The world needs more bands like HATARI – three young people who have cast off the eternally grinning, pastel-hued, insta-smoothie sensibilities of their generation in favour of leather, fags and booze.
Their rock-metal sound might not be for everyone, but despite what some unimaginative journalists have said (we won’t name any names) it’s not just senseless jumping around and screaming – they’re interesting, original, politically switched on, and they’re truly trying to say something with their music. Jess Glynne, take note.
Already well known in their native Iceland, they’ve commanded international attention this year as Eurovision’s wildcard entry.
We stormed around Soho’s back alleys with them and talked about the unique beauty of BDSM and dismantling the global apparatus that is capitalism. Just another Wednesday!
For people who don’t know HATARI – describe yourselves in one sentence.
Hatari is an award-winning Icelandic anti-capitalist BDSM-inspired collective of doomsday poetry/techno performance artists.
Of course. You’re from Iceland! Tell us a bit about society there.
Icelanders are, as the rest of the world, naive to the blunders of the capitalist socio-economic system. But we have geothermal swimming pools, so we can sedate ourselves in a warm, geothermal pool in the company of family and friends until doomsday arrives.
How is it being fabulous goths in Iceland? Do people judge you?
There are conservatives here like everywhere else, so yes. They lurk mainly on online forums and comment sections, but every once in a while you will see them out in broad daylight. Some have concluded from our influences both from BDSM aesthetics and metal that we worship Satan. This is of course a gross misunderstanding, but excellent PR nonetheless.
What are your views on Tel Aviv?
Inhabitants of Tel Aviv, we believe, make it all too easy for themselves to ignore the fact that there is an illegal military occupation taking place in their country, and that they live in a state that is based upon systematic discrimination against Palestinians. To perform in Tel Aviv is a hugely political affair, not least of all because of the legitimate and hugely popular call to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest, whether the performer recognises this fact or not. We also hear that the nightlife in Tel Aviv is quite lively.
Your look is quite fetishy – are you guys involved in the fetish scene at all?
We are but three naive young heterosexual middle class boys that for some reason have come to appreciate the unique beauty of BDSM. The fact that the fetish scene in Iceland took us in with open arms and even collaborated with us on one of our videos was both an honour and a privilege. They had much to teach us about the many faces of consent and urged us to remember that consent is key whilst experimenting with our gear at home. Then they lit us on fire, tied us up to the ceiling and whipped us repeatedly in the name of art. It was a day to remember.
Do you think attitudes in general are becoming more progressive towards sex and fetish?
We certainly hope so. Reading about more progressive views about same-sex marriage, for example, does inspire hope. Perhaps the fetish scene hasn’t had the same kind of media attention, but we do believe progress is being made. That being said, we have a long way to go.
On a personal note, we have always believed that everyone should have a right to be who they are, no matter how they are. Our views have only gotten stronger after our collaboration with the Icelandic fetish scene and our artistic ties with BDSM.
Eurovision is usually all about colourful and camp so you’ll definitely be bringing something different – how do you think it’ll be received?
The reception will probably be as varied as the audience.
And finally – what are your plans for the future?!
Our plans are to dismantle the global apparatus that is capitalism. And play some more shows in countries where there isn’t an illegal occupation currently taking place.
HATARI are competing in this year’s Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday 18th May, from 8pm GMT. Follow them on Instagram @hatari_official
