Professional pianist and singer-songwriter Hugo Valentine makes a return to the airwaves today with the release of his brand new single, ‘Change’ which follows on from his previous track, ‘Rule the World’, released in September. ‘Change’ is set to be the fourth and final offering from Hugo this year and hoping to close off 2020 with a bang, Hugo calls upon his trusty piano once again.
Citing his musical influences as Elton John, Tom Odell and David Bowie, and having been brought up classically trained in keys, it’s hardly a wonder that the piano, be it acoustic or electronic, makes up the foundations of Hugo Valentine’s music. His gentle opening chords introduce the track alongside his impassioned vocals that set the scene of the story. The message behind ‘Change’ is one many will relate to, it’s a song about growing up, losing your childhood innocence and moulding yourself into becoming the person you’ve always wanted be.
“I think the message for me was clear from the outset – grow up, change, be who you want to be, but don’t forget who you really are. It sounds corny but has been such an important thread in my life, something so pertinent. I went to the studio later that day to lay down the demo. Beyond the core message of the song, it’s also a song about realising that things are not as they seemed when you were a child. It’s a moment to reflect on those childhood memories and view them from your adult self’s perspective. Most children are very impressionable, as I certainly was, but there comes with that a sort of bliss of life, a lack of knowledge and understanding of the difficulties and complexities of life – ‘Do you remember the strange days, when we were young and free’ – this feels bittersweet when you reflect on it as an adult. Then there’s the idea of having the world at your feet, coming of age and following the lead of others around you, whilst also becoming aware of the dangers of life. There is almost an undertone of warning to not let people get to you, to get in the way of your dreams, of what you believe in.”
‘Change’ is yet another impressive offering from Hugo, he’s been on a roll since he first embarked on his musical adventure back in 2019. He’s consistently brought out original, heartfelt and relatable songs that speak on pertinent yet rarely mentioned topics, but Hugo has made this is forte, he opens up conversations about important subjects spanning from addiction to suicide and creates a wonderful world of solace within his songs.
