Alutepena Hughes-John, also known simply as Pena, is a singer-songwriter who brings a unique and heartfelt touch to her music, backing up her voice with the ukulele. Her journey in music began when she was just eight years old, when she started writing songs, and throughout her life, music has been a steadfast companion, providing escape and comfort through life’s highs and lows.
Influenced by iconic bands and artists such as The Selector, Madness, The Specials, Blondie, Kate Bush, Garbage, Tori Amos and Skunk Anansie, Pena’s sound is a fusion of diverse genres, blending elements of folk, punk and alternative rock into a distinctive style.
Her musical career has seen her explore various paths, from being the lead vocalist in the band Anthroppic, performing at iconic venues like London’s The Bull & Gate, to playing at festivals and Steampunk-themed events as a solo artist. Under her full name, Alutepena Hughes-John, she’s been releasing music since her debut single “The Burial” in 2017. Over the years, she’s continued to share her sound with a string of impressive singles and after a brief hiatus, she returns with a new release, the single “I Told You So.”
Recorded at The Lodge Recording Studio in Northampton, “I Told You So” sees Pena collaborating with talented session musicians, including drummer Karl and producer Max, who also plays guitar and bass on the track. Violin and viola parts, beautifully played by Peter Voronov, were recorded remotely in Turkey and integrated into the mix.
“I Told You So” captures the universal experience of regret and the frustration of ignored advice. The phrase itself conjures images of admonishment, a reminder of the wisdom we often overlook. Pena eloquently explores this theme, reflecting on the times when we go against our gut instincts only to realise, too late, that the advice we dismissed was right all along.
With Pena’s theatrical vocals drifting alongside the bright string tones, warm bass notes join to develop the arrangement as the strike of drums injects a gently driving energy. Overlapping backing vocals swell beneath Pena’s stunning leads, resulting in an enchanting folk pop style outing that puts the artist’s songwriting talent and performance skill on full display. Originally written as a keyboard-based song, “I Told You So” has been transformed into a full-band sound, giving it an anthemic feel, while Pena’s decision to include real strings and drums, instead of relying on loops, has also added to the track’s organic and genuine quality.
Listen to I Told You So below
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