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Omer native artist cracks top 20 in online competition

By John Fischer|Staff writer

CHESANING — Bob Hughes, 39, recently recorded his first album under the Grayling-based label Dharma Records and is looking to make a name for himself in the music scene by competing in a MySpace battle of the bands, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton. The winner of the contest will have a chance to perform at Summerfest in Milwaukee – an 11-day concert featuring over 700 different bands.

According to Hughes, Dharma Records personnel presented the online competition to him thinking it would be a good opportunity to broadcast his talent.

Over 500 bands have entered the battle and currently, Hughes ranks nineteenth place with his entry “Truth of the Matter.”

“It (battle of the bands) ends on May 3,” Hughes said. “The top ten then go into the second round, and as I understand it, they (Briggs) ask you to upload a catalog of your music.

“I’m in the process of recording a video on YouTube(.com) for the contest.”

Hughes, who considers himself a stay-at-home father (of two girls), says he’s surprised how quickly he’s climbed the competition chart so far, but says he realizes the challenge still ahead of him.

“The next level, going beyond what I already have, is going to be tough,” he said.

According to Hughes, his debut CD, “Some Stories,” is a 10-song compilation of country and adult contemporary tunes.

“It’s (CD) sort of a middle of the road between the two,” Hughes said. “I grew up with older country and classic rock and roll, so that’s what drove my passion for music.”

Hughes says he moved from the Omer area, where he lived all his life, last year to Chesaning where he opened a recording studio in nearby Owosso. However, he says he still performs regularly at different venues around Standish, Alpena, East Tawas and other places in Northeast Michigan.

An artist profile of Hughes will be featured in the April 22 issue of the Arenac County Independent in the Entertainment section.

To hear samples of Hughes’ CD “Some Stories” visit his Web site, www.bobhughesmichigan.com, or search for “Bob Hughes” on iTunes.

To vote for Hughes in the “Briggs Battle of the Bands” competition visit www.myspace.com/briggsbattleofthebands.

Entertainment: Artist profile: Bob Hughes

By John Fischer|Staff writer

The following is an interview by ACI staff writer John Fischer with Bob Hughes (BH) and the owner of Dharma Records, Allen Bondar (AB).

• Can you give readers a brief background of who Bob Hughes is?

BH: I’m 39 years old. I’m a father of two girls. I’m a stay-at-home dad. I currently live in Chesaning, and have for about a year now. I lived in Omer my whole life before that. I have a (video) recording studio in Owosso with Uptown Studios and also at home.

AB: Bob is a very talented individual. He sings and plays well. He wouldn’t be working as much if he didn’t have anything to offer the fans. Bob does not play in one place just once. He is always going back to his venues and that is a true testament to a good entertainer.

• How did you get your influence in music?

BH: Growing up, my parents listened to older country and classic rock and roll. In high school, I listened to 80s rock. I also played in a garage band called Exhibit A. That’s what drove my passion for music.

• How did Dharma Records find out about Bob Hughes?

AB: Bob was touring around Michigan with the Pool Boys (out of Tawas). They used Dharma Record Studio as a rehearsal room when they were working on material. Impressed by Bob’s great voice, we asked him to do some vocals on some of our in-house productions. Bob also has a great knack for video production and we hired his video company to do a video (viewable on YouTube) on Jake Allen (a Dharma Records artist). Our mutual respect toward one another made me happy to use his video company exclusively along with his dedication toward our audio production for his album. Bob was happy to use all aspects of our facility as far as publishing, production and even using our in-house musicians to perform on his project. After using five songs from our catalog, as well as using us to publish his original songs, it was a no-brainer for us to make Bob the first free agent to sign to our label.

• What are some things a “small” record label does for an artist and is one goal to promote your artists to “major” labels?

AB: Dharma Records, as a small label, offer a local studio coupled with a publishing house, website, booking agency, promotional hub, retail sales outlet and full production of CD’s. We can take a project from start to finish under one roof. Yes we are always looking to have a major take interest in one of our artists. Certainly is a great way to get a product moving a lot faster. The industry has changed so drastically in the last five years that it is not our main objective, to strive for observation from the “big” labels. As fugal as it may seem, Dharma Records makes a base in trying to produce “great” music first.

• What can you tell me the record “Some Stories”?

BH: There are ten songs on “Some Stories.” It’s a little country, a little bit adult contemporary…sort of a middle of the road between the two.

AB: I think “Some Stories” is a great example of what can happen when the mixture of songwriter, artist and producer work together with respect for one another. “Some Stories” is like reading a good book that makes you want to move on to the next chapter because you are curious to know what could be next! I know that I’m close to this album but I have heard the same explanation from many other listeners.

• If there is one hit song on “Some Stories,” what is it?

BH: I’d have to say Stay. It was written about a fellow from Standish. It follows a universal theme.

AB: I’m going to have to say Deep End. It’s a very strong anthem that seems to knock out the ladies. That’s my professional opinion. My personal favorite…I’m stuck on a bunch of them.

• What instruments do you play?

BH: I play guitar, bass and drums.

• Who were some of your influences growing up?

BH: My high school music teacher, America, Jimmy Buffett…

• If you could tour with two bands, who would they be?

BH: Neil Diamond would be first. I’m a huge fan and, of course, Led Zeppelin.

• What else can you tell me about Bob Hughes?

BH: I’m just thankful to have an opportunity and gifts to be in music. A lot of people aren’t as fortunate as I.

AB: I am happy to be Bob’s producer and I would NOT be in shock if he manages to win a Grammy, someday. Believe me, he has more talent than many who have garnished the nominations.