Hard Life
The hard life denotes the protracted difficulties arising from habitual selection of immediate gratifications and avoidance of discomfort, which compound into chronic struggles in health, finances, relationships, and personal fulfillment. This concept is succinctly captured in the maxim "Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life," originated by Polish-American powerlifter and author Jerzy Gregorek, a four-time world champion in master's weightlifting who immigrated to the United States and built a philosophy around disciplined living.[1] Gregorek's formulation highlights causal mechanisms where short-term ease—such as neglecting exercise, overspending, or evading skill-building—erodes long-term capacity, whereas upfront investments in rigor yield compounding advantages like robust physical condition and financial security. The principle aligns with empirical observations from behavioral economics and psychology, where delayed gratification correlates with superior outcomes; for instance, participants in the Stanford marshmallow experiment who resisted temptation as children later exhibited higher SAT scores, better educational attainment, and improved life measures. Longitudinal data further substantiate that self-regulatory practices, rather than mere socioeconomic starting points, predict sustained success across diverse populations, countering narratives overemphasizing external barriers while underplaying individual volition. In practice, adopting a hard life orientation—through routines of deliberate discomfort—fosters antifragility, enabling adaptation to adversities that otherwise overwhelm those habituated to ease.History
Formation and early releases
hard life, formerly known as Easy Life, originated in Leicester, England, where frontman Murray Matravers assembled the group in mid-2017.[2] Matravers, who handled vocals, keyboards, and trumpet, drew from local gigging scenes without prior formal musical backgrounds for most members, recruiting school friend Sam Hewitt on bass and Moog, drummer Oliver Cassidy, and additional contributors Lewis Berry and Jordan Birtles to form the initial five-piece lineup.[3] [4] The band's debut single, "Pockets", arrived on 10 November 2017 through independent label Chess Club Records, marking their entry into the indie pop landscape with a blend of bedroom pop and rap elements.[5] Its inclusion on the FIFA 19 video game soundtrack amplified early visibility, contributing to organic streaming growth.[6] Building on this, Easy Life signed with major label Island Records in 2018, following a series of self-released demos and local performances that honed their eclectic sound.[7] Subsequent early output included singles like "Headphones Babies" and "Frankenstein" in 2018–2019, which showcased Matravers's introspective lyrics over funk-infused production, though they remained cult favorites rather than immediate hits.[8] By late 2019, tracks such as "Nightmares" began garnering broader radio play and playlist placements, setting the stage for their first extended project, the mixtape/EP Junk Food, released on 10 January 2020, which topped the UK vinyl charts.[8]Breakthrough and major albums
The band's breakthrough came with their debut studio album, life's a beach, released on 28 May 2021 through Island Records, which peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and spent three weeks in the top 40.[8] [9] The album built on earlier mixtapes by incorporating themes of escapism and introspection, featuring singles such as "Ocean View" and "Daydreams" that highlighted frontman Murray Matravers' soulful vocals and the group's blend of indie pop and R&B elements.[10] Critical reception praised its polished production and emotional depth, marking a shift from DIY releases to a more expansive sound supported by major-label resources.[11] Following this success, Hard Life (then still operating as Easy Life) released their second studio album, MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE..., on 7 October 2022, which explored personal growth and relational complexities through tracks like "Growing Pains" and collaborations with artists such as Kevin Abstract and Benee.[12] The album maintained the group's signature breezy yet introspective style but incorporated more experimental electronic and funk influences, reflecting Matravers' evolving songwriting amid touring demands.[13] Post-rebranding in June 2024 amid litigation with easyGroup, the band issued their third album, onion, on 18 July 2025 under the Hard Life moniker, delving into themes of hardship, resilience, and layered emotional narratives drawn from recent personal and legal upheavals.[14] This release, their first as Hard Life, featured rawer production and singles like "tears" that signaled a triumphant return, though it received less immediate commercial traction compared to prior efforts.[15]Litigation and rebranding
In 2023, easyGroup, the holding company behind brands such as easyJet and easyBus, initiated legal action against the band then known as Easy Life, alleging trademark infringement due to the similarity of the band's name to their portfolio of "easy"-prefixed trademarks.[2] The dispute centered on easyGroup's claim that the band's use of "Easy Life" could confuse consumers and dilute their established branding, which encompasses over 100 registered trademarks incorporating "easy" in sectors including entertainment and music-related goods.[16] Easy Life's frontman Murray Matravers described the lawsuit as consuming their lives, leading to a prolonged period of uncertainty that halted performances and releases under the original name by October 2023.[17] Facing the prospect of extended litigation, the band opted to rebrand rather than contest the suit in court, a decision influenced by the financial and operational burdens of prolonged legal proceedings.[18] On June 11, 2024, they announced their new identity as Hard Life, with the name chosen as a direct ironic response to the hardships imposed by the dispute, as articulated by Matravers: "Life's been hard, so why not call it Hard Life?"[2] [19] The rebranding coincided with the release of a new single, "Tears," signaling a fresh start, though Matravers noted the economic toll, including lost revenue from touring and merchandise under the prior name.[20] This swift pivot allowed the group to resume activities without further entanglement in the trademark conflict, though it underscored vulnerabilities for independent artists against well-resourced corporate entities enforcing intellectual property rights.[21]Post-rebranding developments
Following the rebranding announcement on June 11, 2024, hard life released their debut single under the new name, "tears", which addressed the legal disputes and personal challenges faced by frontman Murray Matravers.[20][22] The track marked a shift toward more introspective and raw lyricism, reflecting Matravers' experiences with litigation and emotional turmoil.[19] In April 2025, the band announced their third studio album, onion, scheduled for release on July 18 via Island EMI, accompanied by the lead single "othello".[23][24] This was followed in May by another single, "ogre", which previewed the album's themes of vulnerability and resilience.[25] The album's production emphasized layered emotional depth, drawing from Matravers' personal growth amid the rebranding fallout.[15] onion was released digitally on July 18, 2025, comprising 14 tracks and debuting to mixed critical reception; while some praised its honest exploration of pain and recovery, others critiqued its stylistic consistency.[26][27][15] Physical vinyl editions faced delays and partial cancellations due to manufacturing issues, though the digital version achieved streaming availability.[28] To support the album, hard life announced a seven-date UK headline tour in May 2025, commencing October 28 at O2 Academy Leeds and concluding November 10 in Nottingham, with stops including London and Manchester.[25][29] Earlier 2025 festival appearances included Leeds In the Park on May 24 and Truck Festival on July 24.[30] As of October 2025, the band continues live performances under the hard life moniker, signaling a stabilized post-rebranding phase.[31]Musical style and influences
Genre evolution
hard life, formerly known as Easy Life, began with a genre-blending approach rooted in alternative R&B and hip-hop influences, characterized by lo-fi production and eclectic elements such as reggae, jazz, and dub. Formed in 2017 by vocalist Murray Matravers in Leicester, the band's debut mixtape Creature Habits (2018) exemplified this "easygoing" bedroom pop style, featuring relaxed beats and improvisational vibes drawn from Matravers' casual collaborations with classmates on saxophone and bass.[3][12] Early singles like "Pockets" (2017) highlighted British hip-hop tropes with introspective lyrics over minimalistic, vibe-centric instrumentation, establishing a foundation that avoided rigid genre confines.[32] As the band progressed, their sound evolved toward indie pop and funk integrations, incorporating synthy elements and more polished production while retaining hip-hop and R&B cores. The 2021 album life's a bitch expanded on reggae-jazz fusions and upbeat rhythms, blending them with indie sensibilities for a dynamic range that shifted from 1990s hip-hop nods in tracks like "Beeswax" to broader pop experimentation.[33][34] This maturation continued in maybe in another life... (2022), which leaned into confessional songwriting over dreamy chill-hop and indie pop hybrids, fostering a "floaty" yet emotionally layered aesthetic that prioritized vibe over genre purity.[35][17] The band's refusal to adhere strictly to categories—mixing R&B, indie, pop, and funk—allowed creative freedom, as Matravers noted in interviews, evolving from bedroom origins to globetrotting production without abandoning foundational eclecticism.[36][37] Following the 2024 rebranding to hard life amid litigation with easyGroup, the musical evolution emphasized thematic hardening over stylistic overhaul, with indie hip-hop tones persisting but infused with greater emotional depth from personal upheavals like heartbreak and legal battles.[18] The debut single "tears" (2024) and follow-up "Othello" (2025) maintained synthy, genre-defying frameworks but adopted a more compassionate, experience-tempered edge, reflecting Matravers' shift toward rawer narratives.[22][38] The 2025 album onion further exemplifies this, opening with indie hip-hop signatures before delving into matured blends influenced by global elements like Japanese motifs, prioritizing lyrical introspection on grief and growth over the earlier "easygoing" levity.[39][15] This progression underscores a band that has consistently defied genre labels, evolving from improvisational hip-hop roots to a refined, resilient alternative indie pop identity hardened by adversity.[40]Key influences and songwriting
Hard Life's musical influences draw heavily from frontman Murray Matravers' upbringing, incorporating elements of pop from ABBA and the Bee Gees via his mother's tastes, alongside classical music from his father.[41] Hip-hop and jazz emerged as formative genres during Matravers' childhood, shaping the band's genre-blending sound that fuses indie pop, funk, soul, and rap-inflected vocals.[42] [43] Additional inspirations include hip-hop collectives like Odd Future for manic energy and production flair, contributing to the group's colorful, eclectic palette.[44] Post-rebranding, influences expanded to include R&B tones and experimental acoustics, reflecting personal upheavals such as legal battles and relocations, with tracks like "othello" recorded in Japan blending off-kilter elements with hook-driven hip-hop.[45] [46] Songwriting is predominantly led by Matravers, who crafts introspective, confessional lyrics often juxtaposed against rhythmic, upbeat instrumentation, evolving from early genre-hopping experiments to more vulnerable, narrative-driven pieces.[47] [48] Many songs originate spontaneously, written in a single session as ideas "appear out of nowhere," prioritizing honesty over premeditated structure.[49] The process incorporates band collaboration, with members switching instruments fluidly to explore diverse influences, though Matravers handles primary lyricism rooted in personal philosophy and everyday observations.[3] Recent works, including the album onion (released July 2025), draw from geographic and emotional contexts—like Matravers' time in Tokyo—infusing themes of hardship, resilience, and layered introspection tied to the band's litigation experiences.[50] [17] This approach maintains poetic hip-hop beats and jazz flourishes while adapting to darker, more unfiltered expressions post-rebrand.[51]Band members
Current lineup
The current lineup of Hard Life, as of October 2025, features frontman Murray Matravers on lead vocals, synthesizer, keyboards, and trumpet; he founded the band in 2017 and has remained its creative core throughout its evolution from Easy Life.[52] Oliver Cassidy handles drums and percussion, contributing to the band's rhythmic foundation since joining in the early years.[53] Lewis Berry performs on guitar and bass, providing instrumental versatility that supports the group's indie pop and funk elements. Jordan Birtles rounds out the core on percussion and backing vocals, adding textural depth to live and recorded performances. This quartet solidified following the departure of bassist Sam Hewitt in 2024, after which Berry assumed bass duties alongside guitar.[17] The configuration has supported recent releases like the 2025 album Onion and ongoing tours, emphasizing Matravers' songwriting while maintaining a collaborative band dynamic.[50]Former and touring members
Sam Hewitt served as bassist, saxophonist, and backing vocalist from the band's formation in 2017 until his departure in 2024.[17][54] A school friend of frontman Murray Matravers, Hewitt was part of the original lineup that contributed to early releases including the 2018 EP Creature Habits.[17] His exit followed the band's legal disputes and rebranding, during a period when other members temporarily pursued non-musical work.[54] No additional former members or dedicated touring musicians have been documented in official band announcements or major interviews.[17][54]Discography
Studio albums
Onion, the debut studio album by Hard Life, was released on July 18, 2025, through Island EMI.[26][23] Comprising 14 tracks with a total runtime of 32 minutes, the album delves into themes of emotional turmoil, introspection, and recovery, drawing from the band's experiences with legal battles and personal challenges post-rebranding.[15][27] Lead single "othello" preceded the release on April 11, 2025, setting the tone for its raw, layered production.[24] Although digital and streaming versions launched on schedule, physical formats encountered setbacks, including a recall of all variants by the label shortly after announcement, limiting availability to non-physical media.[28][55] Critics noted the album's evolution from prior works, praising its concise song structures and Matravers' vulnerable lyricism amid the band's transitional phase.[27] No further studio albums have been released as of October 2025.[56]Singles and EPs
Hard Life released their first single under the new name, "tears", on June 11, 2024, coinciding with the announcement of their rebranding from Easy Life.[22] The track represented a shift toward more impassioned and triumphant themes in their post-litigation era.[22] On April 9, 2025, they issued "Othello", the second single of this period and the lead for their third studio album Onion, scheduled for July 18, 2025.[38] Prior to the rebrand, the band—operating as Easy Life—debuted with the mixtape-style EP Creature Habits in 2018, featuring early tracks such as "Pockets" and "Frank".[7] Another EP, see you later maybe never (demos), followed on June 25, 2020, comprising demo versions that blended jazz, funk, and pop elements.[57] In November 2023, they put out Blooper Reels, a five-track release functioning as an EP with outtakes and B-sides from prior sessions.[56] The band's singles catalog, largely developed pre-rebrand, includes foundational tracks like "Pockets" (2017), which gained initial online traction, and "Nightmares" (2018).[58] Later singles encompassed "sangria" featuring Arlo Parks (July 10, 2020), from the debut album Junk Food, and "skeletons" (March 26, 2021), a standout from Life's a Beach.[59] Post-2021 outputs included "OTT" (September 16, 2022) and "y3llow bike" (2023), alongside promotional releases like "She Got The Funk" and "crickets!!!" in the lead-up to the rebrand.[60] These singles often charted modestly in the UK, with several reaching the top 100 on the Official Singles Chart.[61]Other releases
In addition to studio albums and singles, Hard Life—formerly known as Easy Life—has issued limited-edition live and session recordings. The Apple Music Home Session: easy life, released on August 28, 2020, comprises two tracks: an acoustic rendition of the band's original song "Nightmares" and a cover of "Just the Two of Us" originally by Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers.[62][63] This remote recording, produced amid COVID-19 restrictions, highlights the band's stripped-down arrangements and vocal harmonies.[64] On April 22, 2023, Easy Life released Live from Abbey Road Studios, a Record Store Day exclusive picture disc featuring live performances of four tracks—"Hateful," "A Message," "20s," and "Perhaps"—from their album Maybe in Another Life....[65][66] Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, the EP captures the band's energetic stage presence with full instrumentation, limited to 1,000 copies on vinyl.[65] No official compilations or full-length live albums have been released as of October 2025, though the band has shared remix projects such as skeletons (Y U QT remix) in 2021, which includes alternate versions of select tracks.[56] Planned EPs like Blooper Reels remain unreleased or partially distributed as singles.[67]Reception
Critical reviews
easy life's debut album life's a beach (2021) garnered favorable critical reception for its blend of sunny pop hooks and introspective lyricism, with reviewers praising its ability to infuse everyday mundanity with poetic wit and emotional depth.[68] DIY Magazine awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting the band's potential as both purveyors of festival-ready tracks and a force addressing social good.[69] The Line of Best Fit gave it 8 out of 10, commending the lyrical flair that transformed mundane observations into comedic and poignant narratives.[68] The follow-up MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE... (2022) elicited mixed responses, with some critics appreciating its ambitious scope and mature optimism amid hazy, soulful explorations of regret and relationships. NME rated it 4 out of 5, noting its twists through youthful mistakes and emotional recollections.[70] The Line of Best Fit echoed this with an 8 out of 10 score, emphasizing impressive features and a sense of growth across its 16 tracks.[71] However, Mancunion described it as mediocre and muddled, arguing it aimed for conceptual ambition but fell short in execution.[72] Following the rebranding to hard life amid legal challenges, the 2025 album onion drew divided opinions, often centering on its raw vulnerability post-hardship versus perceived repetitiveness. Atwood Magazine hailed it as a "hard-won triumph" and "fearless" work, lauding achingly intimate lyrics, innovative production, and emotional honesty across 14 tracks.[15] Album of the Year aggregated a 65% score, characterizing it as "brave, painfully honest" with stark beauty, though not easy listening.[73] In contrast, DIY Magazine critiqued it at 2.5 out of 5, faulting repetitive elements akin to "peeling an onion" that merely reveal more of the same, alongside cloying interludes and jarring lyrics.[27] The Indiependent viewed it as a solid return with standout singles like "tears" and "othello" featuring vibrant beats and wit, yet weighed down by emotional fatigue from lawsuits and underdeveloped tracks.[74]Commercial success
The band's mixtape Junk Food, released on 24 January 2020, debuted at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and topped the Official Vinyl Singles Chart.[8] Its initial sales included over 5,000 units in the midweek chart period, marking an early commercial breakthrough driven by streaming and physical formats.[75] The debut studio album Life's a Beach, issued on 28 May 2021, achieved the band's commercial peak by entering at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, competing closely with Olivia Rodrigo's Sour for the top spot based on strong physical sales.[9] This performance reflected growing popularity, bolstered by singles like "space" and festival appearances, though exact sales figures beyond chart metrics remain undisclosed in public records. Subsequent releases showed diminished chart impact. The second album Maybe in Another Life..., released on 7 October 2022, received critical attention but lacked prominent UK chart entries comparable to prior works, indicating a potential audience plateau amid shifting indie pop trends.[76] Under the rebranded name Hard Life, the 2025 album onion failed to enter the UK Top 100 Albums Chart, suggesting limited commercial traction post-litigation despite promotional efforts.[77] Overall, the band's success has relied more on niche streaming and live revenue than sustained mainstream sales, with no certified million-sellers reported.Awards and nominations
As Easy Life, the band won the Best New British Act award, supported by Nordoff Robbins, at the NME Awards held on 12 February 2020.[78] No further awards or nominations have been received under either the Easy Life or Hard Life name as of October 2025.| Year | Nominee/work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Easy Life | NME Best New British Act | Won[78] |