Sound Interviews: Bridge City Hustle

I got down to the nitty gritty with Bridge City Hustle, to learn about the bands inspiration, music, and where they see the music industry heading in 2014.

1) How did the Bridge City Hustle begin?

The band started with me (Johnny), asking Pete (bass) and Dave (drums/keys) if they were interested in playing a few songs I had written and working on some other ideas I had started. A few weeks later, Dan (sax) signed on after hearing ideas we were messing with that he liked. We went through a few guitars players, some good but busy and others just not right for us, until discovering John Bendy by way of Dave. Fast forward a few months and we've got a mean rhythm section that sings background vocals and a one man horn section. I dig it!

2) What were some of your early influences?      

Some of our early influences were from Motown such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Tempations. MJ, James Brown, D'angelo, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Erykah Badu, J Dilla, Raphael Saadiq  and countless others have helped shape our sound. We are also inspired by contemporary acts like The Black Keys, JT, Gary Clark Jr., Miguel, Allen Stone, Jack White, Mayer Hawthorne to name a few.

3) How do you feel the genre of soul music is being transformed in 2014?

I'm not sure if it is being transformed as much as it is being redefined or evolving. I'm really digging the mix of digital and organic sounds happening more often in the production and the bold approach to the use of effects on vocals. Most of us being producers and engineers as well, we're very much a part of the mixing process and love referencing the awesome stuff people are doing today as inspiration for our sound. I also feel like bolder and more honest writing is a lot more acceptable today, making for some really deep songs.

4) What advice do you have for aspiring music artist?

DON'T EVER STOP! If you want it, you have to prove it. Doing so takes constant dedication, relentless effort, and time on top of time. However, If music is the first thing you think about when you wake, the last before you sleep and while asleep it is what you dream about, that shouldn't be hard to do. Also, balance is ESSENTIAL to success. You can't grind yourself into the ground. Having a place to shut off, find peace and collect your thoughts is crucial to innovative creativity.