PROJECT REVERB JUST RELEASED A NEW TRACK AND WE'RE PRETTY NOSEY OVER HERE AT WIZARD WATER, WE THOUGHT WE'D DIVE RIGHT IN.
SINGLE NAME IS - EVERY CLOUD LISTEN HERE
Project Reverb is the artist name for songs written by unemployed CEO and whiskey lover, John Huggart. His song Faith, Hope & Love was a finalist in the global John Lennon Songwriting Contest, the International Songwriting Competition, Australian Listen Up Music contest & Australian Songwriting Association. John has collaborated with multiple producers including Michael McGlynn of Vienna People, Scott and Max Sheppard, Claudia Mills of BITTERS and artists including Unah, Liam Moran and Atticus Jønes.
TRACK REVIEW
In "Every Cloud," Project Reverb, the brainchild of John Huggart, delivers a radiant and infectious tune that showcases his talent for crafting memorable melodies. The song opens with beautiful guitar work that immediately sets a positive and uplifting tone. The guitars are skilfully layered, creating a warm and inviting soundscape that draws listeners in.
The recurring lyric, "every cloud has a silver lining," serves as the song's central theme, offering a message of hope and resilience. Liam Moran's vocals, combined with the call and response melodies, create a dynamic interplay that adds depth and texture to the track. The harmonies are perfectly complemented, enhancing the overall feel-good vibe of the song.
Tell us, what exactly is Project Reverb, and how did it come about?
Project Reverb is an artistic vehicle for me to showcase my songwriting and collaborate with multiple artists and producers. It gives me a lot of freedom, and license to pursue an eclectic range of genres and talent.
You’ve described yourself as an award-winning songwriter. Which award did you win, and what was the experience like?
In 2021 I was awarded as a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Category for Inspirational/Gospel songs. It was a “pinch me” moment to receive the email for such a prestigious global award, inspired by one of my favourite artists from my favourite band. I am very proud of that song called “Faith, Hope & Love” which was also successful in reaching the semi-finals for the International Songwriting Contest, and two local contests, Listen Up Music and Australian Songwriting contest. Most importantly the lead vocals are performed by my daughter, Charlotte, performing as Unah which lead to the most amazing opportunity to perform the song live together.
Your song "Faith, Hope & Love" was a finalist in several prestigious contests. What do you think made this song stand out?
There is always a truth that underpin a song that we connect with. While it is ultimately an optimistic song, it was born of fear. Looking at the burning and falling towers of 911, reinforced only a year later with the Bali bombings. I struggled with the idea that even in these most frightening events, the human spirit endures. We are ultimately optimistic, we partner, we procreate, we plan. Faith, Hope & Love wins.
You call yourself an "unemployed CEO." What’s the story behind that cheeky title?
A dose of reality. I have had enormous opportunities developing a successful corporate career, mainly ion the energy industry and holding senior and CEO roles in private and public listed companies. But better still, I am at that fortunate time I can mix a career with my passion for songwriting.
I see you’re on the board of Listen Up Music charity. Can you tell us about the work they do and your involvement?
I met Listen Up Music as a semi finalist in 2021 and fell in love with the community they create for independent artists. Today The Songwriting Prize is the largest liver performance songwriting competition in Australia. They needed help on the board and specifically I am able to bring my corporate and accounting skills to help them on their mission to promote positive mental health. And I love hanging around with creative musicians and artists so I find myself in my happy place.
Your latest release, "Every Cloud," has been getting some buzz. What’s the story behind this track?
My Mum always said it’s darkest before dawn. So ultimately it’s a song about rising up beyond adversity. A friend recently observed that my song are really positive - I hadn’t understood that before but appreciated its frequently the case. “Every Cloud” was always a crowd favourite as an amateur pub rock band back in the 80’s, so it was a joy to bring it to life in a new era, and provide a little retro nod in the production.
Your first release was a 7” vinyl single back in 1988. How has your music and process evolved since then?
I loved the experience of releasing that single, I took a year off work, we gigged a lot, and I enjoyed the independent record making process. Back then it was incredibly expensive and inaccessible for the quality within reach in our home studios today. But I was able to learn so much, earn royalty cheques, and secure lots of press, interviews and reviews. Though ultimately my real failure was my naive self belief that I could sing. My lesson was that I can’t. So now I don’t!
You’ve collaborated with multiple producers and artists. What’s been your favourite collaboration and why?
My favourite collaboration is with my daughter Charlotte, what an amazing gift to record and perform with such an amazing and beautiful talent. And recently I have started recording with my longstanding musical friend and partner from the 80’s, Gary. And with “Every Cloud” I have featured Liam Moran on vocals. I discovered Liam through the joys of Facebook where he has built a following doing live covers concerts, primarily for Americans, since Covid. And he is a young Novacastrian talent!
Whiskey lover, huh? What’s your go-to whiskey and does it ever influence your songwriting?
Glenlivet 12, Glendronagh 15 or a Johnny Walker blue. But always up for the next discovery. I have more whiskeys than guitars now! I can’t say its influenced my songwriting, but you have given me an idea :)
Looking ahead, what are your future plans for Project Reverb? Any exciting projects or releases on the horizon?
Very excited about our next release, “Could Be Love”. Back in the studio with Charlotte, reunited with Gary, and working with another amazing father and child duo, producers and performers Scott and Max Sheppard.
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