happy with?

We are always proud of any release we put out. At the end of the day, we are doing this because it's just so fun, so no other feeling than accomplishment on our part

You're taking forever never here. on the road for an Australian tour. What are you most looking forward to about bringing these songs into a live setting?

Playing shows, it's as simple as that. We love getting the room pumping, seeing people dance, and just being the energy. Nothing quite tops that.

For people seeing Hellcat Speedracer for the first time on this tour, how would you describe the band's live experience? Is there anything they should prepare themselves for?

Crazy, energetic and just a good old-fashioned dance party.

When it comes to touring, what are the three essentials Hellcat Speedracer requires to get through a run of shows?

Headphones, laptop and Panadol

Once the Australian tour wraps up, what's next for Hellcat Speedracer? Are you already thinking about where forever never here. might lead the band creatively?

 We are always thinking about the next era - stay tuned ;)

Catch Hellcat Superstar performing at the Ed Castle on Thursday 12 November. Tickets on sale at hellcatspeedracer.com. forever never here. is out now. Listen here.