Check out our interview with talented rising singer Andersen Hugh.
2020 is proving to be a monumental year for up and coming Houston musician Andersen Hugh with the release of his third single “While We’re Young.” The single serves as the lead for his debut EP “Manifest” available at the end of this month. (August 28th.) Hugh’s ability to tread the tricky tightrope between pop and a grittier, urban sound creates a fresh, contemporary vibe for his new single and EP.
“I am so excited about ‘While We’re Young!’” Hugh says of the upbeat, new single. “It was so much fun to record. The entire song is a party so we literally had a party atmosphere in the studio and enjoyed the night recording. The end result is the creation of a new anthem for our next generation.”
The release of Hugh’s EP “Manifest” fits the carefree, young at heart theme of its lead single serving up a balanced mix of material from danceable party anthems such as “While We’re Young” to the sensual fan favorite “Explore.” In addition to “While We’re Young” and “Explore,” the seven song EP features the track “Options,” released earlier this year, along with new songs “You,” “Valentine,” “Mirror,” and “Hot Hot.”
Follow Andersen @andersenhugh
Hi Andersen, please tell us a little about you?
I just graduated high school. I’m getting ready to release my third single “While We’re Young” and I want to continue to create music and act for the rest of my life. I also want to continue to grow in my crafts and keep working hard to be the best version of myself.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Hardworking, optimistic, passionate
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Ever since I found the stage when I was young, all I wanted to do was entertain people. It’s what I was made to do and I knew it’s the industry I needed to be in.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Honest, authentic, exciting
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I loved singing when I was younger but when I hit puberty and my voice changed it was always an insecurity of mine to sing and finally my mom convinced me to get back into it and I think that’s why I work so hard at it I’m in love with seeing progress and I respect the art.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes I do get nervous. I think everyone does. I also think it’s just how well you can control your nerves.
Tell us about your new single “While We’re Young?”
“While We’re Young” is a song that describes youth culture today and is just an anthem of my generation. It’s just a fun song that I hope people can party and let go to. Everyone needs a song like “While We’re Young.”
What’s the story behind this song?
The story behind this song is one day in the studio we were talking about partying and [one of my producers] Rian said we should make a youth anthem and we just had a lot of fun making that song. You can definitely feel the energy and party atmosphere when you listen to it.
And about “Manifest?”
“Manifest” is my debut EP. It’s a collection of songs that just embodies my interests and who I am as a person right now.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Everything is just so amazing about what I do and I couldn’t ask for better supporters. I literally get to create everyday and it’s my passion, it’s what I love to do. I’m in love with the craft and I’m in love with always trying to get better at it. I love to create music. The feeling I get when we create a new song just can’t be explained. I love it. I’m so thankful and I’m so blessed to be in a place where I have the opportunity to be an artist. There’s disappointments in everything you do and every business you enter. There is a risk of not being successful and rejection. But I don’t even pay attention to the negatives because I’m an optimistic person and don’t really worry about things I can’t control. I work hard and just try to keep growing as a person.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
1. My Mom 2. Music 3. Creativity 4. Good relationships 5. Food
What’s next for Andersen Hugh in 2020?
I’m gonna keep releasing music and keep working on acting and creating music.
What is your favorite song? And why?
I don’t know if I have a favorite song but two I’ve been jamming recently are “Saint Tropez” by Post Malone and “Dreams Money Can Buy” by Drake.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Choosing only 7 songs to go on “Manifest.” I have some many more fun songs I’m excited to put out there.
Any loves other than music?
Another huge passion of mine, and has been a huge part of my life, is acting. I work just as hard on perfecting my craft in acting as music. I’ve been in love with the art of acting for my whole life. I wouldn’t be me without it.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson. He’s one of my all time favorite musicians and I think to sit in on a studio session with him would just be life changing. I would learn so much.
Best advice ever given?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky. This advice has always pushed me. Before every audition I would always think of these words. They have encouraged me to keep pushing to audition after every rejection. This quote has helped me keep chasing this crazy dream and be the person I want to be.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Just work out, create music, finding out next steps and opportunities I can take advantage of. And just stay positive and keep pushing.
Name one your strengths?
Having a good heart. I may make mistakes, everyone does, that’s what being human is. But my heart is always full of love and in the right place.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Just being able to relax with true family and friends.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“I’m Upset” by Drake and “Hate the Other Side” by Juice WRLD. Those songs just get me so hyped up.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to live a life where you can do what you want to do and be who you want to be. And I think everyone should be able to be who they are and be happy.
Do you support any charities?
I don’t make any money, but I look forward to being able to support charities like Yes to Youth. I volunteer and participate in mission trips to give back to the community.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I think I would have to say smoothies, does that count?
And your favorite cheat food?
I love food too much to choose. This was a hard question.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Being rude, self entitlement and not being genuine.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is just myself. I wear clothes that I think look cool or that I like.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media can either be a very powerful tool or could be very toxic. There’s good and bad to a lot of things. I use my social media to just express myself and it’s a way where I can be creative and be myself. I can share upcoming music and projects that I have planned. It’s also a great way to connect with people.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram – @AndersenHugh
Favorite….
Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky
Movie: The Departed
Travel destination: Hawaii
Sports team: Houston Rockets, gotta rep the hometown team
