On a Limb On the Making Of “Cut to the Chase”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Cut to the Chase?"
Andrew Haug (Pianist): I often find the most inspiration when I am openly exploring the piano. The music is always opening new doors for me. A few of my song ideas have struck me during day-to-day life, but generally whenever I sit down with my instrument and engage with the music, tapping into that vessel that is larger than all of us, that’s personally where I feel the biggest spark. “Cut to the Chase” was no exception - I was playing a lot of piano in 2020, and during one of those practice sessions I wandered into the opening groove. It caught my ear right away, and I ran with it. Titling my songs often comes later after the piece is finished - when I have time to reflect, to feel my connection with this new creation, and to figure out exactly where the emotions of the piece are coming from.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for "Cut to the Chase" to life?
Andrew Haug (Pianist): The band took a four-day trip up to New Haven, Connecticut in January 2023 to record 13 new original songs at Firehouse 12. Traveling, spending time with my best friends, and playing music are simply three of my favorite things to do in life; it had always been a big dream of mine to record new music on a get-away trip. We were so thrilled that audio engineer Dave Darlington was interested in our music, he has worked with just about everyone: from some of the biggest pop artists of all-time (Prince, Whitney Houston) to modern-day piano inspirations of mine (Dave Meder, Dabin Ryu). I knew we were in great hands.
Can you describe the emotions or feelings you hope "Cut to the Chase" evokes in listeners?
Andrew Haug (Pianist): I feel really at peace that I can’t control what someone will feel from listening to my music, and I actually think that’s one of the most beautiful things about art, that everyone has their own unique perspective in how they relate to the same piece. Even myself, when performing live, I often feel this dichotomy of remembering exactly how I felt at the time of composing the song, and also seeing how I relate to the same song differently now after some time has passed. All of that said - I do think “Cut to the Chase” has a certain energy, drive, and edginess to it that I hope is infectious and inspiring for the listener.
Are there strategies you use to maintain momentum and inspiration?
Andrew Haug (Pianist): I am very active in checking out music I am unfamiliar with, in any genre. Anyone who knows me well knows that I obsessively write down every friend-recommended album, and at minimum give it a serious listen or two (laughs). For me, sticking to that ritual really keeps the momentum and creativity flowing with my own music. I could also say that the number one factor in moving to NYC was having access to some of the best musicians in the world. Any night of the week, I have the ability to go see a show that will give me so much creative fuel, and I’m extremely lucky to call a lot of those inspiring artists my friends.
Is there a composition that you feel best represents your artistic journey or evolution as a composer?
Andrew Haug (Pianist): Wow it’s so hard to pick! I love all of them in different ways, and all of them represent something significant for me. “Cut to the Chase” is definitely a staple in our repertoire, probably the most frequented tune played at our shows over the last 2 years. And with its orchestrated, high-energy ending, it definitely is a crowd favorite.
In terms of the evolution, if I find aspects of older compositions of mine that I no longer think are strong choices, I much prefer to take that new growth and channel it into a new composition, rather than edit the old ones. I love to keep the songs as “stamps in time” so to speak, creating a musical timeline, trusting that the recordings are pure and the most truthful to the original vision I had when I wrote them. After this new record is out on March 2nd, I will have released 19 songs of my own, and there are probably 75-100 more in the works that are floating around in my head and/or in my voice memos (laughs).
