by
Marshall Scalzi
Dusty Hughes, founding member of Polaradio, spent a few moments with us, discussing the new disc.
Marshall Scalzi: Tell us a little about Polaradio.
Dusty Hughes: Polaradio was actually formed this year. I actually had a dream awhile back that I had a band called Polaradio, not really sure where that came from, but while preparing the new CD, I thought, why not? I think I'm at the time and place to pursue the band route. It just finally feels right.
MS: This new CD has a different feel to it than your previous work. What brought about the change?
DH: I don't really think it's radically different from the other music I've done, but I guess it's probably because I tend to just write, lyrically and musically, from where I'm at. I'm just at a different place now. So any changes are due to that, I suppose.
MS: Where was the CD recorded? How was the vibe there?
DH: It was actually recorded in my own studio, so a very laid-back vibe. In my recording room, the walls are actually adorned with vintage movie posters. I'm a classic movie lover, so that makes me feel right at home.
MS: I love classic movies as well! What are your "must-see" films?
DH: Oh, wow, let's see. I love Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart, among many others. Anything with them. I loved Roman Holiday. Oh, and Harvey! A friend sent me that movie and I loved it. Awesome movie.
MS: Getting back to the music, how would you describe the overall contrast between this CD and your previous. You said they were similar, yet different. How so?
DH: Well, anything I do is going to sound like Dusty. Not sure if that's good or bad! This CD is definitely more optimistic and confident. I'm a happier person these days. I've been through some crazy and scary stuff the last year or so. It really gave me a whole new outlook. I guess it made it easier to overlook the little things.
MS: If you were to describe the CD to someone who had never heard your music before, what would you say?
DH: Wow, I don't know. The two most important keywords of music to me are melody and passion. The music I love shaped it a bit, I suppose. The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Bowie's early stuff, like the Hunky Dory album. If I had to describe it, I guess I'd call it melodic rock with pretty optimistic lyrics.
MS: What are the plans from here?
DH: I'm still trying to figure that out myself! Seriously, though, this is a different direction for me, so I'm basically just trying to plan it out the best I can. I'll let you know once I figure out what that is!
MS: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us this morning!
DH: You bet!
Look for Polaradio CD in stores September 5, or online at iTunes, Napster, and Rhapsody. Also, visit the Polaradio site at www.polaradio.com
