Hunter Oliveri Shares "SCUM"
Hunter Oliveria is only 18 years old, but he is already creating a great deal of buzz in the music industry. Oliveria’s music takes inspiration from the great alt-rock of the 90s and injects his youthful snotty rebelliousness. His latest track, “SCUM” is a gritty and angst-filled song that challenges herd conformity.
"'SCUM' is about how people are sheep and do whatever they are told. From a young age, people are brainwashed and taught they have to do certain things in life, whether it's going to college and getting a steady job, or even stereotypes people have held on them. Nobody has a mind for their own anymore and everybody just does what they are told."
- said Oliveri
“SCUM” follows Oliveri’s previous releases “Novocain,""Stranger,""Dumb,” and “Spiraling Out.” Fans have taken to Oliveria’s take on alt-rock. Oliveri cites among his influences, bands such as Soundgarden, the Smashing Pumpkins, and Weezer. According to Oliveria, he was raised on 90s music.
"I was probably four years old when I first heard 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' around my parents’ house. I never knew the name of the song but every time I heard it, I'd be like, shit, it's that song. It would give me this majestic feeling."
- said Oliveri
Music was Oliveria’s way of dealing with the banality of suburban life. There isn’t much to do growing up in Paso Robles, CA. The town is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles but lacks the hipness of both cities.
"It's a boring city, but we make the most of it. We'll go skating or hang out and smoke. And anyway, it's fun to go moshing in someone's basement."
- said Oliveri
Oliveri writes hard-rocking songs about partying and passionate ballads about infatuation and heartbreak. Although still young, Oliveri manages to fit a lot of introspection into his music, often commenting on the struggles of growing up.
"I like writing stories about worlds I'd want to live in, which made my own world seem so much bigger."
- said Oliveri
Oliveri was discovered through a serendipitous encounter at a coffee shop with the father of a local producer while only 14. Although admitting how fortunate that meeting was, Oliveri insists he got this far through hard work and diligence.
"I've been so incredibly lucky, but I've manifested this, too. I've always known writing music would be my life, I just had to make it happen. It was hard to find kids around my city that played instruments and wanted to be in a band, but I've been writing songs every day in my bedroom since I was maybe 13 years old. It takes me to a different place."
- said Oliveri
Oliveri is already aware of the power of music and is devoted to sharing that sense of community with other misfits like himself.
"I want to bring people into my world through my music. I want people to feel something when they listen to my music, and to relate to me, and for me to be a friend and an outlet for them."
- said Oliveri
