A traditional path was never part of Hunter Kurtz’ plan.
Lancaster’s Hunter Kurtz On American Idol, Why He Loves The City, And His Passion For Music
His life began on the island of Kailua Kona, Hawaii, setting the precedent for the off-the-cusp experience he’d eventually use as song-writing material. He day-dreamed his way through high school, always imagining that he was elsewhere. Eventually, he was — moving first to Nevada and then to the East coast to settle in Lancaster, his parents’ hometown.
From three years old, Hunter sang to his mom about whatever he saw outside his window during car rides. But his awareness for his love of music began around 5th grade when he first heard Green Day and Fallout Boy. By 13 years old, Hunter was playing for audiences in a band with his friends called Leoana Avenue at Club 19 in York. However, it didn’t take long for him to decide that he’d rather perform solo.
It all started with a chance to record music in a studio called the Pin Factory in Lititz. Hunter had signed up for American Idol without much thought, but when he posted a few of his recorded songs online, a talent scout reached out for a private audition. He was shocked. Standing in front of a panel of music legends and idols such as Lionel Richey, judges who potentially held the key to his future as an artist, was unlike anything he’d done before.
And then they said what he’d never really imagined they’d say: “You’re going to Hollywood.”
“Everyone in Hollywood is super, super talented human beings. And being surrounded by that felt even bigger than I thought it would. It gave me a whole new perspective and made me want to pursue this even more,” Hunter said about his experience on the show.
Even though he didn’t make it much farther, the experience was what he needed to devote himself to his music. It allowed him to understand who he was as an artist in a way he wasn’t sure of before the experience. His musical influences have shifted a bit from his younger days, now enjoying more R&B soul singers like Erika Baduh and artists such as Chance the Rapper, while still appreciating genres like rock and roll and folk as well.
Hunter went on to try out for The Voice, riding the TV show circuit for awhile before settling back into Lancaster again. He describes Lancaster as being indispensable to his journey. From his parents help, to his friends connections, and his girlfriend’s music business knowledge, he’s grateful for Lancaster as his home base for the past 15 years.
“Lancaster is such a culturally diverse city. I’ve been to Nashville, Portland, New York, and other major cities, and I think Lancaster is an up-and-coming music city. You have all these jam bands, folk bands, country singers, rappers, R&B guys, but it’s all still hidden under the rocks. I don’t think all the music scenes that are here have come through one hundred percent yet, but they can.”
With his respect for the industry, his passion for songwriting, and his talent, there’s no doubt that Hunter will be a part of the movement. He’s already playing in venues such as TellUs360 and Chameleon Club where his soulful voice and powerful, but fun stage presence captivates his audiences. Hunter may call his experience so far “luck,” but anyone that’s seen him perform would give him more credit than that.
Hunter strives to live by “the Hawaiian way,” an ideology he grew up with: “Be humble, but be fierce.” He explained that he wants to be known for his music, but also for his kindness and his character. His humility is apparent — his talent and love of music standing out above anything else with a drive to take risks that will continue to lead him to new places with his music career.
Where can you find him lately? Well, probably at TellUs360 bartending. But for immediate listening purposes, find him on Instagram at @hunterkurtzofficial, Hunter Kurtz Music on Facebook, and on Spotify as Hunter Kurtz. He’s currently recording a new album which showcases his recent style changes as an artist. You might even see him on American Idol again soon, if he decides to take his last chance on the show in 2020.
By: Lizz Dawson
