Killers and Demons
Author Julie Hiner Talks Thrash Track
By Ryan Dyer
Heavy metal and murder mysteries collide in Julie Hiner’s series of books under her Killers and Demons umbrella. The Calgary-based author’s newest novel, Thrash Track, is the latest in the Detective Mahony series– each book heavily referencing music from the decade it takes place in and each featuring morbid slayings that are in need of solving. Following the book release party, which featured a performance and video release by glam band Lynx, I caught up with Hiner to chat about her new book and career up to this point.
Absolute Underground: You told me that for your first Killers and Demons book, you had some anxiety about its release. What were some of your concerns?
Julia Hiner: I thought it was too fucking weird! A serial killer with a glam rock fetish and murder scenes that emulated late ‘80s hard rock videos… I couldn’t stop writing it, but I wondered if anyone would understand it or even read it.
AU: When writing Final Track, did you intend it to spawn into a series of tales (the Detective Mahoney series)?
JH: No. I gave myself a two year time period to write, produce, and launch Final Track. Learning to write fiction, and to free write without overt thinking, took me most of that first year. Once things started to flow and I began to find my voice, I didn’t stop. The final scene of Final Track came to me (after a suggestion given to me) and the next book came spilling out. Once I opened up my imagination and trusted my gut… it all dripped out onto the page. I felt compelled to continue the series.
AU: Your Killers and Demons book release parties combine music and literature. The addition of metal bands performing differs from “traditional” book release events. What was the inspiration behind doing it this way?
JH: I was told by early supporters how visual my writing was, how they felt like they were in the world of the story. This reaction fed my already strong desire to take the audience to the lip of the stage in a dive joint at a sweaty, head banging concert. I felt like it was the only way to welcome the debut novel into the world.
Final Track was launched at Vern’s with a killer performance by Noize Boyz– an ‘80s metal tribute. Each year I strive to evolve the launch party. This year, the launch of Thrash Track brought my ultimate vision alive.
AU: For Thrash Track you’ve created a soundtrack with the help of thrash band Hazzerd. For these two songs, you penned the lyrics. It reminds me of when Stephen King had AC/DC write “Who Made Who” for his Maximum Overdrive film. What was the spark that made this idea come into fruition?
JH: Since I started writing the first book, Final Track, I’ve wanted a custom designed soundtrack for each one. Each of my books is a complete fusion of music and storytelling. Specific styles of music and songs fuel the plot and shape the characters. Books and music are equally important to me; I can’t live without either.
My dream of a soundtrack came true because of a talented and generous person– Cody Anstey. He took the time to look at my books and to hear my vision of the accompanying soundtracks. He managed and produced the Thrash Track soundtrack and brought my writing skills together with the amazing musical talent of Hazzerd.I will be working on soundtracks for future books, and possibly going back and adding soundtracks to the other books. I would also love to write lyrics for bands, and plan to pursue that.
AU: You have stated that the first season of True Detective was a big influence on your style of detective writing. Another influence is Rob Zombie’s movies. Of course, Ed Gein was an influence on the Skin Peeler character in Thrash Track. What were some of your other influences going into this project?
JH: Thrash Track had several critical influences. I wanted the worlds of the detective and killer to literally collide. The detective is very thrash metal while the serial killer is rap with a hint of grunge. I wanted a piece of music where two genres collided. A friend reminded me of “Children of the Korn”, an Ice Cube and Korn collaboration from the late ‘90s inspired by Stephen King’s Children of the Corn. The peak of the plot is driven by this collision of styles.
I was also highly inspired by Brian Bowyer and Kristopher Triana– two horror authors with strong and bold voices. They don’t hold back. They don’t question what someone will think. I read their books and fueled my confidence and my own bold style. When I watch or read something crazy, I love it. I want my readers to get amped up the same way.
AU: Your next work should see the characters in the 2000s. What bands/subcultures do you have in mind for this era?
JH: OK, so… I thought that might be the case. I mean, Thrash Track ends just after Halloween of 1999, but… I recently had a big aha moment about the next book. It just might leave 1999 with a big bang. There’s some seriously great inspiration in technical events (my detectives always have a computer wiz at hand) and musical influences from that time. I am still working out the music, however, I will spill a couple things. The story is about a young woman (not quite 18) living with her grandfather. He has a torture dungeon, and his favorite “tool” is the iron maiden. So, take that as a hint. However, the young girl also needs her music and that part is not solidified yet.
As for Stella, my metal head detective, she will always love Rob Zombie, but she will have a musical evolution. 1999 has some great potential candidates– Rage Against the Machine, Danzig, Cannibal Corpse, to name a few. She’ll find her way to her metal heroine for sure. When the series does officially move into the 2000s… we’ll deal with it then.
