The Sit Down with Alex Hughes
One of Canada’s rising stars in the country music scene, Alex Hughes, has recently released her newest single Break All The Way. This release is Alex’s first in two years and follows on from the news that she has now teamed up with Phase Entertainment Group to support this and future releases. We caught up with Alex to find out more about the release, teaming up with Phase Entertainment and also to be a little jealous as she prepares to play the Nashville North Stage at this years Calgary Stampede
I’ve got to start off with the main event that abouts to kick off this weekend in Calgary - The Calgary Stampede – and you get to play Nashville North.
Yeah, it's exciting. It's a fun stage and it’s nice to get invited back to that one. It's very flattering to be invited back and hopefully that means we're putting on a good show. It's always a lot of fun.
Does it add any pressure being that hometown main event, which is the pinnacle summer events there in the city?
I think because I grew up in Calgary and I grew up singing at the Stampede, to me it has always been about performing. It's an honour to get to play the big show, but I think it would almost be weirder if I wasn't playing! It's what I do every year and I’ll always find a way to get involved somehow – I’ll just invite myself
Has the experienced changed for you much over the last few years that you’ve been releasing music?
Yeah, you know, what's been really cool, especially with the new music that's starting to come out now, is gauging the audience's reaction to that. At Nashville North, we get to play a mix of covers and some of our originals and last year I really felt like the originals were connecting almost as much as some of the cover songs. That's a pretty special feeling to get to play those songs on that big of a stage, and then actually feel the audience connect with them is it's really cool. It's reassuring that I'm headed in the right direction musically
I’ve got to start off with the main event that abouts to kick off this weekend in Calgary - The Calgary Stampede – and you get to play Nashville North.
Yeah, it's exciting. It's a fun stage and it’s nice to get invited back to that one. It's very flattering to be invited back and hopefully that means we're putting on a good show. It's always a lot of fun.
Does it add any pressure being that hometown main event, which is the pinnacle summer events there in the city?
I think because I grew up in Calgary and I grew up singing at the Stampede, to me it has always been about performing. It's an honour to get to play the big show, but I think it would almost be weirder if I wasn't playing! It's what I do every year and I’ll always find a way to get involved somehow – I’ll just invite myself
Has the experienced changed for you much over the last few years that you’ve been releasing music?
Yeah, you know, what's been really cool, especially with the new music that's starting to come out now, is gauging the audience's reaction to that. At Nashville North, we get to play a mix of covers and some of our originals and last year I really felt like the originals were connecting almost as much as some of the cover songs. That's a pretty special feeling to get to play those songs on that big of a stage, and then actually feel the audience connect with them is it's really cool. It's reassuring that I'm headed in the right direction musically
You've got a new song to play for everybody this year too with Break All The Way just being released – kind of perfect timing!
It is. I'm so excited to play this one, I feel like it's gonna be the right vibe for in there as I think it’s gonna be a really fun one.
Was it always planned to release around now with summer events or had you wanted to release it earlier?
The goal was kick off summer with a new song. Getting involved with Phase Management and Jeff Ojeda as my new agent, meant he really helped strategize how this would look. I think my gut was always like this should be the first single, it's different and I think it could kind of really set this stage for us. It’s interesting and shows a glimpse of what the whole picture will look like.
Will Stampede be one of the first times you've got to play it live
I've been playing it live for a few months now, but mostly acoustic, so this is the first time I get to play it live with the full band on a big stage. I feel like this song really needs that as it does have a quite a bit of production and stuff on it. My band are excited to play it too.
One of the writers for Break All the Way was Madeline Merlo. How did you come across the song?
I work with Dan Swinimer as my producer, and we go back and forth sending songs that I had written during a writing trip to Nashville in February and he's like, would you be open to taking some pitches? I'd love to see if there are any songs that you might be interested to add to make a full EP. There were some songs that were my own that I was in love with and I was really hesitant because I've never actually cut a song that I haven't been a writer on before, but I heard Break All the Way and I instantly heard myself singing it. I instantly connected with the story of the song, and it almost felt like the kind of song that I always wanted sonically and lyrically. I instantly fell in love with it and Madeline is such an incredible artist and an incredible writer. The second I heard it, it was an instant yes please, I really want to put my voice on this song
Was it tough to kind of give in and not have this first release of this new cycle being something that you had written?
Yeah, it felt a little funny, but all of the singles that will come out, and on the album, everything else is all songs that I was a part of writing, and I think that they can sit with Break All the Way and they feel good. It was a little bit hard to let it go and dive in but I just loved the song so much and I was really honoured that I got to be the one that cut it and put it out.
Break All the Way is also your first release in nearly two years now
I know!
Did it feel a bit scary and daunting as it came round to release day having not had one in so long?
So much time has passed it felt maybe a little bit more scary, but release things are always slightly terrifying just because you put a piece of your soul into a song and then you have to just bear it in front of everybody. I think the reason why it took so long to get music out was because I've been working on a full-length project and I wanted to make sure that everything felt good together. You just really hope people like it as much as you do, but I was so anxious for it to come out and it was really exciting when it came out - it's an emotional rollercoaste
It is. I'm so excited to play this one, I feel like it's gonna be the right vibe for in there as I think it’s gonna be a really fun one.
Was it always planned to release around now with summer events or had you wanted to release it earlier?
The goal was kick off summer with a new song. Getting involved with Phase Management and Jeff Ojeda as my new agent, meant he really helped strategize how this would look. I think my gut was always like this should be the first single, it's different and I think it could kind of really set this stage for us. It’s interesting and shows a glimpse of what the whole picture will look like.
Will Stampede be one of the first times you've got to play it live
I've been playing it live for a few months now, but mostly acoustic, so this is the first time I get to play it live with the full band on a big stage. I feel like this song really needs that as it does have a quite a bit of production and stuff on it. My band are excited to play it too.
One of the writers for Break All the Way was Madeline Merlo. How did you come across the song?
I work with Dan Swinimer as my producer, and we go back and forth sending songs that I had written during a writing trip to Nashville in February and he's like, would you be open to taking some pitches? I'd love to see if there are any songs that you might be interested to add to make a full EP. There were some songs that were my own that I was in love with and I was really hesitant because I've never actually cut a song that I haven't been a writer on before, but I heard Break All the Way and I instantly heard myself singing it. I instantly connected with the story of the song, and it almost felt like the kind of song that I always wanted sonically and lyrically. I instantly fell in love with it and Madeline is such an incredible artist and an incredible writer. The second I heard it, it was an instant yes please, I really want to put my voice on this song
Was it tough to kind of give in and not have this first release of this new cycle being something that you had written?
Yeah, it felt a little funny, but all of the singles that will come out, and on the album, everything else is all songs that I was a part of writing, and I think that they can sit with Break All the Way and they feel good. It was a little bit hard to let it go and dive in but I just loved the song so much and I was really honoured that I got to be the one that cut it and put it out.
Break All the Way is also your first release in nearly two years now
I know!
Did it feel a bit scary and daunting as it came round to release day having not had one in so long?
So much time has passed it felt maybe a little bit more scary, but release things are always slightly terrifying just because you put a piece of your soul into a song and then you have to just bear it in front of everybody. I think the reason why it took so long to get music out was because I've been working on a full-length project and I wanted to make sure that everything felt good together. You just really hope people like it as much as you do, but I was so anxious for it to come out and it was really exciting when it came out - it's an emotional rollercoaste
As you prepare for this new project do you now move on from some of the songs you released a couple of years ago?
The last single, Until This Fire Dies, will actually be included in the new object, so there'll be a chance for it to have another moment, but I think that songs are really special because they kind of capture a glimpse of your life in certain moments and I think sometimes it's healthy to have that moment and then to let it go.
You've now teamed up with Jeff at Phase for this release. How's that transition helped with the start of this cycle?
You know what, it's been so nice. One of my biggest goals with recording a larger body of music was to be able to attract a team and get help because I've been an independent artist for a long time and I I've worked so hard at it, but I do know when it's time to give up control and let somebody help you and I think I was past that point. Connecting with Jeff and showing him all my new music and him being so excited about it and really believing that he could get on board and be able to help give all these songs the best the best chance we could give them has been so nice.
Does that give you that bit more clarity as an artist that you were on the right track yourself?
It gives you that second wind. It was totally reassuring because recording and creating music can cost a lot of money, and as an artist you are trying to put everything you can into it and be creative and believe that your creative vision is something that other people would like, but there's always this hesitation like oh is it good? Are people gonna like this? Having Jeff fall in love with the songs as much as I did was hugely reassuring, so hopefully as everybody starts to listen to them, and as they listen to Break All the Way, they feel that way too.
I guess you're in that tough position now as an artist, where you put out that first release of a new project and you must just be bursting to get everything out there and then you've got people telling you no slow down and take your time on it.
You're absolutely right! It's now a case of we have to follow this strategy! That's another reason why I'm so grateful to have Jeff on board as he's helping me map out that strategy takes some expertise and experience. I would probably like here's everything!!! I've never been more excited about my own music and more proud and more clear kind of the vision but I’m being patient.
A few years back now, you did the Project Wild Competition. Do you still look back on that a bit and see how that helped shape you into this phase of your career
Yeah, you know, I think it's pretty amazing just looking back you know over every experience and how each experience led to the next experience and how connected and important they are. Project Wild was definitely one of those moments where It really forced me to dig deep and try to figure out what I wanted and I learned a ton from the other artists and from the whole program. That's actually where I first met Jeff too, so it is pretty surreal when you think about how much those moments were important. I might not have seen it then but looking back now I can see that I was making important connections and making great friends. I was learning and growing and pushing myself, and all of that has in a way led to where I am now.
And now it is into a whole new phase of music
Exactly. Yeah.
As you start this phase, have you got an idea mapped out for the next steps?
You know what? We have an idea and it's coming sooner than later.
Have you seen some good traction with this release on streaming?
We've seen some really cool and really interesting numbers and we've seen them pick up in places that were even a little unexpected! It goes to show that this song has a reach that's unique and bigger than my bubble of the friends, family and fans within the Canadian market. Even in the UK, we're getting some decent streams over there. It's been really exciting.
Well, I'm glad that we're on your radar and hopefully we can welcome you this side of the Atlantic for a show soon.
Absolutely, I'm dying to get over there.
We are loving Break All The Way over here and I'm really looking forward to the next release, even though I'm very jealous you get to play Stampede.
Hopefully you get out here soon for it. I really appreciate all the support
Thanks Alex and enjoy stampede.
Thank you. Yes, I will. It'll be lots of fun.
Be sure to follow Alex across her socials to stay up to date her and listen to Break All The Way NOW
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | X Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube
https://alexhughes.com
The last single, Until This Fire Dies, will actually be included in the new object, so there'll be a chance for it to have another moment, but I think that songs are really special because they kind of capture a glimpse of your life in certain moments and I think sometimes it's healthy to have that moment and then to let it go.
You've now teamed up with Jeff at Phase for this release. How's that transition helped with the start of this cycle?
You know what, it's been so nice. One of my biggest goals with recording a larger body of music was to be able to attract a team and get help because I've been an independent artist for a long time and I I've worked so hard at it, but I do know when it's time to give up control and let somebody help you and I think I was past that point. Connecting with Jeff and showing him all my new music and him being so excited about it and really believing that he could get on board and be able to help give all these songs the best the best chance we could give them has been so nice.
Does that give you that bit more clarity as an artist that you were on the right track yourself?
It gives you that second wind. It was totally reassuring because recording and creating music can cost a lot of money, and as an artist you are trying to put everything you can into it and be creative and believe that your creative vision is something that other people would like, but there's always this hesitation like oh is it good? Are people gonna like this? Having Jeff fall in love with the songs as much as I did was hugely reassuring, so hopefully as everybody starts to listen to them, and as they listen to Break All the Way, they feel that way too.
I guess you're in that tough position now as an artist, where you put out that first release of a new project and you must just be bursting to get everything out there and then you've got people telling you no slow down and take your time on it.
You're absolutely right! It's now a case of we have to follow this strategy! That's another reason why I'm so grateful to have Jeff on board as he's helping me map out that strategy takes some expertise and experience. I would probably like here's everything!!! I've never been more excited about my own music and more proud and more clear kind of the vision but I’m being patient.
A few years back now, you did the Project Wild Competition. Do you still look back on that a bit and see how that helped shape you into this phase of your career
Yeah, you know, I think it's pretty amazing just looking back you know over every experience and how each experience led to the next experience and how connected and important they are. Project Wild was definitely one of those moments where It really forced me to dig deep and try to figure out what I wanted and I learned a ton from the other artists and from the whole program. That's actually where I first met Jeff too, so it is pretty surreal when you think about how much those moments were important. I might not have seen it then but looking back now I can see that I was making important connections and making great friends. I was learning and growing and pushing myself, and all of that has in a way led to where I am now.
And now it is into a whole new phase of music
Exactly. Yeah.
As you start this phase, have you got an idea mapped out for the next steps?
You know what? We have an idea and it's coming sooner than later.
Have you seen some good traction with this release on streaming?
We've seen some really cool and really interesting numbers and we've seen them pick up in places that were even a little unexpected! It goes to show that this song has a reach that's unique and bigger than my bubble of the friends, family and fans within the Canadian market. Even in the UK, we're getting some decent streams over there. It's been really exciting.
Well, I'm glad that we're on your radar and hopefully we can welcome you this side of the Atlantic for a show soon.
Absolutely, I'm dying to get over there.
We are loving Break All The Way over here and I'm really looking forward to the next release, even though I'm very jealous you get to play Stampede.
Hopefully you get out here soon for it. I really appreciate all the support
Thanks Alex and enjoy stampede.
Thank you. Yes, I will. It'll be lots of fun.
Be sure to follow Alex across her socials to stay up to date her and listen to Break All The Way NOW
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | X Amazon Music | Apple Music | Spotify | YouTube
https://alexhughes.com
