Author: Jernej Vene
Interview date: 14.09.2001
I caught one of the best classic rock singers around, a man some call The voice of rock, for a quick chat over the phone. Happily married, he lives in California, where the climate does wonders for his creativity.
Vene: What do you make of your approach to making music?
Hughes: “For me it’s something I have to do to feel good, both physically and mentally. And I’m lucky enough to get paid for it, too. Some people are just destined for certain jobs. Doctors, railwaymen, footballers… maybe God wanted me to be a songwriter and musician. As the years go by I’m getting more prolific, and writing songs comes easier, too. I enjoy it immensely.”
Vene: How did the work on the album Building the machine go?
Hughes: “It’s probably my best work so far. With it I achieved what I set out to do a few years ago. I wanted to bring rock, soul and funk together, and I’m happy with the result.”
Vene: How do you write your songs?
Hughes: “First I come up with a title. Then I write the music to match it. Once I have the title, I already know whether the song will be fast or slow. I hear the drums in my head, then I record the bass, and then I layer all the other instruments over that.”
