In a world of copy+paste content and mass produced AI junk, Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands winners, Hue, stand out as a beacon of authenticity. The DMV based trio are lifetime musicians and longtime friends; and they represent everything that is right with the music industry today. Nic, Ali, and Arejay are the sort of musicians who simply are not capable of not making music. This immutable drive has drawn each of them to numerous projects over the years; sometimes together, sometimes not, each contributing to the brilliantly unique sound that defines Hue’s music today. They describe themselves as a band that overlaps the Venn diagram; their sound reflects a captivating mix of everything from metal, to R&B. Audiences may even detect the playful influence of go-go music floating through the band’s debut EP.
I had the great pleasure of sitting down with the guys of Hue at this year’s Warped Tour DC stop. After having played a mind-blowing three sets over the weekend, two within the same day, they met me with a joyful warmth that was impossible to ignore. They’re the kind of people you just can’t help but to smile around. With extensive experience, unlimited drive, and the deep love they have for the work, Hue are destined to take up major space in the hearts and minds of music lovers everywhere.
Keep scrolling to check out my lightning round interview with Hue; be sure to follow along on socials (@huedatband on Instagram and Tiktok), and tune in to Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Don’t forget to save the Under Exposed playlist on Spotify to listen to my favorites from Hue and the rest of the Under Exposed lineup!
Interview
Cameron Conrad sits down with Arejay, Ali, Nic, and Hue
What is your favorite memory from Warped Tours past?
I don’t remember what city, but somewhere on Warped Europe in 2013 I was on stage playing with RDGLDGRN... looked side stage & Longineau Parsons (drummer from Yellowcard) was watching our whole set. Once we finished he just calmly told me “that was great playing” & walked away..I almost fainted
Going to warped tour 2013 and seeing the Black Dahlia Murder, The Story So Far, and Architects performing Daybreaker.
Maybe the time I ran to see Silverstein and a singular guy (who looked like Malachai from Children of the Corn) opened the entire pit BY HISSELF under the amphitheater. Also, The Black Dahlia Murder with the ape suit in 2013 was pretty sick!
Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform at Warped Tour DC?
Gym Class Heroes
Thrice
Coheed & Cambria, Jimmy Eat World, Citizen, From First to Last, The Paradox, bummed Enter Shikari couldn’t make it (Nic is really excited)
If you could jump on stage and join in any set this year, who would you choose?
Gym Class Heroes
The Paradox
I Set My Friends On Fire
If each of you was a Disney character, who would you be?
Genie, from Aladdin
Jim Hawkins, from Treasure Planet
David, from Lilo & Stitch
If we gave out high-school superlatives today, what would each of you win?
I actually won Most Musical.. I was mad that I didn’t get “Best All Around” tho.
Most likely to succeed.
Most likely to be a Rockstar, or something like that.
Who has the weirdest tour habits or pre-show rituals?
We don’t really have any. Maybe it’s time to get weird?
Any new music or upcoming tours we should know about? Anything brewing behind the scenes you can give a hint about?
Our Debut EP “Highly Under Estimated” just came out last month and we’re telling the whole world about it! No tour announcements right now, but we’ll definitely be playing shows around the DMV! Maybe even a few outside! Come catch us!
Keep an eye out for our on site interview with Hue, coming soon!