Hether Talks Response to Recent EP

Hether is the project of Paul Castelluzzo. His debut EP, Hether Who? dropped in november, but he recently played his debut show at the Morrocan Lounge in LA. The songs off the EP are the perfectly produced and the vocals are oh so dreamy. I got the chance to speak with Castelluzzo about the response to his recent EP and what he’s up to now.

Hether Who? HAS BEEN OUT FOR OVER 4 MONTHS NOW. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU WANTED LISTENERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE EP, AND HOW HAVE FANS RESPONDED TO IT SO FAR?

I feel like fans have responded well, pretty surprised how much of an immediate buzz there was. I just wanted it to be something you could bump at the beach, or in your room with headphones on for more intimate listening. Shout out to everyone who's sent me nice fan mail and feedback! Its nice to have that encouragement in what can be a very discouraging industry. 

YOU JUST HAD YOUR FIRST SHOW AT THE MOROCCAN LOUNGE LAST MONTH. THAT’S SO EXCITING! HOW WAS IT? WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO PLAY YOUR SONGS LIVE AND FOR AN AUDIENCE?

It was magical. I was so nervous leading up to it. But the energy was amazing. People were singing the songs so loud. I felt like we were all just singing them together at some crazy house party. 

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR SOUND? WHAT/WHO ARE YOU INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED BY?

My influences vary heavily each year, month, and day. I’m just a huge music fan. I’d say this EP and project are a melting pot of those influences. I’m excited to just let the process ride out naturally and see how the music evolves for future releases. I’m inspired by creatives of all sorts, painters, architects, directors, and of course musicians. I think exposing yourself in any creative field takes a lot of bravery and vulnerability. I respect uniqueness and individuality, something I feel can't be taught. I have a lot of creative friends who inspire me deeply. I feel like I'm still discovering myself musically, and this project is kind a way to showcase that. S/0 to some friends (John keek, Joe Harrison, Dillon Casey, My brother Charlie, Mike edge, Callum Connor, Tim Mcnally, and so many more that inspire me)

WHAT DOES YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

I’m still trying to figure that out. I feel like each song is its own puzzle the requires a unique roadmap to uncode. Sometimes they come together easily, and other times you get in your own way by comparing or judging self which makes it difficult to see the finish line. A song can be as simple or as complex as you allow it to be. I like to start with a sound or sonic aesthetic that inspires me or brings some sort of nostalgia, like a guitar or drum sound. Then writing to that. Other times, I just have a little phrase pop in my head and use that to start a song. 

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO NOW? WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING IN LA WHILE UNDER A STATE WIDE QUARENTINE? HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR TIME?

Right now I'm working on new music. LA is weird but that isn't any different. This place is just weird in general, but I love it. It’s honestly nice to be inside all day, and feel this sense of justified reclusiveness, which is nothing new to me, minus it being justified. I’m a home body, I love listening to music and recording all day. I really hope this virus clears up soon and people stay healthy. 

*You can find Hether on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Go check him out!