In a world where tapping your finger summons any kind of music you’d want to hear, it takes a lot for a new artist to capture the public’s attention. It takes a compelling voice, impressive musical chops and songs that are both entertaining and insightful. It also helps to have a passion for making music that leaps from the speakers, grabs the listener by the ears and settles in their heart. Hudson Moore is that caliber of artist.
Moore, who was recently named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” is quickly building a loyal fan base with his engaging, self-assured voice and his awe-inducing musical skills. The music video for his single, “Some Are,” off his critically acclaimed new album GETAWAY has people scratching their heads in disbelief when they see the video because each camera shot reveals Moore’s musical dexterity as he plays EVERY instrument in the video (drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, 6 string banjo, keys and harmony vocals).
Moore, who has reputation as a great live performer, has earned opening slots for ZZ Top, Alan Jackson, Pat Green, Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, Gary Clark Jr. among others. “Music has always been my biggest passion” says Moore. “I love it all – performing live, writing songs and recording in the studio. For better or for worse, I write or co-write all of my songs and do the vast majority of guitar work and overdubs on my albums. There are plenty of session players out there who are much more talented than I am, but I really enjoy adding my personal touch to my records and playing as many instruments on my songs as I can. Each instrument allows me to express myself in different way.”
Moore has a creative hand in everything he does from the production of his albums to the arrangements, the mix you hear, and the videos you see. Hudson hand selected a small, but tight group of musicians to help fill out the sound of the album. In addition to co-writing each of the songs on GETAWAY, Moore played eleven instruments during the recording process.
For Moore, making music is as natural as breathing and it’s a passion that began when he was just a child. “I’m a musician first and foremost. I started playing the guitar and drums around 10 years old, then fell into singing and writing songs when I was about 16,” he says. Some of my earliest musical influences were guys like Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and George Strait. I remember when I was 6 years old, my dad took us to see Tim McGraw live in Dallas and Kenny Chesney opened the show. We had been wearing out Tim’s album, “Everywhere” that whole year. My brothers and I knew every word to every song. I’ll never forget the feeling of watching Tim take command of the crowd like that. It was a really powerful moment for me. I didn’t realize then that one day I’d be performing on stage as well, but I think that was when the seed was planted for me.
As a listener, I’ve always been equally drawn to the music, hooks and melodies as I have the lyrics. Growing up listening to guys like Keith Urban and Vince Gill, I noticed the guitar was always at the forefront of their songs. That really stuck with me and I think a lot of that sound has made its way into my music.”
Moore has expanded on the musical foundation provided by his heroes and forged his own distinct sound teaming with youthful energy and anchored by memorable melodies and relatable lyrics. And though he has the musical skill and vocal talent to succeed in any genre, there was never any doubt he’d call Country Music his home. “Honestly the fans bring it home for me,” says Moore.
“Country music fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans in the world. When I play for them, I feel like I’m playing for my friends and family. Like most people, I enjoy all different types of music: rock, pop, blues, r&b – but country music is at the root of it all for me. It’s at the core of who I am as an artist and why I got into music to begin with. “
Moore’s talent and buoyant personality have earned him a broad and enthusiastic fan base. His debut album, “Fireworks,” spawned the hit single of the same title, “Fireworks,” which soared to No. 1 on the Texas Music chart and held that spot for two weeks in 2013. His songs have appeared in TV and films, including the 2013 western film “Sweetwater” starring Ed Harris, January Jones and Jason Aldean, which featured Moore’s “Cold Grey Light of Dawn” over the closing credits. “It was really fun to have a song featured in a film at Sundance. Especially being a western. I’ve always been a huge fan of Western films” he says. “We went up there and watched it on the big screen at the premiere and walked the red carpet and everything. It was really exciting.”
Moore has also developed a reputation as a strong live performer and has opened for many of his musical heroes as well as headlining his own shows in notable venues such as Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk and Gruene Hall.
With the release of GETAWAY, Moore continues to solidify his reputation as one of country’s most gifted young artists. He co-produced his new set with Dwight A. Baker, an Austin-based songwriter/producer who has worked with Kelly Clarkson, Brandi Carlile, Bob Schneider, Blue October, Alpha Rev among others. “We really hit it off,” Moore says with a grin. “I told him I had a clear vision of how I wanted my record to sound and he said, ‘Man, I just want to help get your vision across and let you be you.’ He was really supportive and it was just a perfect fit. I have a specific sound I was going for and Dwight encouraged me to be me rather than steer me in a direction that I didn’t want to go. I was able to lead the ship and he was there to support me and push me to give my best performance, along with that of the musicians we were recording with.”
The lead single, “Some Are,” showcases Moore’s potent skills as a musician as well as his rich, smooth vocals. “It’s a feel good song, that’s nostalgic at the same time” says Moore. “It’s about the special people you encounter in life that managed to drive you crazy, make you open up that door and go the extra mile to get that smile or that kiss”.
Another highlight on the new project is “Sand in the Bed.” “It’s one of my favorite songs on the record,” he says of the lilting, romantic tune he penned with J.T. Hodges and Andrew Petroff. “I had the title and texted it out to the guys. Immediately they both said, we’ve got to write this!’ Everyone’s wheels were spinning and at the end of the session, we had a full work tape of the song. It’s a sexy, honeymoon song that reflects on the time you have with that special person. It’s hopefully a song that will take people to that place when they listen to it. I’m really happy with the way it turned out”.
Moore’s excitement for making music is contagious and whether on stage or off, there’s a simmering energy that makes a conversation with him a delight and a concert so galvanizing that it’s experience not to be missed. His passion fuels everything he does and it leaves a lasting impression on those who cross his path. “Life’s too short to be doing something you’re not passionate about. I’m chasing my dream and doing what I love and I hope that I’ll be able to inspire others to do what they love as well,” he says. My hope is that my music will help people get through that hard time in their life, or be that song they put on when they’re falling in love or hanging out with friends on a Friday night. In some a way, I want to be a small part of the soundtracks of peoples lives.”
Hudson Moore available for corporate events, private shows, milestone celebrations (birthday, anniversary), fundraisers, festivals, and more.