The latest release from Ali Hugo, “Home Boy,” is Hugo’s affirmation that “Rock Never Dies.” The third popular track from an album full of hits is the single “Alright With Me.” Songs from “Home Boy,” which has been cleverly marketed, are sure to have a big influence on Hugo’s fans.
From where do you hail?
I’m Canadian from Hamilton, Ontario.
How long have you been working in the music industry?
I began singing when I was seven years old. I joined my family band, “The Leo” Band, professionally when I was eight years old, and we embarked on the “Spin around the Mall” tour, performing at various shopping malls. I started writing, recording, and creating my own songs demo, when I was nine years old.
How many albums or songs are under your belt so far?
2015 saw the release of my instrumental easy listening album, “New Generation Farahan.” Then I launched “Time Machine,” a project full of restored music I had recorded in my adolescence. Following that, an album of spiritual music called “Hope for the Meek” was released and advertised on Christian and secular independent radio. My fourth project, “Home Boy,” has taken me back to the genre of music I enjoy most.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the inspirations and background behind it?
The third single from the “Home Boy” album is titled “Alright With Me” It was intended to be a filler track to complement the album’s heavier tracks, but as I was working on it, other ideas came to me that changed the feel of “Alright With Me,” giving the record more added value overall. “Alright With Me” fits in perfectly with the theme of “Home Boy,” which is all about the fantastic songs I heard on Canadian radio.
How are things going for you in the music industry?
I believe my performance is very good. In contrast to, say, “Hope for the Meek,” where I relied on economies of scale in niche markets, “Home Boy” is outperforming my earlier releases for a reason: I don’t have any preconceived notions about who will enjoy this type of music, so that opens up a wider audience. In addition, I’m working in collaboration with Intercept Music and seriously taking their gained experience into consideration. Ali Hugo’s brand has grown significantly as a result of my competent and effective use of all the tools at my disposal. So it’s one thing to announce in a “Home Boy” press release what would be done differently on this record, but quite another to actually carry it through successfully.
What do you think of the modern music business?
Being in the market today and attempting to create a lucrative music business is undoubtedly difficult. Not only that, but it’s difficult to make even enough income for a day’s worth of food! Opportunities arise along with those difficulties, thus one needs to be persistent.
Who do you consider to be the most important artist?
I Think Pink! and Kenny Chesney have a strong track record of success, longevity, and staying true to their fans and creativity.
Who have you thus far in your career collaborated with?
I worked with rock enthusiasts from all over the world on the “Home Boy” CD. It has often been guitarists. Several musicians are on the list, and if I had to name every single person responsible for “Home Boy’s” behind the scenes, this paragraph would undoubtedly never end. It’s enough for me to state that Ali Hugo is a team effort, and I appreciate God and them for their support of my music.
What do you believe sets you apart from other artists?
There are, in my opinion, many excellent musicians out there, but there is also a lot of noise, and among the noise, some musicians seem to have forgotten the principles of creating excellent music and composition. Also, I keep in mind that this is the music industry, so even if I believe in my music, I am aware that I might need to figure out the economic side of it.
Who would be your ideal collaborator, both living and deceased?
I Would love to collaborate with Eminem. As for those who have transitioned, Jimmy Dean or Jim Morrison would have been Great collaborators.
Which was the first album you ever bought?
As a kid, I went to Sam the Record Man after receiving my first summer paycheck, and I had to decide between buying Guns & Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” or another rock album. I made one of the best decisions of my life by choosing Guns & Roses.
Which artist are you currently listening to?
I’m currently blasting Pink’s “Trust Fall” nonstop.
What album would you hold onto if you had to sell your music catalog tomorrow?
I would sell it all. Even if I could have been wary of the “Hope for the Meek” collection, I would still sell it all because, I believe whoever buys it should be allowed to share the album’s message to a larger audience. Aside from that, I thank God for giving me the talent for composing and for enabling me to create new songs.
Which phrase is your favorite?
“Energy never dies it just changes form”
What other activities or pastimes do you pursue?Â
I love to read.
Do you have any piercings or tattoos?
Although piercings and tattoos are great for enhancing one’s appearance, I always favor temporary piercings and tattoos and don’t want anything permanent.
Tell us more about your new project.
The present objective of Belief Records is to develop cutting-edge and efficient marketing strategies for “Home Boy” in order to enter new markets. For instance, the “Home Boy” sound has a definite “Maple Leaf” flavor & working with agents who can assist us in getting the music into small-town businesses across Canada and the US is essential. We plan to release the record on CD and vinyl.
What projects are planned to follow this one?
My team has been looking into the possibility of releasing more songs from “Time Machine” or vol.2 due to the popularity of the first volume. But that would only make sense if the payoff is significantly greater than it was before.
Thank you for your time, and keep on creating amazing, new music.
I appreciate your support and this interview. Thank you so much.
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