Project Description
‘AMNplify Snapshot’
MICK McHUGH
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How would you describe your journey in the music industry so far, and where do you want to go from here with your music?
A surprise! After leaving school, I studied and got a first-class honours degree in Polymer Engineering. Then I got severe depression at 22, so I took a side-step. I tried some new things such as learning guitar. I fell in love with it and I’ve been a full-time musician for over 10 years now. I’ve played some great stages, including the Sydney Opera House, and supported some of my biggest idols, it’s been one heck of a journey. I love that you never quite know what’s around the corner for you in this industry.
From here, I’ve just released my debut studio album on Friday 16th February, and I plan to always write, record and release songs! I’d love to see my songs covered by other artists and used in movies. For me, it’s the greatest honour for a songwriter when a song goes on its own journey.
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When did you know you wanted to make music, and perform as your career?
I was hooked as soon as I discovered I could write original songs. I met a songwriter who inspired me and encouraged me to song-write. From there, I caught the bug! I then got out and about to singer-songwriter nights in Dublin and started getting good feedback from people. And I was also drawn in by the connection you can create with an audience that you’ve never met before. I suppose I became addicted to the creative process of crafting a song and the rush of sharing it with others; the next step was to make a career from doing something I loved so much…
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Who have been your musical influences or artists you have admired growing up?
Damien Dempsey, Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, Paddy Casey, John Lennon, Cat Stevens, Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman….to name but a few.
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Are there any artists or musicians that you have been so impacted by that it changed your view on life or mentality toward music?
Damien Dempsey, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Tracy Chapman all drew me in with their social conscience songwriting, and all shaped my word views. Glen Hansard taught me how it should be done live. Both of these elements are what I aim to give back to the world through my music.
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How would you describe your sound, and why is it unique from other artist’s sound?
Indie folk singer songwriter not afraid to address tough issues, hardships and plight, but at the same time, layering it in my trademark hope. Every single one of us human beings is unique, that’s what makes us the artist.
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What are your goals for 2018 as far as new music and touring?
As far as new music, I am constantly collecting lyrics and riff ideas as I go. But right now, I’m releasing my debut studio album on Friday 16th February, so the next year will be all about focusing on touring, festivals and promoting that.
I’m playing CD launch shows in Byron and the Gold Coast in March and will be announcing Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne very soon.
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You’ve played at some pretty massive events the last year, what performance was the most surreal for you and why?
The support shows with Amy Shark were pretty special to play, and surreal, cos I had gotten to know Amy over the last couple of years. She’d drop in sometimes to watch one of my Sunday residency gigs on the Gold Coast. We chatted about music and recording, as you do with fellow musicians, Amy released her song ‘Adore’ and became Australia’s biggest breakthrough artist. So being a part of those shows and playing to sold out audiences were really amazing.
Damien Dempsey shows were, and always are, “take it to my grave” experiences, the way he moves an audience and gets the entire place singing, he really tugs at the heart strings!
And I recorded both those tours to make the music video for the second single from my album, ‘Good Good Day’.
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If you weren’t working in the music industry, what else do you think you would be doing with your life right now?
Probably teaching in some form. I tried my hand at it in Dublin after I left Polymer Engineering behind and really enjoyed it. Or a job related to travelling …love travelling.
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What’s one song fans might be surprised you really like?
“Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie. It’s a hilarious social commentary on our current Western society. And in the movie, it’s the only song that is ever played on radio, so makes a cheeky statement about commercial radio. …it cracks me up!
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Lastly, just for fun – if you had to listen to one song on repeat the rest of your life what song and why?
Ha ha, well, in The Lego Movie, they only ever listened to “Everything is Awesome”, so let’s go with that one. Not sure how I’d actually last though.. lol
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Upcoming shows
Fri 2nd March 8pm – BYRON CD Launch @ Jasper Corner
Sat 3rd March 7:30pm – GOLD COAST CD Launch @ Currumbin Pub Band Room
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Follow MICK McHUGH
Website Facebook Twitter Youtube
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