In this interview spotlight, we chat with country blues singer/songwriter Kyle T Hurley about his new project, influences and motivation, the digital music world and more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams can be found below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I was raised on blues and country, so it’s always been a part of me. Plus, as I grew up and started really looking at the music I was listening to, I saw that a lot of it came from the same source. The country and blues can mostly be traced to the older classic musicians, whether it be the Delta Bluesman or the musicians who brought their music to the mainstream audience.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been playing music pretty much my whole life. I’ve gigged around in bands and such since I was a teenager, and really got serious with my own stuff as I got into my twenties.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I have a lot of influences in my playing. Some big ones are Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Reed, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Nirvana and The Allman Brothers. In terms of writing, Dylan is my biggest influence, as well as Roger Waters’ observational way of writing. Anything that happens to me in life finds its way into my writing- everything in my songs means something. Every part is there because its supposed to be there. What motivates me to keep going is the hunger to play and create. I’ve always had it, and it can’t be ignored.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Yes, definitely. I was trying to be more me in this project than in my first album. I strove to take more chances creatively and try new ideas, rather than relying on the safety of staying too close to my influences. I aimed for realness, so everything on the album is as real as I could make it.
What was the last song you listened to?
The theme song to ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl is the choice for musos, however, I think what most matters is the equipment your using to listen to the music rather than the format. With that said, I always go with headphones that have a strong bass and good mix.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Live because it is a fuller experience.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The biggest challenge for me, and most developing artists, is the fact that the onus for attracting listeners is now more than ever on the independent musician. Due to the changing landscape of the music business, most labels and promoters will only go with safe bets. Because of this, indy musicians are forced to do everything themselves, and many get lost in this struggle.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
When I perform, I’m touring my music at a gig. But sometimes, when I gig, I perform the music that I will tour, like now for example, in support of my upcoming second album. Other times when I tour, on any given gig, I will perform. I’ve played on stages that do live stream, like at the Village Underground in New York. Right now, I can be seen playing around London, and all gigs where I perform are posted on my website, www.kylethurley.com, which will list my tour.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
My website, www.kylethurley.com, which also has links to my social media pages. I’m also available on all major online music vendors and streaming services.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Shout out to Butch Trucks- rest in peace and thanks for your service.
