Featuring a dynamic storyline and exotic musical arrangements to represent his craft, artist Don Hughes has labeled his name as one of the most magnificent creators of sound in today’s musical landscape. His distinctive taste in music when combined with his boundless creativity creates a sound that feels like an extravagant musical affair. Both his imagination and choice of music complement each other and the artist persuades the listener to participate in his journey by engaging them in his hook-filled melodic creations. Having started playing piano at the age of eight, the artist participated in various competitions and sharpened his musical skills over the years. In 2004 he marked his debut in the Central Pennsylvania music scene and polished his skills playing in a live environment.
After a temporary break, Don Hughes is back on to the scene with his latest musical album ‘A Hero’s Journey’ that tells the story of a hero instrumentally. With various exotic sounds and musical textures, the artist tries to tell a story with his artistic music. There are no lyrics involved in the journey and the nine instrumental tracks including four extra tracks, comprise a story that the artist feels the need to be shared with his listeners. You can now hear them all on his website.
Our team had the opportunity to share a few words with this great musician, and he was keen on sharing some of his fond memories with us. Read below to find out in detail.
After years of inactivity, you chose to hit back even harder this time, how does it feel?
“A Hero’s Journey” definitely felt more personal than anything I have done so far. While I loved what I did with “It’s Christmas”, I was working with the source material. Writing not just original music, but music that tells a story is a different kind of feeling. Music to me is the greatest art form that has been given to man, and to see what this album became, the story that was told instrumentally, was such a thrill.
How do you summarize your musical journey so far?
My musical journey is ever-changing. Even just the music that I listen to in my personal time has gone through changes. My first album in 2006 was just solo piano pieces that I just put background music to. The Christmas album was my attempt to recreate the main two influences in my songwriting (Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller). “A Hero’s Journey” was much more rock-oriented, but still had some musical genres in there I had never written and recorded before. Above all though, I just want to put out music that is enjoyable. Good music is good music, no matter what the genre.
What motivated you to pursue music as your career?
My mom and dad bought me my first keyboard at 8 years old, and since then I have always wanted to do something with music. Whether it be performing, writing, teaching, it has been my goal since I was a kid.
How do you get the motivation to create such unthinkable music and harmonies?
The motivation comes with just the excitement of creating. Once I get excited about a project, it isn’t hard for me to keep it going. It’s normal for me to lie in bed thinking of where a song I am working on is going to go, what directions it may take, how to take it into different directions, etc.
Who has been your constant support and inspiration all along?
My wife is the one who gives me the most immediate support, even though when I do get into my tunnel vision of writing it drives her crazy. She is not a musician, but she has contributed somehow to every album. From a simple melody in one song in my first album to mixing ideas in this album (turning certain instruments louder or softer in the mix), to photography, she has had a hand in every project I have done. My mom and dad also supported me in all of my musical projects over the years by sacrificing their time and money so I could learn and grow from my piano lessons as a child.
What do you intend to share with your music?
Your latest album is receiving much appreciation, how do you feel about it?
Is there any particular artist or band, with who you look forward to collaborating in the future?
What has been your greatest learning from the industry and what would you like to advise the newcomers?
What is your cherished memory so far?
Playing “God Bless America” right before a fireworks display in front of 5000 people at an Altoona Curve minor league baseball game. It was so cool to have the fireworks go off right after I finished playing.
How do you wish your fans to connect with you?
Just come up and say hi. Ask my wife how many perfect strangers I have talked to about music or pro wrestling or any other mutual interest. It drives her crazy sometimes 🙂
What has been the biggest struggle in your career so far?
It’s a lot tougher for musicians to make any money especially with streaming more and more becoming the main source of people’s music. Certain musicians have adapted well, and some have not. Admittedly, I am a bit of an old soul. I still listen to CDs. I still just sit and listen to music instead of it being background noise. My struggles aren’t with the industry, because as I said before, I don’t do it for the money or stardom. My struggles are just with the fact that music isn’t as respected as it once was. It’s all about the Top 40 single and not creating something special and meaningful.
Would you like to share any particular message for your fans and well-wishers?
I just want to thank my wife for all the support and love she has given me over the years (I Love You Liz), my mom dad, and brother for supporting me in all of this, any musician I have written or played music with over the years, and anyone who has taken the time just to listen to my music. I hope I made everyone proud.
