Sydney’s H3rizon have just taken the next step in their already-impressive career, sharing the instant pop classic that is “Serious” ahead of its official release this week.
Having already released a handful of dancefloor-ready hits this year by way of “In the Name of Love” and “Arcade”, “Serious” feels like the next logical move for the trio – which comprises Bernadette Marquez (Bernie), Taylah Albert (Taya) and Gabrielle Montalbo (Gabby).
Composed like a classic pop hit that could very well have been plucked from the mid-’00s, bouncy synths and slick vocal hooks add a vibrancy to the mix of what is already a kaleidoscopic gem thanks in part to its accompanying music video. Directed by Rowena and Joel Rasmussen of JTOWN CREATIVE, the clip sees H3rizon as television stars, with Gabby as a weatherwoman, Bernie a workout instructor, and Taya as a chef, showcasing the sort of ubiquitous status these soon-to-be iconic artists will eventually have.
“With Tay’s RnB background, Gabby’s classical music influences and Bernie’s production skills, we found ourselves ultimately drawn to each other to form a ‘new’ girl group that encompassed all of our expertise,” H3rizon explain of what makes them work.
“As a group, we want to follow in the footsteps of Destiny’s Child, TLC, Chloe x Halle, and Little Mix. Their connection with each other and the amount of work they put into their craft is something we want to emulate ourselves.”
In addition to the chart-topping potential held by “Serious”, H3rizon also hold the distinction of becoming the first signees to BlockPlay, a new digital NFT label which will see artists make money via a series of NFTs being made available. Label co-founder WILSONN (Wilson Olegasegarem) made headlines just last month when he sold an interactive music video filter for US$44,000.
With Olegasegarem working alongside Monegraph, a company specialising in blockchain technology which powers the trading of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) online, he explains that last month’s head-turning sale indicated that they were on the precipice of launching something that could make a huge difference in artist’s lives.
“We are the first digital label powered by the blockchain to introduce a smart NFT contract for each single or EP deal we offer and sign, and our platform also sets up and runs the auctions for the NFT drop campaigns for artists too,” he explains. “We are also the only platform in the world that offers the media rights contract baked in the blockchain that protects both the buyer and the seller being the artist.”
“Our team are all creatives – it is in our nature to show the world there is another way to view every situation,” explains H3rizon’s manager and producer Phil Anquetil. “It’s not surprising that we are releasing this single with BlockPlay – a company that is willing to push the boundaries of this digital age.
“H3rizon will be one of the first-ever artists completely powered by the blockchain… We’re no longer relying on the major labels to take a risk on our amazing artists – we’re allowing savvy fans and followers the opportunity to invest in digital art / NFT, based on what they see as its potential.”
While it remains to be seen just how much attention their signing to BlockPlay will bring towards H3rizon, it’s clear that with tracks like “Serious” under their collective belts, it won’t be the last you hear of this stunning musical outfit.
H3rizon’s “Serious” is officially released on Wednesday, August 11th.
