Get To Know Hugo Basclain: Pop's Next Heart-throb

Hugo Basclain is the latest Aussie singer making waves with his unique style of R&B-influenced pop.

The 22-year-old now resides in the sunny enclave of LA, producing music as crystal clear as the vulnerable topics he sings about. 

His most recent release, forced my hand, digs into the pain of a relationship that is inevitably coming to an end, demonstrating his progress since his debut EP, NOSTALGIA IS A LIAR. 

Basclain explained:

I wrote ‘forced my hand’ from the turmoil of a fading relationship. As it faded, it felt like this person was doing more and more to force my hand and to ultimately shoulder the difficult decision to end things. The song delves into the emotional struggle of feeling trapped and compelled to act, despite the pain it may cause.

This is the first track from his next project, which is rumoured to be released at the tail end of 2024.

With influences ranging from Frank Ocean to Tate McRae, Troye Sivan, and The 1975, Basclain’s style is set to turn heads with the resurgence of solid pop music.

Basclain sat down with Purple Sneakers to discuss his new single, musical inspirations, and growth.

How would you compare forced my hand to the music on NOSTALGIA IS A LIAR?

Forced my hand is an evolution of the stuff I was doing on NOSTALGIA IS A LIAR. I feel like Gimme That was definitely a touch point we referenced in a lot of ways in creating this track, but the whole process of creating the new record has been complete musical freedom for me. I think I was trying to find that and learn that in the first project. 

If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

Probably 2 am diner food, questioning your life choices!

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

Probably being the only Australian and only unpublished artist to be on the Scream 6 Motion Picture Soundtrack. It was such a random thing that happened and something that was definitely the right place, the right time, but [it was] an amazing feeling. I feel like a lot of the time, it’s hard to step back and celebrate yourself as a musician, and this was one of those rare times. 

What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?

This actually happened super recently. I was walking to a cafe, and on my way, I overheard a homeless gentleman say something that I thought was insanely profound. He said he was “dead on parchment” and that, outside of the government, he existed to nobody. I wrote about that feeling the same day. 

Favourite place to hang out in your city?

I’m pretty lame, to be honest, haha. I honestly just love my local coffee shop, Andante. I’ve found myself there the most lately, getting work done or just people-watching. 

Who are three artists you’re vibing on right now?

I’ve been really loving a lot of stuff out of the UK at the moment. I really love what Kamal.’s been doing for a while, but more recently, Humble The Great has been someone I can’t stop listening to. The new JUNNY project is insane, and I haven’t stopped listening to it. 

Are there any Aussie artists you're keen to collaborate with in future?

Definitely! I’ve always been a big fan of Ruel. I think he’s insanely talented, and I’d love to get that to happen. 

What's in the works for you in 2024?

Anything and everything. There’s A LOT of new music coming, which I’m super proud of, and can’t wait to get ears on. Also, just as many shows as possible. It’s been a long time coming on the live side, and something I can’t wait to do more of.

I’m super excited to throw myself into this year and really connect with some people. I’ve actually got a show coming up on August 1st back home in Sydney at Low 302, which I couldn’t be more excited about. Grab your tickets now! Haha.

Hugo Basclain’s ‘forced my hand’ is available everywhere now. You can listen to it here. To catch Hugo at his one-off Sydney show, head here for tickets and more information.