Hello everyone, I'm your host and today, I'm excited to share with you an insightful conversation I had with the talented musician, Kenny Hughes. We delved into his songwriting process, his musical evolution, and his experiences as a traveling musician.
The Art of Songwriting: A Puzzle to Solve
Kenny's approach to songwriting is as unique as his music. It all starts with a guitar line that inspires him. He records himself jamming and singing random things over it, then listens back to pick out the parts he likes. He likens building a song to solving a puzzle, sometimes it happens quickly, and other times it takes longer to be satisfied with the result.
Interestingly, Kenny doesn't just sit down and write the lyrics to a full song. It always starts with the guitar for him. When asked how he knows when a song is finished, he humorously responds that no song is ever truly finished, they are only abandoned. However, he does consider certain length parameters, especially if he wants his songs to be played on the radio. He aims for a duration of around three to three and a half minutes, but if a song feels too long, he will edit and cut out unnecessary parts.
A Blues Man at Heart
Kenny describes himself as a blues man. While some of his previous singles leaned towards funk and rock, his latest song "Last Stand" brings him back to his roots in blues. The song has a bluesy intro that feels right to him, and it incorporates a riff he has been playing for years.
Kenny's attraction to the blues started as a young boy. He loved any guitar-heavy song with a blues influence. It wasn't until his teens that he discovered the label for the music he resonated with.
Success, Determination, and Staying True to Oneself
Kenny's success in his career, including reaching number one on the charts, having features and chart entries in various countries, and being a finalist in music awards, is attributed to happenstance and determination. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and finding one's own voice as a musician.
The Music Scene in South Africa and Beyond
Kenny discusses the music scene in South Africa and the challenges faced by local bands in gaining international recognition. He expresses his admiration for the talent of local bands and their ability to inspire with their music. However, he notes that the genres that achieve the most success in South Africa are those that require less technical skill, such as Afrikaans pop music.
The Life of a Traveling Musician
Being a traveling musician, Kenny sees it as a symbol of freedom. He enjoys the independence of being his own boss and the success that comes from his hard work. However, he acknowledges that this freedom comes at a cost, as he often misses important family events and has to adapt to unfamiliar places while on the road.
Performing Across Borders: Best and Worst Gig Experiences
Kenny had a positive experience performing in Namibia, finding the people to be more open, receptive, and hospitable towards him as a foreign musician. He received good support and had a great time there, expressing his desire to return soon.
His best gig experiences include opening for Jeremy Loops in Bloemfontein and a sold-out theater show in Pretoria. These experiences make it easier for Kenny to stay true to his passion for music, as they compensate for the less successful gigs.
Defining Success and Future Goals
For Kenny, success means being able to sustain his lifestyle and still enjoy what he does. His ultimate dream is to travel the world, performing at various festivals like Bluesfest, Rock Fests, and Jazz Fest. He envisions going from festival to festival, with a few small gigs in between, and considers that to be a fulfilling and happy life.
The Intersection of Work and Money in the Music Industry
Kenny expresses his belief that making money in the music industry doesn't feel like work to him. He finds it enjoyable and compares it to other career paths where he has experienced the effort required to earn a living. Despite the challenges, Kenny finds music incredibly fun and believes it should be considered a privilege to do what he loves for a living.
In conclusion, Kenny Hughes is not just a musician, but a storyteller who uses his guitar and lyrics to share his journey. His passion for music, his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to staying true to himself are truly inspiring. As he continues to evolve and grow as an artist, we can't wait to see where his musical journey takes him next.
