Interview with Caleb Logan of Hush Money

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

My parents introduced me to music at a very young age. In fact, one of my earliest memories was hearing my parents playing old Allman Brothers and Janis Joplin records on an old turntable in the living room. If I had not gotten into music, I would probably choose a career in which I could help people or at least see that I could help make a positive change in their lives. Who knows what that would consist of? Possibly the medical field? Something in Occupational Therapy? Anyone's guess is as good as mine.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, and experiencing new parts of this beautiful planet I've never seen. It helps to clear my head and untangle my thoughts so I can approach my songwriting and playing with an open and revitalized mind.

How long has your band been around?

We have been around in one iteration or another for over a decade at this point. The four of us have been in numerous projects together. The different projects over the years might not have consisted of all of us at the same time, but there were always at least two of us collaborating. I believe this is what has helped us refine and galvanize our relationships both on and off stage.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We are based out of the Southern Appalachians in the region where Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina meet. Naturally, we are influenced by the native sounds of Country, Gospel, Bluegrass, and Folk which is the standard musical heritage of the region. That being said, out of the state trifecta, we are from Georgia which is quite possibly the most musically rich state in America. So, the sounds of Southern Rock, Soul, and Blues (that were created/cultivated in our home state) run just as deeply through our veins.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

That’s a funny story! Our band name comes from our time as young musicians trying to make a buck in the southern bar scene prior to being old enough to enter the establishments we were attempting to perform in. Assuming we were old enough, the bar owners would have us audition, and give us the gig. Once finding out we were not old enough to be inside the establishment, they would tell us to keep it quiet, take the cash, and would book us for the next month's show. All of our money in those days was Hush Money.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

My most memorable show was our set at The Call of the Wild Festival in Lincoln UK in May of this year. The rain poured down before our set, and the fans there were such troopers! God Bless all the English, Scottish and Welsh music fans in attendance that day. They stayed throughout the downpour trudging through the mud to support the performers. As soon as we took the stage, the clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun came beaming down and remained that way from the first song of our set to the last. As soon as we left the stage, the rain poured and we frantically retreated and took shelter in our van in the field behind the stage. Simply perfect!

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

My favorite venues to play at are anywhere that people are enjoying the music, having a good time, and helping create the moment. That could be a festival with thousands of people or a tiny shoulder to shoulder dive bar. The people in attendance always make the show. Give me a room of cool people and we’re there.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

The lineup would consist of: Waleska, Josh Brown, One for the Road, and Tom Killner (with his merry band of hooligans of course). They are the nicest and most down to earth guys you'd ever want to meet and incredible musicians. I like playing real music with real people without all the drama. With all of these guys, you are getting 100% flavor and not a speck of bullshit. If you want real music, look no further, these guys are the real deal.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Hang in there with it. Get your priorities straight. Do it for the love of the music, and if you can, help someone because I can just about guarantee that someone's music helped you through a rough patch.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Knock that chip off your shoulder and love people.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

‘Think Back to Mama’ from our new album ‘Go Back Home’. Plainly and simply, it's about my mom. She's the strongest woman I know and has helped me through some of my darkest days.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I enjoy playing the songs people enjoy listening to, but my guilty pleasure song is ‘Who I Wanna Be’. ‘Still Around’ is consistently requested at our shows.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

I can't speak for the other guys in the band, but when I write a song, the music and lyrics hit me like a bolt of lightning and I just pray that I'm close enough to a pen to start scribbling it down before I forget it. I honestly don't know what inspires me most of the time when I'm writing. I think various forms of inspiration just subconsciously compile until it erupts in the form of a song.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Love and Hope. If I can convey to people that they are loved, they matter, and give them the hope that they can make it through the hardest of times, then our job is done.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

We have disagreements all the time. At this point, we're basically married. We talk through the issue at hand and resolve it like adults.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Currently we are promoting our latest studio album ‘Go Back Home’ which you can buy directly from us as we’re releasing it digitally single by single. It is a tour through our musical roots and influences. If you want to see what we're all about and enjoy good southern music, I recommend you check it out!