Soundgarden’s Influence on Lzzy Hale and Halestorm
Soundgarden holds a cherished place in the heart of Lzzy Hale, especially during her formative years as a fan. The legendary Seattle band not only shaped her musical taste but also played a crucial role as she began her own journey into music alongside her future Halestorm bandmate, Joe Hottinger.
The Spark of Inspiration
It all began with a song. Hale recalls, “I heard ‘Outshined’ on the radio, and I had to go get Badmotorfinger.” This pivotal moment ignited her passion for the band, leading her to explore their albums further.
Musical Exchange with Joe Hottinger
After meeting Hottinger, Hale dove deeper into Soundgarden’s catalog. “We would just be trading CDs all the time to get to know each other and make sure we’re on the same page,” she explains. Hottinger introduced her to albums like Down on the Upside and Superunknown, while they together revisited the band’s earlier work.
Halestorm’s Tribute to Soundgarden
As Halestorm celebrates nearly 30 years in the music industry, they have recorded their own versions of Soundgarden and Chris Cornell-related songs. Their interpretations of tracks like “Fell on Black Days” and Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strike” highlight their profound appreciation for the band’s extensive catalog.
Reimagining ‘Loud Love’
In a new endeavor, Hale has teamed up with the all-star collective King Ultramega to reimagine Soundgarden’s “Loud Love” from their seminal 1989 album, Louder Than Love. Joining her in this project are bassist Mark Menghi, guitarist Alex Skolnick, and drummer Dave Krusen.
Recording Process
Menghi emphasizes the importance of staying true to the original song, aiming to capture its warmth and vibe through live recording techniques. “Imagine that! A world where you record with other humans in the same room and in analog,” he remarks, showcasing a commitment to the essence of the track.
Hale’s Approach to ‘Loud Love’
When asked to lend her voice to “Loud Love,” Hale felt the weight of the task but drew from her past experiences. “I had to learn it to a T,” she states, while also working to find her own interpretation of the song. “You almost try to imagine if it was your song… how would that make you feel?”
Krusen’s Perspective
Dave Krusen, who has roots in the Seattle music scene, shares his admiration for Soundgarden. “When I first heard ‘Loud Love,’ I was floored,” he recalls. His diverse musical background allowed him to appreciate the blending of genres that Soundgarden exemplified.
Connecting with Soundgarden
Despite being a fan, Krusen’s personal interaction with Soundgarden came later in his career. He fondly remembers meeting Matt Cameron and Chris Cornell during demo sessions for Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten. “They were just always super humble great guys,” he reflects.
The Impact of Soundgarden’s Music
Working on the new version of “Loud Love” offered Hale a reflective experience. “Listening to their early stuff, it’s amazing to see the progression of the band,” she says. She believes that Soundgarden’s unapologetic approach to music is something contemporary artists could learn from.
Conclusion
King Ultramega’s fresh rendition of “Loud Love” not only honors Soundgarden’s legacy but also serves as a testament to the band’s enduring influence on artists like Lzzy Hale. With proceeds benefiting MusiCares, this collaboration reinforces the importance of community and support within the music industry.
FAQs
What song sparked Lzzy Hale’s interest in Soundgarden?
Lzzy Hale’s interest in Soundgarden was sparked by hearing “Outshined” on the radio, which led her to explore their album Badmotorfinger.
Who is involved in the King Ultramega project?
The King Ultramega project features Lzzy Hale, bassist Mark Menghi, guitarist Alex Skolnick, and drummer Dave Krusen, all collaborating to reimagine “Loud Love.”
What is the purpose of the King Ultramega’s rendition of “Loud Love”?
The new version of “Loud Love” aims to honor Soundgarden’s legacy while raising funds for MusiCares, which provides support for musicians in need.
How did Dave Krusen feel about Soundgarden’s music?
Dave Krusen expressed that he was greatly influenced by Soundgarden’s unique blend of genres and was particularly impressed by the song “Loud Love.”
What does Lzzy Hale think about the current state of music?
Lzzy Hale believes that many contemporary artists focus too much on commercial success rather than the genuine emotion and creativity that characterized bands like Soundgarden.
