Van Hunt’s Return Reveals His Hopes in New Project

Thursday, 08 September 2011 20:48 Written by  Iya Bakare

His response to the recession and a tumultuous time personally generated the anticipated return of Van Hunt to the music scene. His new project, What Were You Hoping For?, is set for release Sept. 27. After more than three years, the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer releases his response to society, the economy and his personal life.

“I’m telling the story of finding love and finding a place where I belong,” he says. “I’m documenting the convergence of political and societal issues that are colliding.”

His environment in L.A., keeping the television and radio off, listening to the voices of children and the thoughts in his mind are elements that Hunt comments influence his sound but specifically inspired his latest project.

“These influences allow me to come up with a lyrical concept with sounds that clothe and decorate the music,” he adds. “I’m an artist, and I’d like to think I get a little closer to something in my head. Sometimes it’s difficult to express what’s in my head articulately.”

Hunt says with society at a decline and stagnant wages on a global level, art and culture have been neglected, yet both are important parts of society where there’s no reward for appreciating something beautiful.

“I would like to move forward with the inclusion of art and beauty and return to basic civility,” Hunt comments.

Leading up to the September release of What Were You Hoping For?, Hunt revealed some of the tracks from the project this summer he wrot e and arranged to give fans an idea of where he is right now artistically.

The songwriter and arranger learned to express himself in more ways than one. As a child, Hunt learned to master the drums, saxophone, bass and keyboards. It was right before he became a teenager when Hunt said he decided to pursue music as a career.

“I was lying on my stomach on the floor in front of my mom’s radio listening to Prince recite The Lord’s Prayer in the ‘Controversy’ track, and that’s when I thought I could do this as a career,” comments Hunt.

After high school, Hunt attempted to follow his mother’s advice to stabilize a Plan B and earn a college degree but decided to leave to pursue music.

“I couldn’t concentrate in college because of my desire to express myself artistically,” Hunt says. “There was never any doubt that I’d get to where I wanted to go.”

Hunt attributes artists D’Angelo, White Stripes and James Blake as some of his current influences. He also pays tribute to the classics Johann Sebastian Bach and Sly Stone, whose inspiration with Hunt’s compilations create his unique sound.


Hunt begins his tour on Sept. 19. For a list of tour dates and information on how to get his new CD, visit Hunt’s newly relaunched website www.vanhunt.com.

 

Photo Credit:  Shalon Goss

 

Iya Bakare

Iya Bakare

Iya Bakare, GMO's managing editor, earned both her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in print journalism. She earned her B.A. from Delta State University with a minor in English and graduated with a M.A. degree from Columbia College Chicago. In her spare time, the Chicago native continues to freelance and ponder ways to both inform and improve her community one story at a time.

She can be contacted at Iya@glossmagazineonline.com
Follow her on Twitter: @ibakare

Website: www.iyabakare.com

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