HUGO
By Nicky Baldrian
This guy needs no introduction what so ever,
some say he's a living legend and it's easy to see why, as his
songs are simply beautifully sung and played. He has just
released a great new album "Time On Earth", the future
looks very rosey for the main man himself...So please welcome
former VALENTINE/OPEN SKYZ frontman Hugo as we discuss his Golden
years and of course the new album that everyone is talking
about...
Nicky:- Can you
tell me what happened with VALENTINE and OPEN SKYZ?
Hugo:- We had been together for 8 years and been through so many
ups and downs that it was time for change.It was really difficult
to decide to stop the band especially when we were good. We had
what it takes to make good records and keep doing it.the problem
was the politics that always seemed to get in the way. I speak to
the guys almost everyday and we're still great friends!
Nicky:- You shot a video with
VALENTINE for the song "No Way",who directed it?
Hugo:- I don't remember his name, but he's the guy who directed
"Hot For Teacher" for VAN HALEN. We had a blast doing
it!!!
Nicky:- Which bands are you
influenced by?
Hugo:- You know, I grew up on great singers and melody. Early on
it was ELTON JOHN, FLEETWOOD MAC, LED ZEPPELIN..... a real wide
range. After that, JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, any band with a great
singer did it for me.
Nicky:- Tell me about "Time
On Earth"? and who's produced it?
Hugo:- "Time On Earth" is a long time in the making!!!
I produced it along with a guy named Tom Nissen in New York I
really believe in the whole co-production thing. With the first
cd, there is so much that Gary Hughes (TEN) helped out with, he's
got great ears and a great sense of melody and it really came
across on the first one. The same is true with "Time On
Earth", its a big responsibility to have but I've written,
arranged...etc.sometimes ,you really can get to close to the
songs and lose the producers objectivity, it is something I'll
always try to do!
Nicky:- When you played the Gods
a couple of years ago you hooked up with the guys from PASSION
STREET, how did this happen,and will you ever work with them
again?
Hugo:- Mark Ashton at Now And Then suggested we hook up, those
guys were incredible when you consider that we had 1 or 2 days to
meet ,eat ,sleep and rehearse. I'm amazed that we got through it,
it's real hard being so far away and I have no plans to be back
in England any time soon so we'll have to see
Nicky:- How did you find those
gods gigs and will you be playing the next one?
Hugo:- Honestly Nicky, I cant imagine playing another one of
those gigs unless it was fully blown. It's not fair to me or the
fans to put on another show that is'nt well rehearsed
Nicky:- Any touring planned for
this record?
Hugo: I'd love to tour for this one.there are so many people that
really wanna hear this stuff live and it sucks that so much
depends on album sales and promoters need to get involved. I
really dig something like going out with a band like TEN or maybe
a couple of oher bands.
Nicky:- Did you score all the
material yourself on this album?
Hugo:- I wrote them all, yes. It's exciting because these songs
really turned out great to me. It's one thing to demo the songs,
but when they turn out great on cd, it makes it real good.The Now
And Then guys and Vinny Burns (TEN guitarist) really helped out
with the finished stuff in England.
Nicky:- With everyone reforming
these days, I was wondering if you have been approached to reform
VALENTINE?
Hugo:- Right now, all the other guys are so busy living life that
it's hard to say, like I said, we speak all the time and we've
demoed a song just for kicks. At this time not really but who
knows about the near future.
Nicky:- Whats your favourite
song from "Time On Earth" and why?
Hugo:- I like "Tell It To My Heart", it really rocks
for me in the way that I like songs to move!it's melodic and the
beat is driving. It was also alot of fun singing it
Nicky:- I heard rumours that you
auditioned for JOURNEY when Perry left for the second time,is
this true?
Hugo:- What happened was that I've known John Kalodner for many
years.one day, he called me at home and said ''Perry's out of the
band. I want you to come to L.A. to play with the guys''.We let
the holidays go by and after that, the vibe was that Jon Caine
was a little too freaked out about things. I guess I could'nt
blame him, but anyhow it never came to be. It would've been a
trip to do but I think in the end the right decision was made!!!
Nicky:- What are your plans for
this record and the future?
Hugo:- I'm just happy to be making the music that I like to do. I
wanna reach the people who wanna hear it.if that happens, I'm
happy. I'd love to support the album if the opportunity comes
along
Nicky:- Any exciting stories
from life on the road?
Hugo:- There were so many good times with my brothers. Just being
out there playing and getting better with every show was the
greatest feeling-oh yes, then there were the lesbians!! (LAUGHS)
Nicky:- What is your fondest
memory?
Hugo:- Playing with KISS in Chicago was a cool time. My road
boss, Todd Confessore also works with the KISS regime. When we
got to the gig, we got full lights, sound, whatever!!! That was
definately a good one
Nicky:- Is their anything you
wish to say to your fans in the UK and Europe?
Hugo:- Well, its been a long time, but I know that melodic rock
fans are the most dedicated fans in the world. Thanks for all the
support for so long and for being so patient. I hope the album
does it for you and I can't wait to see you-thanks for
everything.