Gary thank you for taking the time to answer Metal Temple's questions.
You're very welcome.
First of all congratulations on your new album Veritas; you wrote and arranged all the songs of the album? How hard was for you to sing, play bass, keyboards and handle the production of this album?
A balancing act! It takes time, obviously. I manage to wear several hats and, rather like spinning plates, it's all a matter of concentration.
The feeling I had - listening to Veritas - is that you tried to recreate an 80's sound and attitude. What were your initial intentions, musically for this album? The final result is any deferent from the one you had in mind?
Yes, that is correct...an 80's sound but with a tinge of Blues Rock. Other than that, I approached it in the same way as I would a TEN album.
Of course the lyrics talk about matters of the heart, love, memories and relationships. Are there any personal experiences in your songs or they just come out depending on the music you have in your hands? How did you choose the name Veritas?
They are all based on personal experience, opinions and morality. All the songs have their lyrics based on truth – hence the name Veritas, the Latin for Truth.
I can see that you brought in the studio your TEN band mates Chris Francis and John Halliwel. How did you choose the musicians for your album?
They are all musicians I have encountered at Arena, my recording studio. They all impressed enough to be given a shot.
How are thing with TEN now days? You had a record last year with TEN, The Twilight Chronicles; you have your own music as priority? You think TEN is on hold for now?
Not at all. TEN is the priority every year. That's why it has taken me 4 years to follow up Precious Ones.
You had already 3 personal studio albums before the TEN days. You though that forming a band like TEN would be the way to make your music pass on a wider audience?
Not really. I just felt that the material for TEN felt more like band orientated material.
You are on the music business for almost 18 years. Have your music taste, or what you use to listen on your home, changed? How much do you think the world music scene has changed over the years?
Music comes around in circles. Rock remains. Trends come and go but Rock in one form or other endures.
What other singers or bands you listened before you became a famous singer yourself? Who was your main influence?
David Coverdale, John Waite, Steve Perry.
You've involved in a great number of project as o producer, singer or songwriter. You have any free time left? What are you hobbies? You like football? Are you surfing the internet at all?
I like football – I support Manchester United – and I enjoy surfing the net but don't get as much time as I would like nowadays.
How do you feel about people that download your music instead of buying your CDs? You think internet and downloading is a way to increase your popularity by making your music accessible to more people? Or you think that your work is been stolen in a way?
Not really. As long as they pay for it, who cares? Piracy is another matter. People who buy and make illegal copies are killing music.
Back to Veritas. All I Want Is You is a really emotional song in my opinion, this is the one that touched me the most. Which is the best song of the album in your opinion?
A tie between All I Want Is You and Wide Awake In Dreamland.
What are Gary Hughes future plans? A tour for Veritas, a next studio album with TEN or other projects you have on the side?
A new TEN album and some festival appearances. Maybe another new project also in the pipeline.
Is there anything you want add or anything you'd like to say to our readers?
Thank you for your continual support. You have been a constant power behind me and my music.
Gary thank you very much for your time.
Thank you for your time and patience.
