Cinematic Pop from Hunter

Chicago-based artist Hunter‘s latest single “I’ve Been Looking” is a testament to his talent as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Hunter, who grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, draws inspiration from artists such as M83, MGMT, The Cure, LCD Soundsystem, Porter Robinson, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, and Bon Iver to create his unique style of cinematic pop music.

The self-recorded single is an emotional journey through the artist’s life experiences, with the overwhelming dread of the pandemic serving as the backdrop. Hunter began working on “I’ve Been Looking” on New Year’s Eve 2019, with the intention of it serving as the intro track to his first project. He channeled his struggles with school and life into this song, which took him between from eighteen months to two years to complete.

The song opens with a nostalgic and introspective tone, with gentle acoustic guitar chords strumming in the background, leading into the melancholic vocals of Hunter. The production is dreamy and ethereal, with a blend of organic and synthetic sounds that create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The chorus is an uplifting, powerful moment that serves as a ray of hope amidst the uncertainty of the world.

The song was mixed by Justin Gerrish, who’s previously worked with the likes of Vampire Weekend, The Strokes and Rostam, with mastering by Alex Saltz at APS Mastering who’s also worked with Vampire Weekend as well as Deer Tick. The attention to detail in the production is evident in the crisp and clear sound that is both rich and immersive.

The song’s emotional depth and personal significance are further enhanced by the technical proficiency of the mix and mastering. Hunter’s “I’ve Been Looking” is a poignant and captivating song that showcases his musical versatility and creativity that results in a stunning indie pop masterpiece.

His use of different instruments and sounds, as well as his introspective lyrics, make for an engaging and thought-provoking listen. This single is just a taste of what’s to come from the talented artist, and it’s clear that Hunter is an artist to watch this year and beyond.

Listen to I’ve Been Looking below