There’s people who gravitate toward the sound of the music when they listen to songs—the melodies, the rhythms, the beats… There’s also the people who gravitate toward the lyrics—the joy, the sorrow, the drama… When you listen to rising Calgary country artist Alex Hughes, you pay attention to both the sound and the lyrics, especially on her debut EP, Take Me Home. The project features six songs that are intimate, slow-burning, and nostalgic, from their country-meets-pop sonics to their emotional storytelling. Overall, Take Me Home offers a solid picture of who Alex Hughes is as an artist right now, while also holding space for future growth and evolution. Melodic Magazine recently talked to Alex about the EP, where we learned more about her creative process and relationship with its songs. We also learned about Alex’s upcoming festival appearances and what fans can expect from her next.
Hi, Alex! Thank you for taking the time to chat. And congratulations on your debut EP, Take Me Home. How do you feel now that it is out in the world?
Thanks so much for chatting with me about the EP. I’ve been working on these songs for years, and to be able to finally share them as a collection of music feels really special.
Take Me Home touches on emotions and experiences you had in young adulthood, like falling in love, opening yourself up to vulnerability… Did this project offer you any closure or comfort, or are there still thoughts that you’re sifting through?
I think these feelings of finding yourself happen in many stages of life, and while they might be specific to a coming-of-age moment for me, I hope many people can relate to these feelings overall. This project was more of an outlet than a way to find closure of comfort. It was a way to be vulnerable and share a piece of myself and my own story with my fans.
For “Slow Dancing in the Kitchen,” you teamed up with 3x CCMA Producer of the Year nominee Kyle McKearney and you wrote with Lydia Sutherland and Fran Litterski. What was it like working with them and building this song with them?
This song is a really special song, and one I really wanted to make sure it was on this EP. I wrote this one with Fran and Lydia in Nashville and felt like we really tapped into a special moment, sharing a lot of my own real life and personal experiences in love. It was a truly special writing session with two writers I greatly admire. Getting to bring this song to life with Kyle McKearney was also an incredible experience. Kyle is a fantastic vocalist, and I feel he really helped bring this song to life with beautiful vocal moments of strength and vulnerability, which mirror the lyrics.
Was there anything new or surprising that you learned about yourself while making Take Me Home?
Yes, lots! I really poured my heart and soul into every stage of this project, from the writing to recording to working on the release strategy and content ideas. I learned many valuable lessons about strategy and even about myself as an artist and person. All of these things I learned will be great tools to take into my next project, and I’m really excited for that.
There are strong country and pop influences on this EP, kind of cementing where you are as an artist. What are some things you love about country and pop music?
I love how country music is always rooted in the song. The lyrics and storytelling aspect of it are so important. Sonically, I’ve always loved pop music and beautiful vocals. I have definitely been influenced and inspired by the crossover artists I grew up listening to like LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, and Faith Hill.
Which song or songs are you most excited for fans to hear?
It’s hard to pick just one, as each one feels like a special part of the story of the EP. What I am most excited for is for people to hear the songs in order and in full!
Speaking of fans, you just reached a streaming milestone where you passed 500,000 global streams! What has it been like seeing your fanbase grow into this massive audience?
It’s very surreal to reach this milestone, and I’m so grateful for all the work my team has put in to help get us here. Seeing streams from all over the world is an incredible feeling. Music is a universal language, and I love that my music connects me to people around the world.
You have a busy summer ahead of you, where you’re playing Calgary Stampede, Penticton Peach Festival, and Feast at the Beach Festival. What are some things you do to prep for these shows?
Yes! It’s going to be a great festival season! I try to keep my voice strong and continue to do daily vocal workouts leading up so that I am strong and ready for sets in the sun. We will have some rehearsals with the band to make sure all the songs are ready, too. One thing I do more of in the spring is cardio; I like to move around a lot on stage, especially when it’s a festival-style stage, so I try and make sure I can do that physically, too.
Which songs are you most looking forward to performing live?
“Take Me Home” and “Steal It From Me” are two favorites of mine in a festival set. They have some really fun energy, and the crowd usually seems to respond really well to them.
What else does 2026 hold for you?
More new music, more shows, the potential of a tour in the fall! It’s going to be a great year.
Take Me Home is available now via Phase Entertainment Group. You can check it out here.
Catch Alex on the summer festival circuit here.
Keep up with Alex Hughes: Instagram // X // Facebook // TikTok // YouTube // Website
