New generations are nowadays exposed to so many influences that their music is the reflection of a melting-pot of many genres. New artist Hush, based in Los Angeles, can easily be compared to Prince and Blood Orange as his debut track “Easy” represents the idea of innovation.
Coming from a family where classic rock was as appreciated as motown and pop, his debut is his first complete attempt to charm us after working on many demos. After moving from the rural outskirts of the Bay Area to Los Angeles, he started working on how to showcase his music and the result is something, that for us Europeans, sounds like the west coast: sun, love and experiences. The newcomer took some time to discuss with us his inspirations, new track and what we can expect from him in the future.
Highclouds: Can you introduce yourself to our readers who don’t know you yet?
We go by HUSH, I go by Leben West, you can call me whatever you want, I’m not picky.
How did you start making music?
I started playing when I inherited my mothers piano. I was 10-11 years old? I can’t remember now. My adoptive mother gifted me some Fleetwood Mac tapes (yes tapes), and I’ve been playing and writing ever since. It’s similar with all the other guys (and gal) they’ve been playing and writing since they were old enough to hold a guitar.
What can you tell us about your debut song “Easy”?
“Easy”? It’s funny cause until now I’ve never had to explain the nature of the songs to anyone and more and more I’m finding myself having to divulge what it’s all about. “Easy” is about a lot of things, losing my virginity, my first car, never knowing exactly what to say. It’s about being 17 above all else. I suspect a lot of people know the feeling. We recorded the song with our producer/foster parent Bob Curtin. If we are the body of the car, then he’s the bells and whistles.
How did you pick your artist name?
The name- I’ve always wanted anything musical I’m doing to be associated with a moniker. One word, simple, think Cher, Madonna, Prince, etc. HUSH is a word that kept coming up during my hedonistic period of life adjusting to Los Angeles. In particular a girl once whispered that to me while we were falling asleep. It stuck with me.
“Go easy on me” – Hush on “Easy”
Where do you find your inspirations?
My father listened to disco and motown, my mom listened to classic rock. Musically those are where my roots lie. Nowadays, it ranges anywhere from Carol King to Migos, I’m pretty hard to nail down. I think it translates in the songs.
What can we expect from you in the future?
We just got done playing a series of shows in Los Angeles. Right now we’re getting back in the studio to put a record together. It could be six songs, it could be ten, we are just gonna feel it out and see what happens. Regardless, you’ll have something more substantial to listen to early summer, and a number of opportunities to see us play them live. That is most I can say right now.
Do you have any song to recommend us right now?
Listen to “Work” by Charlotte Day Wilson. Canada keeps pumping out killer artists, she’s one of em.
You can follow Hush over Soundcloud, Instagram and Twitter.
Living in Brussels.
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