Sons Of Hudson- Record Original Music (Musicians & Band)

Edition Seven-Week Seven:

By: Mercedes Barreto / Photography by: Joe Mack’s Event Photography

What creates anticipation behind musical creation and release? What strikes excitement in the ears of listeners, even before they get to hear what they wish? Sons Of Hudson is anticipating a new musical release, and we are excited to talk about that, and much more of their success, in this guided, yet informative article.

Why did you pick this to be the name of the band? How does this reflect your musical style, if so?

“The name is associated with a recording project that Andy started in the early 2000’s that was bringing together friends and musicians to write and record original music. In the summer of 2016, we assembled some of those friends and musicians into a band. We started the band with a different name that wasn’t really resonating with people so we decided to switch to Sons of Hudson after about two years. It’s an Americana type of name and that probably best describes our style of music as well. It is around this time of the name change that we started to realize that people really enjoyed the mix of our originals with the old country (Johnny, Waylon, Hank, etc…), the classic rock, (Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, etc…), the jam band stuff (Little Feat, Grateful Dead, Allman Bros) and whatever else pops into our heads.”

What are some highlights of 2022? What is in store for shows to come?
“Back in the fall of 2021, Long Lot Farms Brewery in Chester, NY had asked if we were willing to play their Winter Fest, in the beginning of February….outside!! And of course, we said yes. A couple of weeks later we were at Tin Barn Brewing for their Winter Luau party…much warmer. We were just recently down in Elmsford, NY, at the Captain Lawrence Brewing Co and played for their 16-year Anniversary party. This summer we are looking forward to a full schedule and one of our biggest highlights will be a new beer release at Tin Barn Brewing Co., which will feature our band logo on the can, on Friday June 10th. We’ll be at Long Lot Brewery on June 25th for their Hops Fest. We are also looking forward to the Cash & Country Fest at the Warwick Valley Winery at the beginning of August, which we have been a part of for the last 3 years.”

If you could describe a song that you feel most resonates with your listening crowd, which one is it, and how would you describe it?

“We are using a setlist of about 70 songs to choose from and will play 25-30 of them for a 3-hr set. We have a song called, No Place To Be, that was written by Matt and we really enjoy playing it. It’s got an old country swing to it, great lyrics, melodic and to the point. It’s nice to see people’s feet moving, their heads bobbing along to it and dancing.”

What are three words to describe a new and upcoming release? What should we know about it?

“Any time now… We began to record originals over the covid shutdown, with each member recording their part at home and sending it in to Kevin and Andy to be mixed. This where James joins the lineup, fall of 2020. We were able to record 10 songs and found that we created a sound and style all our own. We have now been playing out so much we haven’t had the time to finish the album so we are hoping to have that done this fall, with the addition of Dave on pedal steel.”

If you could pick a venue that means something, and not just a place to play, what would be the venue that is most meaningful to you and the band? Why or why not?

“So, we have been together since the summer of 2016 and have cultivated a setlist that really caters to the brewery, winery and distillery scenes. These places have really opened the door to, and for, local musicians and we are so grateful they now exist here in the Hudson valley. Every one of these places mean something to us because the folks running them couldn’t be more down to earth, avid music lovers themselves and wonderful to work with. That being said, we’ve made a special connection with Lauren and Dale Van Pamelen at Tin Barn Brewing Co. in the past 2 years and really enjoy playing there for them. For a couple of us in the band having grown up in the area, Sugarloaf Mtn. has a lot of sentimental value and to be able to play at the base of the mountain brings out lots of good vibes.”

Where can we find out more about Sons Of Hudson, and where do you belong? Where will destiny take you, and how have you been marked to define musical history for all?

“We’ve got pages on Facegram and Instabook that are the easiest ways to find us. We post a flyer online for every show and our schedule is pinned to our FB page. Also, you can go to reverbnation.com, search Sons of Hudson and that has a bunch of originals from over the years, from different folks. Hopefully, this little band’s destiny is to have some of the original music we do be released and heard on some streaming platforms without you having to come see us to hear it. Although we do have a good time!!”

Anything to add?
We’d like to thank Joe Mack Event Photography for helping us out this spring and summer with live shots and videos that we’ll be releasing over the course of the year. He’s been instrumental in
getting us some better social media exposure. We’d also like to thank our wives, children, families and friends for their support over the 30+ years we’ve all been doing this. It is not lost on us the
sacrifices made to be able to do what we do. See you this summer!!!”

Questions For The Photographer-

What signifies the meaning behind your shoot with this band? What was so iconic and in-depth?

“I had worked with these guys once before at their rehearsal space. I was looking forward to hearing and seeing them do an actual live performance, I was thrilled when they asked me to come to their show to do stills and video, and as an extra bonus since I saw them last they added a pedal steel guitar player.”

Would you recommend the band to other venues, how and why? 

“I would most definitely recommend Sons of Hudson to other venues, they are a dedicated and well rehearsed band playing a variety of covers and originals, all done with their own special style which I have been calling Americana.”