Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Simon Hudson
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
The earliest was giving a concert on an old squeezebox at primary school, I had taught myself a few songs by ear and played them for my little friends. I remember being amazed how easy and natural music felt.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It began when I started playing guitar with my mates at high school. We were jamming on Guns and Roses and I felt that ecstasy, and I thought – I want to spend my life doing this.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I love the songwriting of Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon, their poetry and lyricism were huge inspirations for me. So I picked up a guitar and started writing songs. I won an opportunity to tour Germany, and then was signed by German label Songs and Whispers. I’ve now got 6 releases with them and toured Germany 5 times. Then I got the opportunity to tour Cuba, Brazil and recently Japan.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Paul Simon and the Cat Empire jamming on a rooftop in Cuba.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Performing is about being in the moment, not about worrying about how you are coming across to the audience.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My trusty Alhambra nylon-string acoustic, hand-made in Spain. My old red telecaster. My ukelele for strumming anywhere anytime. iPhone voice memos. My tube guitar preamp – a guitar amp in your pocket. My Line6 HX One effects pedal, a tardis of beautiful guitar and vocal effects. Macbook Pro with Logic Pro for tracking and mixing. My looping setup including a Boss RC202, iPad running Loopy Pro, Audibus and a bunch of sound design apps, and an AKAI APC40 MkII controller.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Alessia Cara – album ‘Love and Hyperbole’
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
They have been everything. From my first job as a caretaker that gave me time to just sit quietly and write lyrics. To my incredible luck to live for 2 years in Fiji growing up. From my childhood suffering all kinds of bullying. To my exhilarating experiences touring and meeting people all over the world.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Hope is essential – it must survive. Make wishes for the best of humanity to prevail. Never give up. Fight for your hopes, your family, your friends and your dreams.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
You’re the only one who decides why you do something. Everyone will tell you something different, but if you stay true to your reasons, you will continue doing what you love.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
WOMADelaide – a huge world music festival in the town I grew up in.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Leonard Cohen. Even though I would feel completely unworthy, I would relish the opportunity to work with him – and make him laugh just once.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://www.instagram.com/simonhudsonmusic
https://www.youtube.com/c/SimonHudsonMusic
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I want to make music that blends the most spontaneous aspects of my live electronica show, with the lyricism of my existing work.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I’m full of wise and poetic observations that will make you smile and ache on the inside, in the best way possible.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
Simon Hudson – Highlight Reel
