By: Rebecca Haines
OTTAWA – Canadian Punk Rapper Dead Hendrix says his latest hit single, “Till We Die,” deserved its own space on digital media platforms when he released it this spring.
Known as “Hendi” among his friends and fanbase, this Ottawa native artist is working on his introductory mix tape titled “Talking2TheDead,” but “Till We Die” doesn’t belong on it. Its radically different sound – comparative to Opium Records and MGK’s XX label – boldly stands on its own, and Hendi could not be more excited about it.
“It’s a little less Punk than the ones I want on the mix tape,” Hendi said. “The mix tape has a rough and unrest sound. It’s about that certain style, getting everything out there with heavy lyrics that have more meaning. ‘Till We Die’ is smoother on all levels – production, voice, just a whole different vibe altogether. I mean, I love them all, but I want them all to fit a certain way.”
The unique project evolved into an exploratory mission that dove into the complexity of relationships. Hendi said there wasn’t a solid topic he wished to grind on – “Till We Die” manifested from the heart.
“It makes sense to me, looking back on it now,” he said. “Unlike other artists, I got into music from the writing side of it … I just wait for that spark and then use it while I got it.”
It was that spark that revved up last year’s single, “Mustang,” which hit 150K on Spotify and is still rolling. Hendi says that the track will hold a place on “Talking2TheDead” when it’s released near the 2025 New Year season. Listeners will also hear an underrated single from his earlier releases that need to be brought back to life, plus the harmony that inspired the title and Hendi’s new Instagram handle.
“The mix tape will have a song I’ve been sitting on for a long time – just waiting for the best time to release it,” he said. “There’s a line that says, ‘I feel alive when I talk to the dead,’ and it captured my attention. I don’t know why, just something about it that captures my imagination. This mixtape is going to be a great intro to Dead Hendrix.”
In the meantime, Hendi has been lighting up stages across the U.S. and his hometown of Ottawa. Last year’s five-city tour was a tremendous success, and Hendi says it’s incredible to watch his dreams unfold.
“It’s going really well,” he said through a smile. “It’s been so cool to see the numbers climb, hear from new people and know that we’ve inspired other artists. My best friend and collaborator, Levi Zaboff, and I have been wanting this for such a long time; it’s just surreal to see it starting to happen for the movement of Punk Rap.”
Three years into his music career, Hendi has already worked with some big names, such as 3MFrench and Nell, who will appear on “Talking2TheDead.” In return, Hendi will be heard on Nell’s track “Redrum” off his upcoming release, “Tupace Juice.”
Born Gavin Kratt, Dead Hendrix spent some time in his youth on the streets and moving in and out of shelters. He said his natural Punk style earned him the nickname “Hendrix” in his neighborhood.
“I had piercings, tattoos, painted nails – I always loved Punk,” he said. “When I got started in music and was searching for a name, I just remember loving the Dead Kennedys. They used the death of a huge Pop icon, and that was super bold and edgy and Punk. Dead Hendrix fit perfectly as a Punk-influenced rapper … My rough times are a huge part of my music. I get messages from people who say they really relate to my lyrics. Like them and my friends – they’ve lived it, too. It puts them in the song. I know at a younger age, if I heard my story in a song I would have felt more represented.”
Stay connected to Dead Hendrix on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts. Find him through these platforms: his website, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Published by: Khy Talara
