Meet Space Hug

We recently connected with Space Hug and have shared our conversation below.

SPACE HUG, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Our resilience comes from the fact that we love each other, and no matter the difficulties, we will overcome them. We work together as a team, with mutual respect and care. We complement each other in that what one can’t do, the other can. We plan a vision for ourselves and our future, and then we follow through to complete it. We do what it takes because, more than anything, we want to be together. The struggle isn’t so bad when you’ve found someone to share in it, laugh during it, and trust to see it through.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What is Space Hug?

Space Hug is a dynamic ensemble led by husband-and-wife team Erik Newman (songwriter) and Adrianne Prettyman (vocalist). Originally hailing from the musical haven of Minneapolis, they recently found a new home on the serene Big Island of Hawaii.

We create music together. We start with ideas, chords, and lyrics, then we flesh them out. Next, we head into our own studio to begin the process of bringing a song to life. We track all the musical parts and vocals, discussing what we like and don’t like along the way. Often, many changes are made. We share in the joy of it. We also rely on our musician friends for support, and through the wonders of technology, they add their beautiful input. When a song is done, we rejoice and release it into the world like a wandering toddler—promoting it with the few resources we have, hoping it finds friends and listeners along whatever path it takes.

What is so special about Space Hug?

It’s the charming chemistry between Erik and Adrianne.

We care deeply about each other, and that care shines through in our art. We want to share the special gifts we each possess and the beautiful way those gifts combine to form something unique and lovely. There is happiness in creating with each other and with our friends. The love is in the work, and that’s why people are drawn to it. We hope it reaches its arms out, surrounds you, and gives you a heartfelt squeeze.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Being a musician requires several skills. First, there’s the technical ability to understand music and perform, whether through an instrument or voice. Then, there’s the creative skill to listen, build a song, and produce something tangible. This is both a gift and a craft that can be developed through trial and error. Finally, there’s the critical skill of working with others. You cannot succeed in a vacuum—you’ll need others to teach you, nurture you, and handle the things you may not be naturally gifted at.

Our advice to anyone wanting to be a musician is to work on your craft, but also focus on developing your people skills. Be open to learning and sharing. It’s a hard road, but there’s deep satisfaction in creating and a sense of well-being that comes from sharing your gifts.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The challenge of the music industry is twofold. First, how do you reach an audience when there are so many options and gatekeepers controlling the flow? How do you cut through the noise without sacrificing your integrity? How do you find the audience that will truly appreciate what you do? And how do you get recognized by the people who can help you? Articles like this one are fantastic, but success also requires extensive promotion across multiple platforms. Sometimes promotion is free, but more often, it’s not.

Second, if you’re pursuing original music, how do you generate revenue? Since most people no longer buy physical products like CDs or albums, significant income typically comes from getting songs placed in TV shows, movies, or commercials, or from embarking on large tours with high ticket prices and merchandise sales. To reach that level, artists need radio play and substantial promotion—both of which require significant financial investment. Unfortunately, most artists don’t have the resources to fund these efforts, which is why so many talented musicians go undiscovered.

We remain hopeful that one day our songs will grace the airwaves and that there will be tangible rewards for all our efforts. But that’s not why we do it. We create music because it’s part of who we are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ukbiNSmtJiZA8eLKGjbVM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacehugmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacehugmusic/
• Other: http://spacehugmusic.com/

Image Credits

Jim Vasquez