Song of the Day: Andrew Hung - Say What You Want

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Morning Show with John Richards, is “Say What You Want” by Andrew Hung from the 2017 album Realisationship out October 6th on Lex Records.

Andrew Hung - Say What You Want (MP3)

As half of the UK duo Fuck Buttons, musician Andrew Hung channeled his love for Aphex Twin into the band's unique sound: a chaotic cacophony of Casiotone and children's toys. The band has been on hiatus following the 2013 release of their third LP Slow Focus giving both Hung and his bandmate Benjamin John Power time to pursue side projects. For Hung, this has included collaborating with Beth Orton on her 2016 LP Kidsticks, creating the soundtrack for the film The Greasy Strangler (which screened at SIFF in 2016), and now, stepping out as a solo artist with his debut effort Realisationship.

The album finds Hung at his most vulnerable, without a collaborator nor a film to hide behind. The writing, producing, and even the singing are all him. "I had no idea I was going to be singing on this record; it just happened!" he remarked in a press release. "It was inevitable with regards to what I’d been doing, but yeah I had no idea. Gaining the confidence to sing was the hardest part." Against a tropicalia beat, Hung's voice rings plaintively, calling to mind a young Damon Albarn. "I can’t completely identify with the voice on the record. Yes, it’s me, but it’s not me. Singing as an expression is very new to me… I see an oscillation between myself and the character of the album especially the voice. It’s naked vulnerable duality."

Fuck Buttons fans will be delighted to hear Hung's new direction, but also, don't fret: the FB boys will reconvene for a fourth LP soon. Before that, Andrew heads out on a UK tour in November. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter to be among the first to hear about a US tour announcement. And check out a lyric video below for another track from the forthcoming full-length, "Elbow."