Tandayna/Adelaide-based artist Maybe Hugo has just revealed his radiant debut EP ‘Maybe, Might Be, Could Be’ – produced by the artist himself and mixed by Ed Long via Soundrays Studio in Berlin.
‘Maybe, Might Be, Could Be’ is an effortlessly elegant collection of swooning, alternative soul and funk tracks that exude warmth and longing. Taking cues from luminaries Parcels, Jungle and Steve Lacy, the EP showcases Maybe Hugo‘s deft ability to write heartfelt melodies accompanied by hair-raising falsetto harmonies. Majestic instrumentation is strewn across the songs, as funk-laden guitar chords, soaring brass, resolute drums and syncopated bass all fuse effortlessly.
Maybe Hugo talks about the process/inspiration for the EP: “Going into the writing process, I didn’t really have a specific message I wanted to push with each song. I wanted to let the listener interpret the music themselves, as I’ve often found many of my favourite songs gave me this exact feeling! Maybe it provides you warmth, whereas someone might have a gloomier perspective on it; the choice is with you! That’s where the name of ‘Maybe, Might Be, Could Be’ stems from, where it gives each listener the chance to convey what they may hear or feel themselves.”
Accompanying the release is the music video for focus track Fall in Line – directed by Alex Salkicevic (Two Up Films). Filmed in Tandayna/Adelaide, the clip is a stunning visual banquet of picturesque countrysides juxtaposed with Maybe Hugo‘s disco ball-centred, poster-covered room. The artist explains, “the clip plays on the essence of split personalities, hence my artist name ‘Maybe Hugo’. We used mirrors to help represent duplicate personas/personalities and to convey where someone may or may not be going.”
Maybe Hugo‘s first live shows will be announced in late 2024. As a DJ, he’s previously supported the likes of Bag Raiders, Young Franco, and Keli Holiday, and he has played side stages at Laneway and Wildlands Festivals.
Maybe Hugo is the moniker of Tandayna/Adelaide-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Hugo Dahlen-Flight, who creates all his music from his home studio. Hugo explains, “I record everything at my home studio, using mostly just one dynamic mic. I’ve learned to keep things simple and not overcomplicate the writing and recording process. In the past, I’ve found traditional studios can feel a bit daunting— whether it’s time constraints or even the unfamiliarity of the space itself. The project stems from individuality and doing your thing, as no one has one set story…given you learn and grow!”
With thanks to Good Intent
