Each Measure Feature: Hugo Oak

FEATURE

Dutch vocalist Hugo Oak is making waves with his new single, S.M.S.tt.D. (“Sold My Soul to the Devil”). Oak spent years touring with Satori & The Band From Space as their main vocalist and key player. He’s now stepping back into the limelight of a solo-charged project, and I’m here for it. In S.M.S.tt.D., Hugo places heavy focus on a story-driven narrative with interesting, quirky sounds and melodic trance. The track feels like a re-emergence for Hugo, reclaiming a core root of himself and creativity. The song was the last project he was able to share with his late father, adding another layer of significance to this sort of rebirth. 

“Sold My Soul to the Devil” is a groove that blends several different genres into a soulful medley: R&B, funk, neo-soul, and electronic. It’s a track that could be added to a smooth-running playlist or choreographed for dance. I envision it playing overhead in swanky bars across the world. It’s the kind of song I would immediately pull out my phone to Shazam. Smooth and sultry vocals are the focal point of this incredible track. Lyrics of longing and allowing desire to take hold compliment Hugo’s voice well: “I don’t care even if you’re overseas if you don’t send a message back to me. I fall in pieces. Oh, I believe no matter what, you and me is how we used to be.” These lyrics capture a relentless hold on a love, a refusal to simply give up. Sold My Soul to the Devil is a promising single for Hugo Oak. I will be keeping him on my radar for further creative feats. Until then, “Sold my Soul to the Devil, sold my soul I’m a rebel” will be a continuous line playing in the background of my brain. So catchy!

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