Hi! For those that haven’t heard of you yet, how would you best describe your sound, and who have been your biggest influences so far?

A) Hello Broken Color readers! My name is Alex Hughes and I’m a Country music artist from Canada. My sound is pop country with infectious production and traditional country influences in my vocal style. LeAnn Rimes and Linda Ronstadt have been some of my most impactful influences, but I also grew up in the 90’s listening to a lot of hip-hop, r&b and pop music so you can definitely hear all of that inspiration in my music as well. These days I listen to a mix of everything from Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kacey Musgrave to Charlotte Cardin and Lana Del Ray.

Do you remember what the first song was that made you want to start a career in music?

A) LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue” was the first time I heard a song and thought I’d love to have a song like that of my own. I was 7 years old. I performed that song in a Karaoke singing contest and won the whole competition against competitors of all ages. That was the first time I thought that maybe I wanted to pursue a career in music (though I doubt I knew what a career was at 7).

You have just released your new single ‘Until This Fire Dies’. Can you tell us how that track came about?

A) I wrote this song with a very talented artist and songwriter, Aaron Pollock. The song started with a loop of a guitar part that Aaron played which inspired the melody and sultry lyrics. I worked with Dan Swinimer on the production and he really helped turn this song into the red-hot, mid-tempo anthem that it eventually became!

And how would you say it compares to your previous releases?

A) “Until This Fire Dies” feels like the song that I’ve come home to. I’m really feeling settled as an artist and see a clear vision of the types of songs I want to continue recording from here on out. I love all my other releases too and each have their own strengths, but this release really feels like me.

Where are you based? Can you tell us how the music scene there has inspired your sound at all?

A) I’m based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Being in the Prairies of Canada, Alberta has a huge agriculture, ranching and rodeo culture. I grew up singing and performing at rodeos across the Province including the Calgary Stampede. There has always been a good Country music scene here but lately the singer/songwriter and folk scenes have been exploding. There are lots of opportunities in this Province for musicians of all styles so it’s an exciting place to be pursuing music.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

A) I find the biggest challenge of being an artist is trying to balance all the roles that need to be filled. I’m an independent artist so sometimes I feel like I’m wearing too many hats, being my own manager, agent, social media content creator etc., while still trying to find time to remain creative and write songs.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a musician?

A) When I was about 17 years old, I got some really good advice at a small private concert that I was lucky to be able to attend with Tim McGraw. He said that in order to pursue a career in music you have to be crazy and love it more than anything else. My journey in music has had its fair share of ups and downs but I do it because I truly love it.

What’s next for you? Is there more music or any live shows on the way?

A) I’ve got new music in the works so stay tuned for that! I’ve also got some really interesting live shows planned for the future that involve some awesome collaborations. Follow me on my socials for the most up to date information!

Instagram: @alexhughesmusic
Facebook: /AlexHughesOfficial
Twitter: @alexhughesmusic
Website: https://alexhughes.com