Jeff Hodges hits full steam ahead on “Loco Motive” - Interview
Jeff Hodges has spent years shaping the sounds of other artists, but with “Loco Motive,” the veteran producer turned performer steps confidently into his own spotlight. The founder of Charleston Sound Studios may be best known for engineering massive hits like Darius Rucker’s 10x-platinum “Wagon Wheel,” yet his newest chapter takes him far from Nashville, both geographically and sonically. Now based in Turks and Caicos, Hodges is channeling a newfound creativity into a vibrant fusion of heartland Americana and breezy Caribbean energy, crafting a style that feels incredibly fresh!
“Loco Motive,” featuring his daughter Alyxandra, is the clearest expression yet of this bold artistic evolution. Recorded in Hodges’ island home studio, the track immediately bursts with an upbeat pulse with coastal percussion brushing up against warm, American-tinged guitars. The title is more than a clever play on words as the whole song moves with the unstoppable momentum of a locomotive at full tilt.
That sense of forward motion reflects Hodges’ own journey, one he spoke about during our recent conversation (above), where we dug into his creative process, the production choices driving this sound, and the influences that helped shape the track’s diverse influences. Without breaking down specifics, it’s clear that “Loco Motive” is the result of an artist fully in command of his craft, bringing a producer’s meticulous ear into a project driven by personal expression and emotional honesty.
Alyxandra’s appearance elevates the track even further. Her presence adds a youthful spark that locks seamlessly with Hodges’ seasoned delivery, forming a dynamic father-daughter interplay that has all the chemistry in the world. Together, they’ve created a sound that that’s so different, but in the end, unbelievably fun.
Hodges brings the polish of a veteran producer, the soul of a storyteller, and the openness of someone rediscovering his artistic center. Truly it’s bright, vibrant, and full of life, an irresistible introduction to Jeff Hodges as an artist in his own right.
As mentioned, there’s so much more in the works and on the way, but for now we urge everyone out there to take a moment and give this a spin! Go ahead and click those links below to enjoy, to follow along, and to stay tuned for the latest.
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