What’s happening to music? Glenn Hughes just laid it out on Jay Jay French’s podcast. The legendary vocalist and bassist didn’t hold back on the stark reality of the industry today. He’s seen the shift, and it’s painful. People buy an album, listen to one or two songs, and it’s over. Disposable. That’s the new normal.
Recently, Hughes joined French on “The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond The Music” for a 44-minute discussion that spanned his remarkable career and the evolving music landscape. Known for his work with DEEP PURPLE and BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, Hughes opened up about his experiences, creative processes, and the tremendous pressures artists face today.
During their chat, they also touched on Hughes’ latest release, “Chosen,” which came out on September 5, 2025. With a tone that was both hopeful and melancholic, he described it as potentially his last solo rock album. “It’s painful sometimes for me to write these albums,” he admitted. “These songs are very personal to me, these lyrics are very personal.” It’s a tough environment where traditional album sales are dwindling, leaving artists wondering if it’s worth the effort.
Hughes elaborated on how streaming has changed music consumption. “We don’t live in a longplayer world anymore,” he said. With such a rapid turnover, he feels that artists must adapt. While he still values the live experience, he hinted at a shift in his focus toward singles and new creative avenues. “I don’t want to keep regurgitating these old catalog songs. My audience is ready for something new, something more dangerous and exciting,” Hughes declared.
As he prepares for the 2025 concert season, Hughes reflected on his legacy. “I’ve been playing the legacy songs for a couple of years now,” he remarked. “But I want to go back to being simply Glenn.” He’s written 18 solo albums, and now he’s ready to showcase a fresh direction, drawing from his extensive catalog.
Looking ahead, Hughes hinted that he could pursue independent releases. “I could do it on my own because I’ve got a great team with me,” he said. Although he doesn’t have immediate plans for a new album, he’s working on material that diverges from his rock roots. “The stuff I’m writing at the moment isn’t rock, but it’s also not really pure black music,” he noted, emphasizing the need for authenticity in his art.
Reflecting on his influences, Hughes cited iconic artists like Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, underscoring how R&B has shaped his musical approach. As he navigates this new phase, he aims to highlight his voice’s power and clarity, a hallmark of his career.
Hughes’s journey began in the early ’70s with TRAPEZE, later rising to fame in DEEP PURPLE. Albums like “Burn” redefined their sound, while Hughes’s contributions solidified his status in rock history. Since then, he’s built a prolific solo career, collaborating with legends and experimenting with various musical styles.
As he gears up for the future, Hughes remains committed to his craft, focusing on his voice as the centerpiece of his music. “If I am the last man standing, please just listen to that voice,” he urged. His journey continues, and the music community is eager to see where he takes it next.
For more on Glenn Hughes and his latest projects, you can visit his official website here.
