We recently picked up on Haux with the release of ‘Heartbeat’ - a cold, moving electronic track wrapped up in emotional complexity and accompanied by some stunning visuals. It may have been a first listen for us, but for long-term fans, this new single marks the quickening approach to Haux’s second EP. Set for release on March 30th, Something To Remember is the follow up to his 2016 debut All We’ve Known, and we can already hear the photographer-turned-musician’s expanding sonic horizons.

We’ve already been treated to three singles from the upcoming EP. It all kicked off about nine months ago with the emergence of ‘Touch’, a slice of gentle ambience that features Woodson Black’s cashmere vocal expressing sincere emotion, while a female counterpart echoes the other half of these romantic possibilities with gorgeous harmonies. Shortly afterwards came ‘Cologne’, a track that saw Haux swapping the electric guitar and beats for an upright piano, something that Black speaks about in the interview. Of course, there’s the aforementioned ‘Heartbeat’, from which we praised “a production that sweeps from minimalist synths and finger-clicks to sophisticated trap-laced choruses.” With a few more songs to be revealed, there’s plenty of reasons to keep a close eye on this multi-talent.

It’s not only the Something To Remember EP to look forward to, there’s also a short film visualising the themes and narratives of Haux’s new project, in which we see the Massachusetts artist's photography skills come in to play. Not forgetting the European tour either, with UK dates at London’s Omeara on June 1st and Glasgow’s Stereo on June 2nd.

Before all of that, let’s get to know the man behind Haux, Woodson Black, a little better.

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TMR: We heard that you first started out as a photographer, so how did music draw you away from that path?

Yes! I've always had an appreciation for good imagery. A photograph can tell so many stories with a single moment. I like the limitation and expanse of photography. I think over the years I slowly applied that same limitation and expanse to my music process too. I'm not sure music ever took me away from photography per se. To me, each one really inspires the other.

TMR: It’s clear that the visual aspect is still very important to you, as we recently saw with the ‘Heartbeat’ video. Why was the setting of a beach on a winter’s day the choice here?

The song itself feels very cold to me. It was one I wrote in the winter time, so it just has that bitterness to it that I knew had to extend to the visuals too. Beaches also feel like the last place you'd want be in the winter, so there would have to be a real reason to go and I liked that.

TMR: Would you say that visceral textures such as warmth and cold; comfort and pain; strength and weakness, as exhibited in the video, are things you look to express through your music as well?

I'm not sure I think that deeply about textures when writing the music. But I would say I try to make the music as visceral and immediate as I possibly can, so it's something you can feel.



TMR: Much of your music is electronic, although ‘Cologne’ stands out as more acoustic with drums, piano and vocals. It’s a song that you’ve previously described as “a place where I might’ve had another life,” so is that why the song’s style and production deviates here?

In some ways I think it's as simple as me playing an early 20th century upright piano as lead instead of an electric guitar on ‘Cologne’. So much of the Haux sound is built off of those staccato guitar chords, so when I moved to that piano, it allowed the song to tap into a more acoustic atmosphere.

TMR: Speaking of songwriting, are there any musicians, songwriters or producers who really inspired you to push yourself as an artist further?

So many! I'm constantly inspired by other artists. When I'm writing new music I tend to steer clear of modern music and listen to classical or instrumental music. So most recently I've been so into Mendelssohn.

TMR: Do you have a favourite song on the EP? And why?

I think ‘Arrows’ is my favorite song on Something To Remember. It's the one that creates some real nostalgia for me. I can't help but remember the time when I wrote it and the person it's about. It makes me feel unbelievably happy and equally sad.



TMR: Perusing the Haux Facebook page, there are quite a lot of comments from fans who live for and through your music. Does this kind of reaction still take you by surprise?

Yes, I never dreamt of having such an amazing audience to share my creations with. It's really an honor every time I meet one of them. It makes all the hours in the studio worthwhile.

TMR: You’re currently based in the US, but throughout 2018 you’ll be treating European fans to a tour. What can the audience expect from a Haux live show?

We try to make each show as special as possible. I know that some, if not many, people are seeing Haux for the first time so we want to make sure it's something they remember for a long time. So I'd say, expect a good night to remember.

TMR: This year will also see the release of your sophomore EP, accompanied by a short film, already teased with ‘Heartbeat’. What’s your best synopsis of the film?

The film is about a young guy finding out how to love something more than himself.



-Hannah Thacker