In this interview spotlight, I chat with That Hidden Promise about their single Elevate, AI, dream collabs, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

AI (aka Artificial Intelligence aka Chat GPT 4.0)… How is it changing the music world? What are your thoughts about this new trend?

I think it can have it’s uses in enabling independent artists to produce more things that surround the music, such as videos or cover artwork, though I fundamentally disagree with it’s use in the writing of songs/lyrics. Music and lyrics, for me are there as a pure outlet of expression from someone’s own perspective and if you can’t articulate yourself without using AI, then either devote more time to learning how to express yourself, or get out of the game! It’s not an artform to be cheated for gain in my eyes. The artwork for this release was initially generated using DALL-E, so as I say it has its uses

Can you choose a favorite song of all time? Or is this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?

I can’t really name my favourite, or even my top 3. It depends on the mood and the time and in the moment, when a song grabs you, there’s nothing else you want to hear. 

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Well this is the lead single from my second album and I’m just so satisfied with how it’s turned out and that the energy keeps up for the full 5 and a half minutes. It started as a riff on my new Gibson SG and I just love every movement in it. The lyrics just came out in one sitting too and really expressed what I felt needed to be said.  

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

It’s always been the outlet for the thoughts, ideas, feelings, frustrations and loves that I have and the only true way I’ve found I can articulate them. As I self produce everything, I just love that process of taking it from a scrap of paper and a loose riff to the finished track and then getting it out into the wild.  

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

At a gig I did tell Mark Lanegan I’d love to work with him on my songs, he said “pardon”, I said “anyway if you can sign the c.d. to me, that’d be great” and I shuffled off! Or Chino Moreno from Deftones, he can sing anything, or Otis. Essentially, would just love to work with some amazing singers!

What was the last gig you went to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The Walkman at Koko Camden (31st August). They’ve been away for ten years and I saw them then, but they’re still just phenomenal and blew me away. Actually I’d add Hamilton Leithauser to that list of singers I like to work with, how he has a voice at the end of a gig I’ve no idea! Favourite all-time bands/artists – Super Furry Animals, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, Jon Hopkins, Howling Wolf. 

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

All the usual places @thpsounds on twitter, @thathiddenpromise on instagram/FB. Actually, an early riff of Some Days is on my tik tok @thathiddenpromise 

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

Thanks for the questions and in terms of other projects, a couple of months ago I released an album of material that pre-dated That Hidden Promise, which is on all the platforms: Pre THP – Vaults: 2001​-​2008 Vol. I’m still really proud of all this material and felt it needed to be out there!