
Despite the California Driver’s License in the front pocket of his Levis and the blue California plates on his freedom-rockin’ 1970 Ford SuperVan, Joe "HUTCH" Hutchinson refuses to give up his native Elizabeth, New Jersey accent.
HUTCH doesn’t sing songs about the sunny surf and cool waves of So Cal, nor do his songs reflect the hedonistic lifestyle that comes to mind when someone’s MySpace profile says they live in Tinseltown.
Instead, he writes songs that document the human experience in a way that appeals to the every-person, then masterfully stamps his work with just the right amount of personality, style and production to make a memorable impact on listeners across narrowing genre boundaries.
"MY MUSIC CAPTURES THE ATTENTION OF LISTENERS WHOM, LIKE ME, CONSTANTLY FLIP THE CAR STEREO DIAL BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN CLASSIC ROCK, COLLEGE RADIO AND ALTERNATIVE STATIONS IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING GENUINE AND NEW."
His uncanny knack for weaving universal themes into his music has caught the ears of listeners worldwide, including legendary rocker Sammy Hagar, (whom Joe collaborated with on the title track to Hagar’s #11 Billboard Charting release, "Not 4 Sale”), as well as several reputable TV and Film productions whom hand-picked HUTCH’s work to compliment their own visual artistry. Ironically, HUTCH has even satisfied the discerning tastes of both Budweiser and D.A.R.E., whom were also charmed by his hooky and stylized work.
HUTCH is a prolific self-taught Singer/Songwriter who learned his craft from artists like Paul Westerberg, John Lennon, Pete Townshend, Ray Davies, and Paul Simon. Continuing with tradition, he stands out among his contemporaries because not-unlike his heroes, he too can play a ‘LOUD & MEAN GUITAR’. This talent has helped him maintain a steady stream of students who seek the knowledge and guidance of a professional artist who has “been there and done that,” yet remains accessible, inspiring, and approachable.
He is equally at home writing and recording in the studio, performing intimate coffeehouse settings on acoustic guitar & piano, and delivering explosive full-wattage arena-rock type shows with his band-mates. It's this type of versatility that keeps his music interesting and helps him challenge classification, (although he says, “’Pure-Folk-Pop’ is the one label that doesn’t make me cringe!”)
A descendant of his once controversial ancestors, The Hutchinson Family Singers, (whom were famous during the 19th century for supporting many progressive and humanitarian efforts, including women’s rights, temperance and abolition), Joe “HUTCH” Hutchinson is committed to continuing the work of his family and hopes to deliver an honest, positive message that will remain relevant for years to come.
He is currently challenging the status-quo of mainstream media with it’s gloss-coated, digitally augmented recording artists with his third release, “Just Another Folkin’ Son Of A HUTCH,” which successfully separates HUTCH from the pack with it’s defiant minimalism and simplicity, while it forces the listener to focus on melody, lyrical content, and song structure. A brilliant idea that is helping HUTCH by-pass the giants of commercial pop/rock and teen-idol obsession, and find his own place in the hearts of free-thinking music lovers across all genres.
(As the parent of a child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, HUTCH is committed to raising Autism awareness and sharing this life journey with other parents and their similarly challenged children. He is also a member of the California Green Party and is Anti-GMO, supports Alternative Medicine & Energy, Organic Farming, Religious Freedom, Native American Heritage, and Historical Preservation.)