Today we’d like to introduce you to Space Hug Erik Newman & Adrianne Prettyman
Hi Space Hug, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Space Hug is more than just a band; it’s a love story set to music. When the pandemic hit, Erik Newman and Adrianne Prettyman, both seasoned musicians in the Twin Cities scene, found themselves in an unexpected situation. Adrianne, a single mother of twins, needed help when her daycare closed, and Erik, furloughed from his job, stepped in as her ‘manny.’ Little did they know, this arrangement would spark not only a deep friendship but also a romance that led to marriage and the creation of Space Hug. What began as late-night jam sessions in Adrianne’s basement during lockdowns evolved into a full-fledged band, with a sound that’s as unique as their story.
This dynamic duo expanded their orbit by joining forces with Minnesota musical virtuosos Cory Eischen (keys), Ryan Barrett (drums), Brett Haugen and Andrew Walls (bass), and the brilliant addition of David Kolar (keys), evolving the band’s vibrant sound. Originally hailing from the musical haven of Minneapolis, Space Hug recently found a new home on the serene Big Island of Hawaii. Their sonic recordings are crafted with driving guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and innovative keyboard countermelodies. From personal narratives to social commentary, their lyrics explore a wide spectrum of themes.
Born in the COVID era, where hugs happen at a distance, Space Hug emerged to infuse beauty and meaning into peculiar times. Their music has even graced the Jingle Ball JUMBOTRON, reaching thousands of fans and leaving an indelible mark. Space Hug’s videos boast extensive reach with a dedicated following, allowing their music to resonate with a broad audience. Beyond the art, they’ve utilized their music to raise thousands of dollars for charitable causes, particularly in support of cancer research. Making a positive impact is at the heart of their musical mission, and they continue to record and release music from their Big Island home with the help of their musical friends far away. The band’s name itself reflects the physical distance Erik and Adrianne had to maintain while falling in love, making their story as captivating as the music they create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but those challenges are what brought us together and shaped our music. The pandemic forced us to pause and re-evaluate what was important. For Adrianne, balancing work, motherhood, and music during lockdowns was no small feat, especially with twins at home. Erik’s transition from bandmate to the ultimate family man wasn’t exactly part of the plan, but it’s what made Space Hug possible and became the happy-ever-after that everyone always hopes for in life. The music we create is a reflection of our experiences—the struggles, the joys, the unexpected turns—and we approach each song with an open heart and a willingness to let our story shape the sound.
We’ve trusted in each other and have found that what each person brings to the table makes the music grow and flourish. While there have been minor disagreements on parts or lyrics, we approach these with kindness, an open mind, and a willingness to allow for change. A big part of the fun is seeing what the other person brings and how that makes the songs more beautiful. There are the usual struggles of finding an audience, but all bands face that. However, our music has already made significant strides, from being featured at Jingle Ball to raising thousands for charitable causes. We are enjoying creating with the freedom of our own studio and collaborating with new and old musician friends as we continue to experiment and stretch ourselves. Our focus, besides creating, is to find new ways to share our music. Our hope is that the songs will bring an emotional response and a sense of goodness to others, such as a smile, a laugh, or a pause to reflect. Even if our audience isn’t huge, it is still important for us to use our gifts for this purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Erik’s musical journey has been anything but ordinary. From touring with his 80s band Limited Warranty (Star Search winners) to writing songs for the popular college band Holiday Ranch, he’s always had a knack for crafting catchy, introspective pop tunes. He’s toured throughout the states, playing hundreds of shows and opening for bands such as Eddie Money, Tina Turner, Tears for Fears, The Beach Boys and many others. His music has been published by Warner-Chapel and Famous Music Paramount, and his ability to write both memorable and thoughtful songs has been honed over years of dedication.
Erik has always been a hard-working and kind band leader, allowing other members of his band to find their own musical expression within his songs. He’s been blessed to work with some of Minnesota’s greatest musicians, and that collaborative spirit has only deepened since forming Space Hug. But it wasn’t until he started writing with Adrianne during the pandemic that his music took on a new dimension. Their shared experiences—both personal and musical—have led to a collaboration that’s more than just a partnership; it’s a melding of souls. Their collective efforts have already garnered national attention, making their recordings, production work and videos a labor of musical love.
Adrianne Prettyman graduated with a degree in vocal performance. She has graced stages in New York City and Minneapolis, demonstrating her amazing vocal skill and energetic stage presence. During her time in New York, Adrianne also worked in the music copywriting division at Sony BMG, further honing her expertise in the music industry. She writes all her vocal harmonies, which are truly impressive, and works with Erik to develop the song melodies and structures. Space Hug’s unique vocal ambiance is all her doing and is nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the intricacies of the harmonies and their importance to the Space Hug sound.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Minneapolis will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s where we honed our craft, formed lasting friendships, and built the foundation of Space Hug. The city’s creative energy is unmatched, and we owe much of our growth as musicians to the support and collaboration we found there. Minneapolis is fertile ground for creatives, a place where they can experiment with their craft and meet others who will help them grow. It’s also filled with natural beauty and diversity.
However, the winter weather is not for the timid. It can be brutal and drawn out. After years of shoveling snow, we decided it was time for a change. Moving to the Big Island of Hawaii has been a dream come true. We’ve traded snowstorms for sunshine, and the natural beauty of our new home has infused our music with a fresh, vibrant energy. The transition hasn’t been without its challenges, but we’ve embraced the new adventures. While we miss the collaborative spirit of the Twin Cities, we’ve found a new rhythm here—one that’s just as inspiring, with the added bonus of never having to shovel snow again.
Pricing:
- Listen for free on Spotify!
- Watch for free on YouTube!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spacehugmusic.com
- Instagram: @spacehugmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacehugmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@spacehugmusic
Image Credits
Jim Vasquez
