Q&A: Hunter Metts and the Heart of "Abilene"
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
Photo By Blake Oliver
HUNTER METT’S LATEST TRACK “ABILENE” IS MORE THAN JUST A BEAUTIFUL SONG - it's a deeply personal reflection on family, loss, and the enduring power of love. Inspired by his grandfather's story of adoption and a journey through the Texas town that could have been his birthplace, Metts crafts a soul-stirring folk ballad that resonates with raw honesty. In this interview, we delve into the emotional core of "Abilene," exploring how Metts translates personal history into his music and the profound impact it has on his artistry.
From his early influences, like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, to his unique path from coding and mold remediation to full-time musician, Metts's journey is a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability and authentic expression.
As he prepares to embark on a North American tour with James Bay, he shares his excitement for connecting with audiences and the anticipation for his upcoming releases, promising a world built through heartfelt melodies and genuine storytelling.
LUNA: "Abilene" is a deeply personal tribute to your grandfather. Can you elaborate on the emotional journey that led you to writing this song?
My grandfather was adopted in Texas. He never knew his parents or got any closure about where he came from. Abilene’s this small town in central Texas that I was driving through and it represents all these potential places where he could’ve been born. He passed away last year and while I wish I was closer to him, I think he gave all the love he knew how. The song isn’t necessarily a tribute but more of a reflection of his life. I just wanted to try and put myself in his shoes and try to imagine how hard it would’ve been to give the love he did, but never inherently received.
LUNA: The song explores themes of love, loss and family history. How did your grandfather's story influence your perspective on these themes, and how did you translate that into the lyrics and music?
I think I just wanted to try and articulate some of what he went through. I think he carried a lot of pain for a long time. I don’t think he had a particularly easy life and conversations about metal health or therapy weren’t on the table for him. I fully understand that I’ll never understand, but I wanted to try.
LUNA: You draw inspiration from artists like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Gregory Alan Isakov. What aspects of their music resonate with you most, and how do you incorporate those influences into your sound?
There are something about those artists that feel timeless to me. They feel like the soundtrack to my life in a lot of ways. I think they’re all made in the pursuit of honestly and I think those artists care deeply about every aspect of the music. That’s really what I am trying to be mindful of.
LUNA: You have a background in both coding and mold remediation. How did those experiences influence your decision to pursue music full-time, and how do they shape your creative perspective?
So after high school I went straight to a software programming school and ended up working full time as a software engineer in Hendersonville, TN. I wanted something so safe at the time, but I could never honestly say it was my passion. I would work the 9-5 schedule and then immediately rush home to play my guitar. I ended up moving back in with my parents and wrote songs for 2 years while doing the mold remediation before I was able to start getting my music heard. When I think about those times it just makes me feel fortunate that I get to make songs and share them. It makes me appreciate the journey so much more. It makes it worth putting all you have into it.
LUNA: You're about to embark on a North American tour with James Bay. What are you most looking forward to about this experience, and how do you prepare for such a significant tour?
I think it’s all about the people for me. I still get nervous when performing but meeting the people after the shows and hearing their stories make it so worth it. As far as preparing for a tour like this I really just want to depict the most authentic experience I can and as long as that’s my North Star I think it’ll be great.
LUNA: Which track are you most excited to play live?
I think every track has this unique feeling and sound attached to it but I love the energy that Weathervane brings. Some of the old songs like Paper Moon are pretty full circle for me too. I still remember recording those when I lived with my parents and to play them live is a special feeling.
LUNA: Your Monochrome EP explores themes of love and loss. How do you approach writing about such personal and emotional experiences, and what role does vulnerability play in your songwriting?
I think I used to shy away from personal songs but I’ve come to believe that everyone has such a unique perspective on life. And that perspective deserves to be shared and expressed. I think being personal gives other people the chance to get to know me, and gives the music a chance to connect with other people who can relate.
LUNA: You've mentioned that fans can expect more new music in the coming months. Can you give us a glimpse into what you're currently working on?
Oh man I cannot wait for the new music. I drove out to Colorado to record them back in the late summer of 2024 and have been sitting with these songs for a while now. They just feel like me. I think they have the chance to really build a world through the music.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this spring season?
I want to try and keep writing the most honest music I can. Something I can look back on and be proud of. If I can do that I think everything else will fall into place however it’s supposed to.
