Interview : Alexander Hudjohn
April 19th 2010 08:53
Alex Hudjohn is moving towards a common path for punk musicians. He’s decided to go solo showcasing not only the depth and talent of his songwriting credentials but also the range of his influences. When his band, Anchor Down, called quits after two short years, Alex decided to create music that he was passionate about. With a fondness for those great storytellers in music, he has released his first EP “Acerage” for free via his bandcamp.com page. Mixing punk roots with folk and americana country music, Alex took some time out to answer a few questions.
Tells us about the new EP ‘Acreage”?
Acreage is a combination of tracks I had been writing for a while. They were all recorded at different times except for “Down So Low” and “Billy” which were recorded by my friend David Conway. I’m really happy with how it turned out and the response it has gotten. To be honest, I never actually thought anyone would want to hear me play this type of music. I really thought it would be panned and dismissed as “sappy, side project B.S.” but it has really been accepted by a rather diverse audience which is great!
Why did you go with the idea of giving the EP away for free?
To me this was a no brainer. Anybody can get whatever album they wish for free online these days. Why try and charge for something people are just going to acquire one way or another. On the other hand, I firmly believe in being rewarded for your efforts and paying for a tangible copy of a record. Vinyl, CD, Tapes all of these physical formats should have a price tag. You’re actually getting something there. Digital downloads don’t have the same effect, I don’t think. If I download a record, I will buy a physical copy as well. That’s just how I like to do things. I think labels like Death to False Hope and others who give their records away for free are spearheading a movement in the way labels are going to run in the future. Looking ahead and trying to find innovative ways to reward artists, I‘m all for it.
Listening to the EP I can pick up a real heavy country influence. What artists inspire you when writing?
Wow, that would be a very long list. I love punk rock, love it! But I also really love country and folk music. I don’t think they are that different really. To name a few, Joe Strummer, George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Kevin Seconds, Chuck Ragan, Austin Lucas, Glossary, Two Cow Garage, (the amazing!) TIM BARRY, David Allen Coe, (old) Hank Jr., Bryan Mcpherson, Billy Bragg, Lucero, Michael Dean Damron, Drag The River, Steve Earl, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and boat load of other artists for sure!
What is it about country music that appeals to you?
Stories. I love story tellers. I was raised on Johnny Cash. I really wish every show could be a fireside event. Big bonfires and pass the guitar around. I might do that one day. Book shows at camp grounds, hook up my little camp trailer and embark on the “Fireside Tour”. Thanks for giving me that idea. I’m gonna do that!
What’s it like performing on your own after playing in Anchor Down?
Scary as hell! I opened for Austin Lucas a while back and my future in laws and other family were in the crowd. I thought I was going to pee my pants. I love them all and they are very supportive nut it was really frightening. I’m getting better though. My friend Nate Allen and I did some street performing the other day and that really helps kill the jitters.
Have you received any feedback from your ex band mates?
We are all still great friends. I love those guys. Lucas is in a new band called Know Your Saints and they are truly amazing! I think it’s the best stuff he’s ever done, really, really good. The feed back I have received has been good though. We are all friends above and beyond music. Bands come and go, but friendships are forever.
What else keeps you occupied outside of music?
Fishing, Camping and my lady (Kat). That’s about it. I picked up fly fishing a while back and love it! “A River Runs Through It” is one of my favorite movies.
How does the rest of 2010 shape up for you? Any chance of ever coming down to Australia?
Well, I’m going to put out a split cassette with my friend Nate Allen and try to convince Intervention Records to help me put out a full length (wink, wink Brian). I’m getting married in August and super excited about that. If I can set up a tour and afford the tickets I would be on the first plane to Australia! If anybody reading this has any info or ideas please get in touch, let’s set this up! We could do the first annual “Fireside Tour” in Australia!
Finally, what would be the first song you’d put on a mix tape?
AVAIL- “Over the James”
P.S. Thanks so much for letting me do this. It was a lot of fun. Also, thanks to everyone who listened to the record or came to a show. It truly means the world to me.
Tells us about the new EP ‘Acreage”?
Acreage is a combination of tracks I had been writing for a while. They were all recorded at different times except for “Down So Low” and “Billy” which were recorded by my friend David Conway. I’m really happy with how it turned out and the response it has gotten. To be honest, I never actually thought anyone would want to hear me play this type of music. I really thought it would be panned and dismissed as “sappy, side project B.S.” but it has really been accepted by a rather diverse audience which is great!
Why did you go with the idea of giving the EP away for free?
To me this was a no brainer. Anybody can get whatever album they wish for free online these days. Why try and charge for something people are just going to acquire one way or another. On the other hand, I firmly believe in being rewarded for your efforts and paying for a tangible copy of a record. Vinyl, CD, Tapes all of these physical formats should have a price tag. You’re actually getting something there. Digital downloads don’t have the same effect, I don’t think. If I download a record, I will buy a physical copy as well. That’s just how I like to do things. I think labels like Death to False Hope and others who give their records away for free are spearheading a movement in the way labels are going to run in the future. Looking ahead and trying to find innovative ways to reward artists, I‘m all for it.
Listening to the EP I can pick up a real heavy country influence. What artists inspire you when writing?
Wow, that would be a very long list. I love punk rock, love it! But I also really love country and folk music. I don’t think they are that different really. To name a few, Joe Strummer, George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Kevin Seconds, Chuck Ragan, Austin Lucas, Glossary, Two Cow Garage, (the amazing!) TIM BARRY, David Allen Coe, (old) Hank Jr., Bryan Mcpherson, Billy Bragg, Lucero, Michael Dean Damron, Drag The River, Steve Earl, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and boat load of other artists for sure!
What is it about country music that appeals to you?
Stories. I love story tellers. I was raised on Johnny Cash. I really wish every show could be a fireside event. Big bonfires and pass the guitar around. I might do that one day. Book shows at camp grounds, hook up my little camp trailer and embark on the “Fireside Tour”. Thanks for giving me that idea. I’m gonna do that!
What’s it like performing on your own after playing in Anchor Down?
Scary as hell! I opened for Austin Lucas a while back and my future in laws and other family were in the crowd. I thought I was going to pee my pants. I love them all and they are very supportive nut it was really frightening. I’m getting better though. My friend Nate Allen and I did some street performing the other day and that really helps kill the jitters.
Have you received any feedback from your ex band mates?
We are all still great friends. I love those guys. Lucas is in a new band called Know Your Saints and they are truly amazing! I think it’s the best stuff he’s ever done, really, really good. The feed back I have received has been good though. We are all friends above and beyond music. Bands come and go, but friendships are forever.
What else keeps you occupied outside of music?
Fishing, Camping and my lady (Kat). That’s about it. I picked up fly fishing a while back and love it! “A River Runs Through It” is one of my favorite movies.
How does the rest of 2010 shape up for you? Any chance of ever coming down to Australia?
Well, I’m going to put out a split cassette with my friend Nate Allen and try to convince Intervention Records to help me put out a full length (wink, wink Brian). I’m getting married in August and super excited about that. If I can set up a tour and afford the tickets I would be on the first plane to Australia! If anybody reading this has any info or ideas please get in touch, let’s set this up! We could do the first annual “Fireside Tour” in Australia!
Finally, what would be the first song you’d put on a mix tape?
AVAIL- “Over the James”
P.S. Thanks so much for letting me do this. It was a lot of fun. Also, thanks to everyone who listened to the record or came to a show. It truly means the world to me.
alex's EP is available now...for free...go download it!!!
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