“It all starts with an emotion,” explains songwriter/vocalist/producer Sierra Hurtt of the creative process that results in her timeless, passionate songs. With the release of her debut EP, 8 or 80, in 2009, Hurtt emerged as a fresh, new voice on the international scene. Establishing herself as one of the most versatile new voices in music today, she infused acoustic soul with pop sensibilities, while blending flavours from all of her favourite genres – latin, fado, celtic, jazz and rock – i...
“It all starts with an emotion,” explains songwriter/vocalist/producer Sierra Hurtt of the creative process that results in her timeless, passionate songs. With the release of her debut EP, 8 or 80, in 2009, Hurtt emerged as a fresh, new voice on the international scene. Establishing herself as one of the most versatile new voices in music today, she infused acoustic soul with pop sensibilities, while blending flavours from all of her favourite genres – latin, fado, celtic, jazz and rock – into an enticing cocktail. Delivered with her signature honey-tinged vocals, it proved to be a powerful combination. Her first single, Rooftops, features backing vocals from another musical family member, sister Gabrielle Hurtt as well as soul sensation, Vivian Green. The track earned her worldwide critical acclaim and garnered her fans in all four corners of the globe. Hurtt, however, is no stranger to the business.
Born just outside Philadelphia, Hurtt recalls being surrounded by music at an early age. “My father has had a pretty successful career as a songwriter and producer, so I was fortunate to be immersed in a lot of creativity when I was a child.” With “cousins” like Sister Sledge and “uncles” like powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Bunny Sigler, not to mention her own father, Phil Hurtt, one would think her destiny as a musician was pre-determined. But Hurtt initially chose a different path. “Although I was always somehow involved with music, I went the theater route for a while. I loved acting, but in the end it was the music that flowed through my veins.”
After a brief residency in England, Hurtt returned to Philadelphia and met guitarist Ross Landy. The duo formed Euclid Street, a musical chameleon that, all told, performed and/or recorded with as many as 13 contributing musicians, including Chuck Treece (McRad, Bad Brains) and Kevin Hufnagel (Dysrhythmia). While in the band, Hurtt honed her songwriting skills; discovering quickly that she didn’t fit into any particular genre. “It was frustrating at times, because people either wanted me to be a soul singer or to be Tracy Chapman. I had to deal with a lot of confusion because I didn’t fit into a neat, little box.”
Hurtt found that the solution was to continue writing songs that could speak to listeners across genres. “I write what I know, or at least what I, as a human being, can empathize with; love, loss, the journey of life.” Her lyrics are what draw the listener in and surprise many critics; poignant, but simple. She writes songs that everyone can relate to, without sounding cliché, with melodies that are instantly familiar.
2010 will reveal a new side to her personality, when Hurtt releases Imaginarium; an EP of remixes from 8 or 80 done by various DJs and producers she’s met over the last year. “I have been truly humbled by the international response to my songs. To be able to work with these guys has been nothing short of amazing, truly.” Brazil’s Daniel Gavilán, the UK’s Merv Carswell, Vy Jundulas (DJ Junduls), from Lithuania and Italy’s Gianluca Pighi, among others, reinterpret Hurtt’s material into something altogether different; altering her sound for dance floors around the world. Hurtt is enjoying every moment. “I love hearing the different versions; having everyone put their own stamp on my work. I recorded some additional vocals for a few of the tracks. I think people will be pleasantly surprised. And they’ll definitely dance.”
Hurtt is spending the winter working on new songs for her first full-length CD, due out later in the year, but will tour the UK again in the Spring. She finds herself collaborating, once more, with people she’s met through the success of 8 or 80. “I’m writing in the way that I love, while also using musical vocabulary and phrasing that is fresh for me. I love learning new styles, new languages. I’m really enjoying the process and the songs. People seem to really appreciate the honesty in what I do. I am humbled by the support I am receiving.”
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