Pale Waves’ Hugo Silvani talks ‘Smitten’: A rollercoaster of sounds, emotion, and evolution

A couple of weeks ago when I got to chat with Hugo Silvani, the lead guitarist and contributing producer for alternative rock band Pale Waves, the band were getting excited for the release of their newest album, Smitten. Following the release of their debut single ‘There’s a Honey’ in 2017, the Manchester-based band have gone from strength to strength in cultivating their own sound and voice. Now, with their fourth studio album having been released on 27 September and receiving a multitude of promising reviews, the world is their oyster as they set to embark on a nationwide tour throughout various venues in the UK.  

From an outside perspective, the idea of releasing a new album seems exciting, nerve-wracking, and somewhat scary, a sentiment with which Silvani completely agreed. “I am really excited, as for me personally, I like having more involvement on this album”, states Silvani, especially through becoming a producer on the album, including for songs such as ‘Gravity’. Silvani remarked that this time round he feels “more invested in the songs”, truly valuing the output the band has created through their hard work. However, Silvani also regards the importance of wider opinions and feedback, sharing the importance of pleasing their fanbase and attracting a wider audience across the globe.  

“What matters is how people react to it”, states Silvani, which is ultimately the “most nerve-wracking” part of an album release, after going through the process of putting your heart and soul into the music and hoping it will resonate.  To avoid these fears, Silvani pushed the album release to the back of his mind, hoping to not get “too obsessed” with the dates and times the album is set to be put out into the world. However, he is excited by the idea of celebrating this monumental musical release and personal achievement for the band, and to “hear all the amazing stories”, which come through resonance with the album.  

I might have spent six hours on one bass line and people might not necessarily hear it, but they’ll feel it

Hugo Silvani, Pale Waves

The world of producing, as an offshoot of his guitar career, is a new world of depth for Silvani. “It kind of all started about a couple of years ago, when me and Heather started talking back and forth from LA and London”, states Silvani, deciding to keep their production close to home, allowing them to share their influences and produce an album with the most authenticity. The true aim of the album was to explore how they could develop Baron-Gracie’s lyrics in an emotionally representative way, in a musical format, as embodied in the personal poetic lyricism of songs such as ‘Thinking About You’ and ‘Miss America’, which allow Baron-Gracie’s artistry to truly flow. From Silvani’s perspective, being a guitarist conceptually and experimentally, allows the album to be bolstered into a new world.  

Silvani found himself questioning “how can we best showcase this sonically”, and visualising the music, which is perfectly expressed in the punchy guitar track in ‘Perfume’. Music is often seen to be produced in the manner of a movie, relying on storytelling and structure to find the ultimate meaning.   

The world of Pale Waves relies strongly on inspiration and musical influences

“Going deep on sounds” lets Silvani delve into a deeper world of the album, with the ability to “leave no stone unturned”, even the smallest sounds from the bass or guitar which some people may not notice produce the most exciting product. “I might have spent six hours on one bass line and people might not necessarily hear it, but they’ll feel it”, Silvani remarks, with care and attention to sounds being the aim for production.  

The world of Pale Waves relies strongly on inspiration and musical influences. When Baron-Gracie found the idea for the album, Silvani stated the band resorted to “what they know and love”, including music by: The Cranberries, The Cure, and the Cocteau Twins. The band have previously had the pleasure of supporting The Cure as promotion for their first album, finding this era of music to be a truly inspiring part of their journey. “Having an eye on the music that you love” will always seep through, states Silvani, and the important influences always remain. Silvani also finds personal accomplishment and joy in working with the people who have inspired the band so greatly, relishing in being associated with such talents and being lucky to experience such exciting things.   

Being in the music industry is something most of us don’t have the pleasure of being involved in. Only aware of certain stories and tales, the music world felt like a far-off planet to me. I was excited to ask Silvani about his personal feelings about being involved in the music industry. “You know, it’s a privilege and I think it comes with its challenges”, states Silvani. Although the band has been through various setbacks, he is thankful that Pale Waves has gotten through, and been able to have such wonderful experiences, from supporting well-known artists to attending “every festival under the sun”. However, Silvani does not take his privilege lightly, being in a personally “fortunate position” and acknowledging that many who he believes have more important voices undergo more difficult experiences. “It’s an interesting place for sure”, states Silvani, and he will always be grateful for doing music as a full-time job.  

Touring is the most fun part, but the most draining

Silvani

“Touring is the most fun part, but the most draining” comments Silvani. Moving from his early to his late twenties has seen Silvani desiring to spend more time with his loved ones, however, the prospect of going on tour this autumn is nevertheless exciting. Silvani states that touring is where the job aspect of the music industry comes into play but it’s forever fun. “The first night of a tour is terrifying”, with so many questions going around in Silvani’s head. Silvani likens it to hosting a party, hoping that his fans will have fun and enjoy themselves. The people in the audience matter the most, which is part of the Pale Waves ethos and ultimately their job.  

 I finally asked Silvani to pitch his album to the fans. “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and truth” states Silvani, merged with the classic sounds of Pale Waves. Expect more “experimentation”, “maturity”, and fun. This sentiment has truly been developed, especially for the fans, who have taken to the album very well. Receiving a four-star review by NME, Smitten has been described as a “loved-up liberation”. Silvani’s wishes for the album have been widely received, and the future of Pale Waves looks bright.  

Pale Waves’ newest album, Smitten, is out now, alongside tickets for their UK tour.