Casey’s Lightning 100 DJ Pick of The Week this week is “Here” by Hothead Wave!
Nashville’s very own Hothead Wave has given us her second single, another hard-hitting banger in anticipation of her debut EP. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Lizzy Cruz has been able to actualize her vision in Nashville. A testament to Nashville’s growing range of opportunities for heavier and angstier artists, Cruz’s fuzzed-out riff fest feels like an authentic product of the city itself. Hothead Weave wasted no time hitting the floor in 2023, frequenting local bills immediately upon releasing “Too Much,” their debut single. Since then, the outfit has been climbing the ranks of venues, selling T-shirts, and hanging with crowds, old school style. This ambition only makes sense, as Cruz recently admitted she hadn’t played a show for 8 years. “Here” is a welcome addition to Hothead Wave’s live repertoire.
For a song about being silenced, it’s only fitting that the instrumental bursts in at max volume. The crunch of the guitars and the crisp production on Cruz’s vocals conjure noisy garages and graffiti-clad skate parks. The tempo is perfect jumping speed, a sure fire show-opening freak-out. However, “Here” at its core is a confessional with, at times, an anthemic feel. The bridge of the song sees the narrator go from a simmer to a boil, with seething chord changes and a release of some of the relatable rage built up in the verses. Cruz’s vocal talent and production skills are equally impressive on this one. “Here,” in short, is a solid statement piece for a burgeoning Nashville rock group.
After a huge 2024, it seems Hothead Wave is taking a short break to focus on completing their debut EP. Having played their first headlining show at The Basement, opened for Nashville notables like Lilly Hiatt and Tayls, and released two impressive singles, the year has been more than kind to Cruz and company. The group has released two visualizers for “Here” and have teased imminent new music and news. Check out the visualizer for “Here” below, and listen for the track on Lightning 100!
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear “Here” by Hothead Wave, Casey’s DJ Pick of the Week! Share your thoughts on the track by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter!
