Jack Hues Unveils the Future of Wang Chung: New Beats, Old Hits and Timeless Magic. The band is set to perform with Men Without Hats, The Motels and Naked Eyes at the Broward Center in Ft. Lauderdale on June 23rd.

June 7th, 2024

As the “Abducted by the 80s” tour sweeps through South Florida, fans are in for a nostalgic yet modern twist on the classic 80s experience. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Hues of Wang Chung, who shared insights on their musical journey, their latest projects, and how they continue to resonate with fans old and new.

When asked about incorporating unexpected modern elements into their classic 80s sound, Jack Hues emphasized that Wang Chung remains true to their original feel. “These days music is a bit heavier, more of a rock band vibe. We don’t really delve into modern genres like electronic music, trap beats, or dubstep,” he explained. This adherence to their roots has helped maintain the band’s unique identity, even as they continue to evolve.

Wang Chung’s forthcoming release, Clear Light, Dark Matter: Greatest Hits, promises exciting surprises for fans. Jack revealed, “Our catalog has never been properly remastered or presented consistently. This release includes two vinyl albums: one with the greatest hits and another with rare outtakes and demos from our early days with Arista.” Adding a unique orchestral dimension, the band collaborated with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. “We worked with an arranger for six months and recorded the entire album in a single day. The result is fantastic, with some people preferring these versions over the originals.”

Reflecting on the creation of Points on the Curve, which turns 40 this year, Jack shared valuable lessons learned. “I would tell my younger self to be more spontaneous in the studio. We meticulously crafted the album using early 48-track recording and sampler technology, which was time-consuming. Today, I’d emphasize enjoying the process more.”

Transitioning to the band’s continued relevance, Jack spoke about their enduring appeal. Their hit “Dance Hall Days” was recently featured in the Amazon Prime movie The Idea of You. “Seeing the song used in such a prominent scene was fun. It’s amazing that our music still has contemporary resonance,” Jack mused. This exposure has introduced Wang Chung to a new generation of fans.

Wang Chung’s music continues to captivate new generations. Jack noted, “It’s interesting to see younger fans at our gigs, bringing albums they found in thrift shops for us to sign. Streaming gives them access to our entire catalog, allowing them to discover and appreciate our diverse range of tracks.” He acknowledged that while the band’s genre-hopping might have been confusing in the 80s, it now adds to their unique appeal.

Discussing the future, Jack shared a humorous and intriguing story about their music being part of a moon mission by Intuitive Machines. “We joked about recording new music on the moon. If NASA called, we’d probably choose our track ‘Stargazing’ for a space-themed album.”

Reflecting on the drastic changes in the music industry since the 80s, Jack contemplated how Wang Chung would navigate today’s landscape. “MTV started associating music with visuals. Now, visuals are central, with music often secondary. Despite these changes, our focus would remain on writing meaningful songs.” This adaptability underscores their lasting influence.

Sharing the stage with bands like Men Without Hats, The Motels, and Naked Eyes brings back great memories for Jack. He praised The Motels’ contemporary sound and guitarist, likening him to Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. “Fans attending an ‘Abducted by the 80s’ show will see that these bands are still vibrant and rejuvenated by the music.” This camaraderie among 80s bands adds to the tour’s appeal.

Life on the road leaves little downtime, but Jack mentioned they sometimes find time to enjoy activities like watching movies. “Last year, we saw Oldboy at the Alamo Drafthouse, which was a fabulous experience.” This balance of work and leisure helps maintain their creative energy.

As Wang Chung approaches its 50th anniversary, Jack hinted at exciting new projects. “I’ve released a couple of solo albums and plan another in early 2025. Nick and I have also discussed working on new Wang Chung material.” This forward-looking perspective ensures that the band remains relevant and innovative.

Jack shared a surreal studio moment involving Paul McCartney. “While working on a track at Abbey Road, we needed a bass guitar. We borrowed one of Paul’s basses, and he walked in with another one. Meeting him was incredible, as he was a major reason we were in the studio in the first place.” Such moments highlight the band’s storied career and their connection to music legends.

Wang Chung’s journey is a testament to their enduring appeal and adaptability. As they continue to explore new musical avenues, fans can look forward to more exciting releases and unforgettable live performances. Catch them in South Florida on the “Abducted by the 80s” tour for a blast from the past with a fresh twist.