Interview: Conversations with Bluhauz
Throughout his life, US based singer/guitarist Bluhauz has experienced a truly unpredictable and unprecedented journey. From admiring Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to sharing experiences with him, from being frontman of Stone Giant to launching his solo career, from attending Berklee College of Music to playing some of the most famed festivals in the world such as Lollapalooza - Bluhauz has done all of these things. Now, with his debut solo album out August 6th, 2021, Bluhauz, he’s setting off on his biggest adventure yet - musically, spiritually, and personally.
Lead single “Purify My Soul,” released in 2020, signaled Bluhauz’s intent. “I’m a more spiritual kind of person now, looking for self-awareness. A lot of my songs talk about purifying your soul and that kind of spiritual growth, and that theme repeats all over the album,” he says. This is evident with the other singles that have been released as well as the rest of the thirteen tracks on the album. Bluhauz's music has been already featured by Classic Rock Magazine, Spotify, and Billboard among other major press.
This new level of maturity and insight doesn’t mean Bluhauz’s music is overly serious, however: this is alternative blues rock with a lot of heart, soul, and swagger. Some songs have a more pop sensibility while others are funky - but regardless of the stylistic explorations, every song features his nimble blues-influenced guitar playing and impassioned vocals.
PC: Nico Fernandez
Listen to the Bluhauz album while you read!
What led to you becoming an artist?
I’ve always felt like an artist since I was a kid. Music has been there all my life but it was when I turned 17 that I completely decided to dedicate my life to music and rock & roll. I would spend hours watching live concert footage of Led Zeppelin live at Royal Albert Hall, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and all the classic rock players. That led me to really study and practice what these artists were doing. It’s that raw passion you feel when you just start discovering how to play certain things you like and once you manifest that into a live show, there is no going back.
What inspires your music?
Musically, I am very inspired by rock & roll and the blues. Anytime I listen to that music something in me wakes up and inspires me. It just makes me want to go out and play and be constantly around that energy and inspiration. My journey with music inspires me to keep going and better myself as a writer every time. Currently, I am basing my inspirations on real-life situations and lessons. I like to express my feelings and beliefs through my songs, especially now during this new solo artist era as Bluhauz that I am embarking on.
Who are some of your influences?
For me, it always comes back to the classic rock and blues players and bands like Led Zeppelin, BB King, SRV, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Guns N Roses, and so on. Those are the sounds that got me into this music life and they will always be the ones that move me the most.
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
I have great memories since I was in teenage bands starting it all, to my Berklee years, and then everything we did with my other rock band Stone Giant. To name a few key moments in my career I’d say definitely a main one is when we got to perform for Jimmy Page at the Agganis Arena for Berklee commencement concert. Not many people know this but I was very involved in that moment because it was through a personal connection that we managed to connect with Jimmy and make it all happen. And then being able to perform Led Zeppelin songs with him in the audience and 10,000 people was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. We went with the band of students to get some tequilas, we were all adults of course haha, and we went back and played a killer show that night. Then after that, great moments came when we finished the Stone Giant album at Abbey Road in London, UK, and I was able to attend the sessions and see the studios and everything.
One of the other major moments for my career was playing Lollapalooza Argentina and Chile in 2016. That started the whole butterfly effect to what happened after. You get to meet all the great bands backstage and hang out, you enjoy the shows, and playing live for such a crowd is a thrill. I can name many great memories and I’ve put myself in plenty of situations where I would be performing for 12 people at a bar one night, and the next night for 3,000 people at The Fillmore opening for a band. You gotta do it all and that consistency will open many doors and if you stick around, you’ll get there. Now I am excited to create new great memories with my new solo project Bluhauz. I just came back from LA filming a live show for Jam In The Van and Orange Amplifiers and already the energy I felt from that show playing my new music was amazing. That will definitely be a new memory I’ll remember as an event that starts the Bluhauz era.
What have been some of the greatest challenges of your career?
The greatest challenge is to keep things consistent. If you manage to keep things consistent and not let it go by putting all of your energy, time, and actions into the same thing, your career will start expanding. I always say it's very important to take advantage of moments and momentum. If you got to play Lollapalooza, then now is the time to work even harder and expose yourself even more. Take advantage and ride that momentum that big opportunities give you like playing at a festival, opening for a big band or tour, songs placed on TV & Film. Keep that consistency matched with great content and attitude.
Which of your songs/eps or albums is your favorite? Why is it your favorite?
I love releasing music and I am happy with everything I have been a part of. At the moment my favorite release is definitely my new and first solo album just released August 6th, 2021. I wrote all those songs out of personal experiences and lessons like Purify My Soul, Tell Me Baby, Keep On Rolling, and really all of them. I also feel very identified with the blues and in this album, I was able to express it more vividly and I really enjoy it. It's fun to play it live.
PC: Nico Fernandez
What are you most excited to bring to your fans in the next year?
I’m excited to keep expanding my new album and having fans discover it and make it their own. And I can’t wait to get out on the road and share some live concert experiences with people all around the world. It all comes down to that moment for me.
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
I want it all. Don’t we all? Haha My goals are to keep promoting my new solo album “Bluhauz” and as I mentioned above, start getting out on the road. So stay tuned for more content coming out and exciting things being announced. And of course, I am already writing songs for new singles and a new album further down the road. It’s good to maintain your creative juices flowing and constantly write songs.
How can your fans best support you right now?
Go listen to my album on Spotify or any digital platform available! You can also check out some of my videos on YouTube and I will be releasing new official videos in the coming months and so on. Definitely stay tuned for new merch and fun things coming your way.
Bluhauz’s Links: