Words: Maximilian Levy // Main photo: Danny Howe and Matthew Carter
Hugo Dahlen-Flight, known formally by the moniker Maybe Hugo, has been creating music for as long as he can remember.
He grew up learning classical and jazz saxophone, later picking up singing, and becoming accustomed to a guitar looped around his shoulder or a keyboard beneath his fingertips.
At 15 years old, Hugo fell into DJing, setting into motion a spiralling journey through the landscape of parties, nightclubs, and electronic music, further expanding his skill set.
After releasing two singles earlier in the year, Hugo brought his debut EP Maybe, Might Be, Could Be into the world on September 25, showcasing his eclectic range with a five-track contemporary take on alternative, funk, and soul.
Written and produced by Hugo himself and mixed by Ed Longo from Soundrays Studios in Berlin, the EP is “quite synth-heavy and guitar-heavy,” Hugo says, blending modern electronic elements with old-school influences.
Think smooth basslines, scorching brass, catchy riffs, and infectious drumbeats — the idyllic cocktail for a springtime release that sounds warmer with each listen.
Drawing inspiration from bands such as Parcels, Jungle, Men I Trust, and Steve Lacy, Maybe Hugo premieres his solo career, highlighting elegant melodies, spine-tingling falsettos, vintage synthesisers, and guitar chords drenched in everything funk.
“The songs have their own meaning for me but can be interpreted differently by each listener,” Hugo says, aiming for versatility with the EP.
“I think this sound can be played in many places: with your morning coffee or on a drive, maybe. It’s not nightclub music, but it might lead down that way. Mostly, I want my songs to feel warm and whole-hearted.”
When creating Maybe, Might Be, Could Be, Hugo found triumph in the liberties of a home studio, fleshing out his songs through “endless demos” and jams with other musicians.
“I enjoy coming back to songs and rejigging them until they feel complete,” he says, where the freedom helps him to balance and communicate his ideas.
Hugo says unveiling his new material has been “a long time coming,” and he’s excited to perform it live. After all, he ponders, “What’s the point of having music if you can’t play it live?”
His debut live show will take place at Jive on Friday November 29, where he’ll be joined on stage with a full live band that includes Jack Medlyn, Lily Appelt, Dylan Wright, Dylan Bosch, and Heath Oetjen. On support duties is Alex Aurae and Effie Isobel.
Two weeks before this on Saturday November 16, he’ll be hitting the stage at the University of Adelaide’s AdeLOUD festival at UniBar, performing an electronic set under his DJ moniker, Potentially Hugo.
He says DJing has opened many doors for his music career, even though he views it as a side pursuit to his main focus on music production.
“When I started DJing, everything I was doing led to opportunities,” Hugo says. “I started playing afterparties, meeting photographers, working at nightclubs, and seeing the behind-the-scenes process of putting together gigs.”
The EP didn’t come without setbacks, yet Hugo says these encouraged him to improve, giving him the space and time to hone his songwriting and production.
“The negatives have led to the strengthening of my core elements and less second-guessing,” Hugo explains, as he believes not getting caught up in the nuisances of perfection is pivotal.
“It’s really important to get over the hump of being happy with whatever you’re making.
“Just do it. Put it out. The longer you stew on it, the more you’ll get sick of it. Learning production is also important. Everything is very accessible now, so being able to do it yourself and having your own setup is key, even if it’s just for writing demos before the studio.”
In continuing to gaze into the future, Hugo seeks to broaden his skills and push the limits of his creative ability, hoping to diversify his live shows and avoid “getting stuck in one thing.”
Maybe Hugo debut live show: Friday November 29 // Jive Hindley Street Adelaide 5000
