Reimagining Soundgarden: Lzzy Hale and King Ultramega's Tribute to 'Loud Love
Lzzy Hale, the lead singer of Halestorm, shares her early connection to Soundgarden and how the band influenced her musical journey. She recalls discovering Soundgarden's music through the song "Outshined" and delving into their albums with her bandmate Joe Hottinger. Together, they explored the band's discography, including albums like "Down on the Upside" and "Superunknown," exchanging CDs to deepen their musical bond.
Hale and Hottinger have since paid tribute to Soundgarden and Chris Cornell by recording covers of their songs, showcasing their admiration for the band's work. Their renditions of "Fell on Black Days" and "Hunger Strike" reflect their deep appreciation for Soundgarden's music and legacy. Recently, Hale joined forces with King Ultramega, a collective featuring Mark Menghi, Alex Skolnick, and Dave Krusen, to reimagine Soundgarden's "Loud Love" from the album "Louder Than Love."
The collaboration with King Ultramega allowed Hale to step into the challenge of interpreting "Loud Love" while staying true to the original's warmth and vibe. The recording process involved capturing the live energy of the performance on tape, emphasizing the authenticity of the music-making experience. The project aims to honor Cornell and Soundgarden's music while supporting MusiCares through the release of the track.
For Hale, taking on the vocals for "Loud Love" was a daunting yet rewarding experience, requiring her to find her own voice within the song's powerful lyrics. She approached the song with respect for the original while infusing her unique interpretation, guided by her emotional connection to the music. The collaboration with King Ultramega allowed her to explore the song's depth and expressiveness, showcasing her growth as an artist.
Dave Krusen, the drummer of King Ultramega and a former member of Pearl Jam, shared his perspective on the song and his admiration for Soundgarden's music. Growing up near Seattle, Krusen was captivated by Soundgarden's fusion of genres and intense musicality. His experience seeing Soundgarden live and interacting with the band members further deepened his appreciation for their artistry and humble demeanor.
The reimagined version of "Loud Love" by King Ultramega serves as a tribute to Soundgarden's legacy and musical impact. The collaboration highlights the band's timeless relevance and artistic integrity, emphasizing the importance of music that is driven by emotion and authenticity. Proceeds from the track support MusiCares, underscoring the collective's commitment to giving back to the music community through their art.