Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
If you are into rock music, mark my words, Huxley is going to be your newest obsession. This six-piece band is a recreation of the now dissolved band, Endless Sacrifice, in their quest to focus on creating even more incredible rock music. I spoke to leader singer, Doug Goldspiel, about their self-titled debut EP, Huxley, their recent success at the Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards, and the inspiration behind their elaborate music videos.
Huxley only formed this year, but has been going strong, securing the approval of many of the fans from Endless Sacrifice and gaining several more. Their debut EP was released earlier this year and comprises of five of the most fun and energetic melodies you can imagine. If you are looking for a song to understand what Huxley is all about, look no further than mine and Goldspiel’s favorite song, “Evol.” Goldspiel explains that the reason this is his favorite is down to the incredible fun he had in creating it. The music video resembles the vibe of Ferris Bueller’s day off with a bunch of friends just embarking on a carefree and joyous ride. Picture an alien, a king, and a bride, all partying their socks off and dancing carefree around a house with the melodic song playing in the background. It looked like one hell of a party. The video, which was all shot at Goldspiel’s house, was shot in just one take after only two full run throughs. This almost spontaneity is probably why the video has a deeply organic feel which is something often missed in over-produced music videos. It features several of the band’s friends, family, and fans, rocking out in the back yard and having the time of their life.
Another one of their videos ,“Dirty UGLY” portrays a beautiful woman, resembling what can only be described as a modern day Eve, handling a giant boa constrictor which slivers through the band during the course of the video. Although the song was not about any one person in particular, it is meant to represent the sometimes juxtaposed inner and outer beauty of people you meet. Goldspiel explained how the band found inspiration from writing this song from general experiences they have had with people whose outer beauty is not reflected in their inner character. I had to know how they managed to tame such a huge, beautiful creature. Goldspiel explained how a company brought in several smaller “starter snakes” which the band were able to interact and get comfortable with before moving onto the big guns, and eventually handling “Sneakers” who is seen in the video. Goldspiel grew quite fond of Sneakers and even developed a bond with the snake by the end of the shoot.
Huxley’s talent was recognized quickly, as they picked up several awards at the Elephant Talk Indie Music Awards including Best lead vocalist, Best live performance, Best EP, Best hard rock, and Best overall band. Not bad for their first year as a Huxley. “It was honestly huge. It was an opportunity to realize that you’ve made the right choice. It is really hard when you’ve been established for eight years as Endless Sacrifice and then ask our fans ‘Hey, trust us on this journey. Come along with us.’ but they were willing to take the chance with us and it seems like they really like where we have gone”. Winning these awards reassured the band that they had made the right choice. Then, within a month of releasing their debut EP, Huxley was named the WMMR Jaxon’s local shots artist of the month of January. Goldspiel dubbed this recognition an honor, “To be able to achieve that within the first month of being a band was really huge for us” he explained.
In terms of what we can expect to see in the future with Huxley, expect more songs in the coming months as they are working to release several that they currently have in their Arsenal.
With COVID-19, Huxley has made an effort to give back to their fans and the people who have been affected by the pandemic through their program, Huxley’s Heroes. The band is ready for anything that comes their way and are just geared up and ready to get people excited about Huxley. Although their live performances are understandably still on hold, you can still listen to these guys from anywhere. Once you do, you will understand why they have been extensively recognized for their music. To listen to Huxley, visit www.dohux.com or find them on all major streaming platforms.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
