The Working Artist - Hudson K
Meet Hudson K - self-described sound as soulful dark and shiny electro-rock, Hudson K creates their unique and incredible sound by blending classical piano training, pop, electronic, rock, art, and fun.
How did your classical background shape your music now?
Classical training really gave me the physical ability to make the sounds I hear in my head HAPPEN. In other words, I developed what classical players call “technic” to a degree that ideas can just run out of my fingers. I don’t have to stop and think about how to play something…I just have to make critical decisions on what to play.
Classical music itself gave me insight into how melodies and harmonies are constructed. There is not much difference between Beethoven piano sonatas and pop songs. That would take a lot of writing to back up but I think many musicians would agree the use of primary triads, tension and release, and the harmonization of melodies in both genres are similar.
From listening to and dissecting the “great” composers I have discovered a wealth of information that I sub-consciously impart into my own writing. I learned the language of music from Bach, Chopin and Shostakovich, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff etc.
I also learned that I am more interested in textures. I cannot produce what I hear in my head with a piano alone. That’s why I build instruments in Ableton Live and use samples and looping in my set. I think this allows us to bring the music alive! And we sound like a full band even though there are only 2 of us.
Tell us about your new project, and how people can help.
I received an email from producer Jason Rubal stating his intention to make our next record. I really appreciated his forthrightness and honesty. He has worked with artists I have been following for years; The Dresden Dolls, Bitter Ruin, Bird Eats Baby, and more. I took the initiative to put things in motion and launched our Indiegogo campaign before all the songs were even done. I still have 1 left to write at this point, but I’m optimistic. I feel like our hometown is behind us and our music is beginning to leak out into the region. After a lifetime of dedication to music I feel like this is time for it to spill out and over the little pond it’s been living in for the last 5 years.
People can help by pre-ordering the record. We are only pressing 100 copies in vinyl, and a very limited edition run on CD. I’m skeptical about the future of the little plastic CD and this is an experiment. So far more people have ordered vinyl than anything else and we are almost SOLD OUT!
How do your fans, friends, and fellow artist communities contribute to the vision of Hudson K?
Hudson K has become a community effort. I have been overwhelmed with support from photographers, videographers, designers, makeup artists, dancers and even aerialists! I opened my hear and mind to the possibility of collaboration and magic continues to explode all over Knoxville. Our productions at home have become bigger and better every time. We hope to be able to take some of this on the road with us. Now is the time!
Pre-order: www.indiegogo.com/hudsonk
Website: www.hudsonkmusic.com
Free download: www.hudsonk.bandcamp.com
