Meet the dreamy Montreal psychedelic trio Hush, comprised of vocalist Paige Barlow and multi-instrumentalists Miles Dupire-Gagnon and Gabriel Lambert. The group blends dream pop, psych pop, and trip hop into an otherworldly cocktail on their new eight-song album For Dolly.
Stalwarts of the Montreal music scene, the trio have collaborated on various projects over the years, with notable past connections including Elephant Stone, Besnard Lakes, and Anemone.
In connecting with them on the dynamics of their group, the creative process behind their new release, and even their favorite gear, the trio opens up about what it’s like to work together and make space for each other’s individual talents.
What unique strength or “superpower” does each of you bring to the band, and how do those abilities combine to make Hush so distinctive?
Paige: Miles is extremely detail-oriented — he’ll push a piece further than anyone I know. Gab is unreal on all things strings — he could tune a grand piano in seconds with his eyes closed. Everything they touch is as good as it is due to their genuine love of music.
Miles: I think Gab has a real strength with chords and arrangements, and I have a knack for melodies. Paige brings a distinct voice and a vibe that really brings the songs to life. Together, these abilities combine to give Hush its unique sound.
Can you walk me through your creative process for your debut album coming out in May? Did you start with a particular theme, or did lyrics and music evolve together?
Paige: It was my first real English-language album for me (my native tongue). That allowed me to bloom in places I didn’t have space for before. I had so much to say that didn’t feel quite right in French. We built upon Miles’ demos, which shapeshifted many times before being finalized.
In my mind, we started composing and recording with the intention of creating a concept album – and in some way we did, by way of non-conceptuality.
Miles: The process started with my demos. Paige took them and brought them to life with her singing, making them really shine. Then Gab joined to help shape the arrangements and finalize the songs.
What are your favorite instruments or gear to use when writing music together? Any synths, pedals, or effects that define Hush’s sound?
Miles: We have a big collection of analog synths at our studio. Personally, I like starting demos with some drums and then layering synths on top.
Gab: The realistic (Moog) for Miles. Acoustic guitar for me.
Were there any specific artistic references that inspired the album: albums, artists, movies, books, or visual art styles? How did they influence your work?
Miles: I listen to a lot of music in different styles. At the time, what we were focused on was making songs interesting both in terms of chord progressions and vocals — songs that, even if written on paper, we could be proud of.
Gab: The record took a while to make. We went from wanting to do a kinda psych thing to then wanting to do a more digital late 90s thing. There was certainly some Steve Lacy inspiration in there.
Does each of you have a favorite song on the record? If so, which one and what makes it stand out for you?
Paige: My personal favorite is “The Mirrors Were Right” as I believe it encapsulates the album’s overall purpose & potential. I also have a soft spot for the outro of “Bliss Just Missed.”
Miles: Honestly, I have a little something I love in each of them.
Gab: Strangely, I’d say “Bliss Just Missed,” just because I remember recording in the studio together. I wasn’t involved in much of the after-studio work (production). Miles has probably gone full circle about his favourites a handful of times.
If your record were a place, what would it look like?
Paige: The world through the lens of my horrendous eyesight.
Miles: Saturn.
What’s your favorite spot in Montreal to unwind or find inspiration as a band?
Paige: I wish it was always autumn on my balcony.
Miles: The public pool.
If you could have listeners walk away from your album with just one feeling or thought, what would it be?
Paige: Confusion, chaos. Question everything.
Miles: Inspired.
Photo Credit: Aabid Youssef
