Causing "Trouble" with Hugo Valentine

Hey, thanks for talking to us. Could you tell us something about yourselves that nobody knows? 
No worries, it's my pleasure! You know, that's a hard one. Though one thing that people maybe don't know is that I used to play classical violin. Whilst I no longer really play, I did play the string parts on my previous single, 'Live Another Day.'

What influences have gone into your sound recently? 
Ah, I've taken inspiration from a few people actually. It's hard to sometimes see or know how influence manifests in my music, but I've been enjoying Shura a lot recently, also Sigrid, Diplo. My vocal coach actually introduced me to a track called 'Evergreen' by Yebba and I've had that pretty much on repeat for the last few weeks.

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A post shared by Hugo Valentine (@hugo_valentine) on Nov 8, 2019 at 12:08pm PST

What does the latest single draw on in terms of subject? 
"Trouble" tackles the topic of mental health in men. I know this topic is talked about more and more now which is truly amazing, but I have seen many people close to me suffering as a result of mental health issues, either directly or indirectly, and it is something that I feel compelled to fly the flag for. Trouble explores the idea that men often find it hard, sometimes even emasculating, to talk about their feelings, particularly with other men, and it addresses the introversion and isolation that results.

Is it part of a larger project, an EP or album? 
It is in fact a single. I actually released a version of this song a little while ago, but from playing it at many shows both with and without the band, it's taken on a whole new guise - I also rewrote some of the chords and lyrics. This version is much more in line with the sound I want to portray, and I feel it is paving the way for what is to come.

Do you feel like your city influences your sound at all? 
Totally! I drive to the studio every day, so a lot of my stimulation comes from driving across town, seeing people, hearing sounds, and being a driver in London really makes me feel a part of the city. I actually drive everywhere, to all my shows, sessions, etc., so I really feel in touch with the city at all times, I also get the chance to see it at all stages of it's daily life!

What do fans have to look forward to over the next few months? 
Well, we played a packed show at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney, London on Tuesday 12th November with the full band. Following that, there will be another single out in early December, and then I will be doing more shows into the new year, where we will be playing some new unreleased material which I've been working on.

Thanks so much to Hugo Valentine for taking the time to answer our interview questions! Be sure to follow him using the links below!

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Ben Beamish

SoundDirect PR