Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Little Hurt

Colin Dieden, former frontman of The Mowgli’s, is writing the next chapter of his career under the moniker Little Hurt. For the first time in ten years, he’s standing on his own and telling his narrative. His new single, “Good As It Gets,” is his most personal and honest work to date, and he’s ready for the music to speak for itself. This is Little Hurt, and this is his story.

PC: Walk us through the decision on embarking on your solo career. How will your past experiences help prepare you for this next stage?
Little Hurt: It was definitely a really, really, really big decision to make. The Mowgli’s are some of my best friends in the world. It felt like jumping off a cliff. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve been the frontman for over a decade, so I like to think that I’m pretty good at this. [laughs] I think all of those experiences will help me do this well too.

PC: What has been the biggest adjustment going from a band to a solo artist?
Little Hurt: It’s a strange feeling knowing that you’re in this by yourself. I’m used to looking up and having five other people there to push me and motivate me. Now, it’s just me. There’s an aspect about that that I like and an aspect of that that’s a little lonely as well.

With this solo project, I’ve been able to dig into myself and my story and not feel like I have to write things that everyone else in the band can relate to. This is me—unfiltered. The loneliness is realizing that I’m really doing this by myself. I have a hired band, but it’s not the same. At the end of the day, I’m sharing my successes and failures all by myself.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Good As It Gets.” What inspired the track?
Little Hurt: The song is about this transitional period for me. It was a big decision. The whole band was really cool with it. I had to come to terms with the fact that I did this for the betterment of my life and my future. I needed to explore something new, come to terms with it, and then embrace it.

PC: Are you feeling any nerves ahead of the release?
Little Hurt: Yeah, a lot. I really want everyone to love it. But that’s with anything you do, right? I put a lot of pressure on myself. I don’t know how it’s going to be received. It’s not the same sound as what our fans grew to love over the last few years. It’s going to be interesting to show a new side of myself to everyone. It’s always nerve-racking when you open up. These songs are the most honest songs I’ve ever written in my entire life. Whenever you’re opening up and being honest with people, there will always be nerves involved.

PC: It’s the first single off your upcoming EP. What can fans expect?
Little Hurt: I’ve always combined happy-sounding music with pretty sad, melancholy, and introspective lyrics. I would say that fans can expect really honest lyrics and a deeper glimpse into my world.

PC: If you had to choose a song off your debut EP that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Little Hurt: There’s a song called “I Don’t Want to Be Here.” My friends who have heard the EP always laugh at that song because it’s the most “me” song in the world. Anyone who knows me knows I can’t be anywhere. If I’m at a party, I want to leave and go to wherever the next thing is. Once I get there, I hate that and want to leave there too. It’s something that’s intrinsic to my personality. That song really embodies me as a person. I’m not content anywhere or with anything.

PC: How important has it been to differentiate yourself from what you’ve previously released?
Little Hurt: It’s been really important. This is me. I’m by myself now, and I’m hoping I’m not forever seen as just the guy who sang in The Mowgli’s. I realize it’s going to be hard for people to make that differentiation, but I hope these songs do that for me.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Little Hurt: Bhad Bhabie! She makes the most incredible, amazing trap music.

PC: First album you bought?
Little Hurt: LeAnn Rimes or Natalie Imbruglia

PC: First concert you attended?
Little Hurt: Probably 311

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Little Hurt: Probably Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young just for the sheer amount of how many times I’ve listened to it over and over and over and over incessantly until the record broke.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Little Hurt: Madison Square Garden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Little Hurt: A really soft blanket for your bunk.

To keep up with Little Hurt, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and stream “Good As It Gets” on Spotify.

Photo Credit: KayKay Blaisdell