Going solo and talking relationships… Andrew Hung prepares for his UK tour

Amidst preparations for his string of solo shows opening in Manchester, the co-founder of the electronic music duo ‘F**k Buttons’ discusses performing alone and how the creation of his debut album developed his connection with his inner-self.

Andrew Hung’s solo record Realisationship was freshly released in October this year and the musical brainbox says he is looking forward to begin his following solo tour. “It’s going to be fun” he begins, “I’ve got my best friends on tour with me so it’s going to be great.”

Through walking a new path from his successful duo ‘F**k Buttons’, there have been some significant changes in the sounds and direction of his music along the way. “I’m moving towards being more direct in terms of connection as possible” he discusses. “When it comes to the instrumentation, I’m trying to use instruments that allow that micro-expressionism … for me it gives a more direct connection with the listener.”

Andrew Hung has recently released his debut ‘Realisationship’

That connection that Hung discusses certainly doesn’t perish upon listening to Realisationship. Although the title may seem confusing; the blending of the words ‘realise’ and ‘relationship’ form a concept which is clear throughout the record. Hung explains:  “It came from realising that you can have a relationship with this inner consciousness I think and that’s what needs to come out in the music. When one thinks about their art too much, that’s when for me, typically it becomes s**t. It’s kind of just letting go and letting it happen naturally.”

In the production of his newest project, the musician talks about how it was important to incorporate vocals into the music – a feature that hadn’t been present in his previous work.

In the track ‘Animal’ he sings: “I’ve been caged for far too long”, a lyric that would certainly raise a few ears. It seemed personal, deep and exposed. “I don’t separate my internal conscience with the external. I feel like humanity has been caged for a long time and now, is starting to see its boundaries aren’t limited which I find really exciting.”

This care-free and open minded attitude that Andrew Hung radiates is contagious and gives a refreshing image to his recent work. It appears as though he has found a new place within himself that allows for this development and creation.

The lyrics allow messages to be conveyed to his audience in a more direct and personal way, “It’s still something that I’m exploring but people can respond to a lyric quite easily” he says.

Anyone who is wise enough to be heading down to one of his upcoming shows is certainly in for a new experience – for both the audience and himself. Hung confesses his excitement for the new tour having enjoyed working solo this time round and having more control over his material. It’s unquestionable how confident he feels for this round of new performances. “It’s going to be good” he says. “The direct connection with the audience is really exciting and it’ll be an opportunity to make the room bounce.” 

Hung says he is “excited” to begin his solo tour.

Andrew Hung has had heaps of involvement in external projects – he was part of the team that created the music soundtrack for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, scored the music for the comedy horror movie ‘The Greasy Strangler’ and collaborated with fellow musician Beth Orton on her album that critics referred to as her “career highlight”. Hung explains how from these experiences, he has “gleamed some ideas and ideology on how to work”.

Just like his new album Realisationship, the newly formed soloist is interesting and real. The future looks promising on his new path as a one man band: “I’m going to do more,” he announces. “I’ve started writing again and it feels really good. I want to just develop and practise to get better.” It would seem inexcusable to miss Andrew performing on his upcoming tour and fail to see the evolution of his artistry for yourself.

Andrew Hung will be opening his solo tour at Manchester’s popular music venue the Soup Kitchen this Sunday.

Tickets and dates for Andrew Hung’s upcoming shows can be purchased here

Andrew’s new debut album Realisationship is available here