Malford Milligan & Jack Hustinx

Focus #10

There’s too much to tell in this one interview with two amazing musicians. 20 years ago former Shiner Twins member and producer of so many great records Jack Hustinx and the sublime soul singer-songwriter Malford Milligan met in Milligans’ home base Austin Texas USA. They became close friends. Nowadays they’re both living in Eindhoven, sharing their love for music and enjoying their friendship.

Malford: ‘‘At the moment we are doing great trio gigs withRoel Spanjers and a tour with the Southern Aces. The theatertour The sound of the Blues & Americana with Johan Derksen ison our planning as soon as Corona is over. And we just did thesong Arms Around The World for Becel.’

‘Life is not about me, but about what I can give to others’

Jack: ‘‘Malford is the voice of this newly released Becel-commercial.The song was written by Dennis Kolen. This commercial is justamazing.’

Malford: ‘People need that kind of hope. There used to be times I was passionate in a selfish way, I wanted to get things out of me. Making music in times of Corona is life changing for me. This period is questioning: do you want to live in poverty or do you want to die? Life is not about me, but about what I can give to others; that’s the message I want to share.’

Jack: ‘My goal is to reach you. Music is a philosophy, that’s what it is. My focus is to write songs and to perform. To make people feel better, to let them forget about their daily misery. Corona for example.’

Malford: ‘We talk about it, but we don’t talk about it. The reason why? My job is to survive the virus and carry out the message about hope and giving. People need hope and possibilities. I am happy to be here, here I can sing. I have my life here in Eindhoven and in Texas.’

Jack: ‘Malford and I have met in Austin, Texas in 1998. I was blown away when I heard him sing with the band Storyville. He touched me. He is an old school soul singer, what makes him unique. There is only a handful of people like him in the world. It feels like a forgotten art. I arrived in America the day before 9-11, a story by itself and a moment never to forget. I had to get back to the Netherlands soon after that. Luckily half a year later I was able to travel back to the USA and settled in Austin, Texas. That’s where the story began.’

‘‘When I am with my wife romcoms will do. But deep inside I love science fiction and horror.” Soul singer and lead singer of The Southern Aces Malford Milligan was born in Tayler, grew up in Elgin, Texas and is married to Vicky. Since June 2019 Malford is

living in the Netherlands. He likes to walk around in Eindhoven, f.e. at the Stratumse Heide together with his friend Tiny, who is also Jack’s friend.

“My live is about music. Listening music, writing music and playing music.” Musician and producer Jack Hustinx is originally based in Eindhoven and lived part-time in Austin, Texas for 15 years. He was a member of the Shiner Twins and for Stagger Lee Records he produced Life Will Humble You, Over Yonder and Sweet Cherry Soul. Jack loves to go to the theatre and likes to watch tv series like The Sopranos and Treme , which is about the reconstruction of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina.

Listen to Malford Milligan & Jack Hustinx via Spotify

tekst Claire van der Elst • foto Bas Gijselhart