IndieShark Music News, Reviews & Interviews
Hecojeni’s new single is the aptly titled Human Race, a particularly pertinent title given the semi-dystopian sociopolitical landscape. In true, artistic fashion, Hecojeni is unapologetically throwback, providing a raw, acoustic sound harkening back to the two-thousands, when autotune and electronic manipulation wasn’t the norm, and a heavy-handed beat didn’t throw one automatically onto Billboard 40. Hecojeni is a unique music project, birthed by two college friends. The utilization of the internet for mass circulation without a major label, and the somewhat ambiguous nature of the song packaging feels like a modern-day variant of the tactics utilized by The Residents.
There’s a sense Hecojeni has sights on competing as a fully realized act all on its own, and as brilliantly demonstrated by many internet personalities and acts, has a fighting chance in an era when alternative media is increasingly embraced. If Hollywood being usurped by Silicon Valley is ongoing, the music industry has already become synonymous with technological innovation. It seems like almost yesterday Limewire downloads made the average consumer of popular music a pariah. Now, it’s legal by way of a similar, legitimized platform called Spotify. But more and more clicks, not purchases lead the way to long-term, commercialized success. To a certain degree, artistic merit is back in fashion, with acts like Hecojeni leading that charge.
“Come behind the curtain with Hecojeni. On our Patreon, you’ll hear unreleased demos, read lyric drafts, and see how the songs come to life—before the world ever does. It’s raw, real, and sometimes a little rough. But that’s where the magic lives,” the duo writes on their website, under a banner titled Not Everything Makes It to the Stage. In another passage, a summarization of Hecojeni’s inception reads as follows: “…Jeff and Heath’s story began at Auburn University in Alabama, where their friendship took root.
From 1988 to 1994, they formed the backbone of The Chillbumps—Jeff on bass, Heath on guitar and backup vocals. They brought their unique blend of alternative rock to countless gigs, creating music that resonated deeply with fans across the Southeast…After The Chillbumps, Jeff moved to Atlanta, pursuing a career in IT and exploring music under aliases like AudioSpam2.0 and BuddhaFi. Heath took a different path, joining the Marines after 9/11 and serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
His post-military years were marked by deep introspection and resilience, as he navigated life’s challenges and embraced his evolving identity. Though their journeys diverged, the call of music always lingered, setting the stage for their eventual reunion…Reunited in 2022, Jeff and Heath’s creative spark reignited instantly. Their first track, Catch Me When I Fall, explored themes of love and trust, paving the way for a prolific collaboration. With 24 original songs now recorded, including Christmas Lost Today on the Rockin’ the Holidays compilation, they’re sharing their music through SoundCloud and podcasts. Hecojeni is just getting started.”
I would concur. And dare I say it, I’m already a fan. Hecojeni is the kind of musical act I’ve been hungry to see, for quite some time.
Mark Druery
