Classic rock gets a mighty modern makeover via the punchy new track RIDE from Melbourne youngsters INSTYNKT. An upbeat anthem for positive self-belief set against rock and roll served straight up, RIDE also comes belting in today with an accompanying music video, marking the band’s first ever official music video released into the wild. We caught up with Charlie from Instynkt to learn more about the band

Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with Hear 2 Zen, what have you been up to today?

No dramas. I’ve just woken up actually. But probably just going to watch the footy with some mates.

Tell us about yourself, how long have you been performing/creating music for? 

We’ve all been making music since a pretty young age. I’ve (Charlie) been playing music since I was about 7 or 8 and writing since I was 12, I think the other boys are the same. 

Who are your greatest inspirations?  Why?

For me my big ones are Liam Gallagher, Michael Hutchence and Jim Morrison. To be the best you have to learn from the best as they say, I think those 3 set the standard.

How do you create music?  Are you lyrics/story driven, or does the music/melody come first?  Explain your process.

I personally have never been able to write without a melody in my head or one that’s already been instrumentalised. If I’m not in love with the way a guitar riff makes me feel then I won’t bother. Anything that doesn’t come naturally is a waste of time. My lyrics aren’t really poetic so it helps to have a canvas of music to write over.

What has been your greatest challenge so far in performing/creating music?

Gaining a foothold in the music scene here in Melbourne. It’s saturated right now with indie rock. Everything sounds the same. I don’t really know why that is. I guess it’s just a trend. But it’ll die out at some point and bands like us will have our turn. Difference is, we have the staying power.

Tell us about your new release, Ride, how did it come about?

I was sat at home bored one day, and I started fleshing out this really basic chord progression, kind of in the style of Bachman-Turner Overdrive. I kept going with it and finished it all in about 15 minutes. 

What advice do you have to artists who are just starting out?

Play the music that you love to play. Don’t try and chase what’s trendy, you’ll end up chasing your own tail. Stay true, find your people, and enjoy it man. 

Tell us your favourite Zen practice.

Get written off at the local after a long week.