"We’ve taken the positives and negatives and tried to merge this into something massive."

 NEW EP 'Under the Bridge Live Sessions' RELEASED FRIDAY 15th MAY 2026.

W: Gray Hilton

Emerging from the vibrant coastal swells of Brighton, Hot Juice are more than just another four-piece; they are a sonic cocktail of grit and melody. Frontman Shay Barker, lead guitarist Jude James, bassist Harry Cooper, and drummer Ali Searle have spent three years refining a sound that refuses to sit still. By fusing Barker’s love for 2000s garage rock with classic rock riffs, melancholic Brit-pop, and a surprising dash of metal-head energy, the band has birthed a genre they simply call "Alt-Indie."

"Our main objective is to give people the best time for the cheapest price."

For Hot Juice, the music is a tool for connection. "I think we fit into the raw DIY side of the current music scene," explains Barker. "Our main objective is to give people the best time for the cheapest price. We want to be people's escapism—regardless of whether it’s a rough day or a good one, we want people to be able to lose themselves for 45 minutes and have a few beers along the way!" This grounded, fan-first philosophy has built them a loyal following that thrives on the band’s high-octane live presence.

The band’s chemistry is forged in the fires of pre-show pints and light-hearted bickering. Far from having diva demands, their routine involves meeting early to "just have a laugh" and get into the right headspace. This camaraderie is what saves them when things go south. Barker recalls a recent hurdle in Worthing when drummer Ali was a last-minute no-show: "We all changed instruments on the train ride across... it wasn’t our tightest set, but we had a great crowd who got on board with us and it ended up great."

"We want to be people's escapism… to lose themselves for 45 minutes and have a few beers along the way!"

That spontaneity is now bleeding into their creative process. While Barker used to bring finished songs to the group, the band has shifted towards a more collaborative, "jam-based" approach. "The last year we have been going into the room together and jamming until something magic happens," Barker notes. This evolution is central to their latest project, which was built from isolated riffs and lyrics nurtured by the collective energy of all four members.

The band’s biggest challenge to date has been capturing their lightning-in-a-bottle live energy within the sterile confines of a recording studio. Their solution? The ‘Under the Bridge Live Sessions’ EP. Heavily influenced by the swagger of Oasis, the textures of Kasabian, and the modern bite of Fontaines D.C., the new record is an intentional effort to "bridge the gap" between their stage show and the speakers.

"This is the EP I have been most excited about to date. We have listened to feedback... and tried to merge this into something massive with our most complete and energetic sound yet."

As 2026 unfolds, fans can expect a band that is growing up without losing its edge. Hot Juice are currently busy recording their next EP for the autumn, with a full-length album slated for the end of the year. While the high energy remains, they are beginning to lean into vulnerability. "We’re starting to add a few slower and more vulnerable songs," Barker reveals. "It feels like the music is maturing and getting stronger." With a packed touring schedule ahead, Hot Juice are ready to prove that whether it's through a DIY riot or a melodic anthem, they are the essential soundtrack to your next great night out.

"We’ve come to brand the sound as Alt-Indie, but we like to just be Hot Juice."